A couple of years ago we started an end of school tradition with a big cousin party and a 6 ft long banana split.
It’s always a huge hit- here’s how we do it…
How To Make A Giant 6 Foot Banana Split
The giant banana split idea originally comes from my brilliant sister in law Jordan of Oh Happy Day. She had used a carpet tube, but we found a large 3 ft shipping tube worked great (only $1.99 here). We also didn’t make a stand, it just sits on the ground (or you can set it on a large table). I’ve heard some people have used rain gutters before, which doesn’t seem like a bad option either if you don’t want to deal with sawing something in half (I don’t blame you). You can find a 8 ft long rain gutter for $17 here.
What we did was cut the 3 foot long shipping tube in half with a hand saw (a bit of a hassle but only took about 10 minutes or so to do). Try to make the cut as even as possible otherwise it won’t sit flat.
Next you’ll secure the ends together with shipping tape so it lays flat (as shown here). The great thing is that you can use it over and over again. We made it once, and have been keeping it in our garage for a crowd-pleasing party activity.
Next, we wrapped the entire thing in parchment paper (I love this compostable brand). Last year I had a hard time taping it underneath- it wouldn’t hold, so this year I just wrapped it around leaving the unsecured ends on the bottom and it was just fine.
Now it’s time to add the bananas and ice cream! Some of the kids didn’t want bananas, so we only put it on half of the trough. In terms of ice cream flavors, I learned my lesson in giving the kids too many choices in the past (I felt like a waitress and we ended up with assigned seating). So this year, I just picked two flavors I thought everyone would want (vanilla and cookies and cream) and it mostly worked out fine. Edie was the only one who opted out, preferring to lick the lids and have a vanilla ice cream cone instead.
A couple of kids helped with the ice cream scooping, and then we called the rest of the kids in for the decorating, since that’s everyone’s favorite part to watch. We warmed up and then drizzled on a jar of hot fudge, caramel sauce, and whipped cream (ya know, the easy spray kind). Sprinkles of course, and then maraschino cherries scattered on top. They all get so excited watching those toppings come drizzling on the giant banana split! It’s a very dramatic way to start eating dessert.
Time to dig in!
The best part is how easy the clean up is. Roll up that parchment paper and throw it in the trash (or compost if it’s compostable). DONE. Keep the giant tube around for another banana split party.
Other favorite summer treats: orange creamsicle pie pops and watermelon slush
Liz,
I’m in love with you in a whole different way! Lol!
I kind of want to do this to conclude a dinner party for adults, adjusting the flavors and toppings …
Awesome idea, love it
This is crazy, I love the idea! Perfect for summer! 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com