Why There's Simply No Need For Ice Cream In Your Sundaes

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Ice cream sundaes are among the most fun and delicious treats, boasting generous scoops of ice cream, sugary sauces (hot fudge or caramel, anyone?), and maraschino cherries perched triumphantly on top. The only trouble with the loaded dessert is that it's a lot to enjoy daily — unless, of course, you remove the ice cream entirely and embrace the classic flavors of a banana split, sans dairy. Taking the ice cream out of the sundae allows you to enjoy a sweet treat as a delicious snack or light dessert that feels nearly as decadent.

The idea is that the banana essentially replaces the ice cream, as it's soft, sweet, and delicious when smothered in traditional ice cream toppings. It's appealing (pun intended) to adults and kids alike, simple enough for older children to prepare themselves, and a fun activity to do with smaller kiddos. Simply slice a banana in half, split style, or cut it into coins, arrange it on a plate, and drizzle it with warm peanut butter (warming makes the nutty condiment easier to pour), chocolate syrup, crushed nuts, and sprinkles.

If you're feeling particularly whimsical, you can also make this dessert even more flavorful with a handful of your favorite breakfast cereal. Honey Nut Cheerios are perfect for light sweetness and crunch, while Cocoa Pebbles add a chocolaty pop of deliciousness. And Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch are both delicious paired with halved maraschino cherries.

Though this fun, fruity, sundae-style treat doesn't really need an ice cream substitute beyond the banana, you can certainly add whipped cream or yogurt if you'd like a creamy element. Since whipped cream is a classic sundae ingredient, it's the more desserty choice to stand in for ice cream. It's also lighter and won't overshadow the other toppings as much as ice cream would, though it tastes just as creamy and sweet.

If you opt for yogurt, keep in mind it can be much tarter than ice cream, so sweet elements like chocolate syrup or even a drizzle of honey are a good idea — especially if you use a plain variety over something fruity or otherwise sweetened like Brown Cow Maple Yogurt. A yogurt banana split can also be a fun breakfast treat for kiddos who ask for ice cream first thing in the morning, or a playful way to incorporate your favorite dessert into brunch. With this option, you can choose traditionally sweet toppings or something crunchier like granola and nuts, though chocolate chips wouldn't be amiss.

Anyone who recognizes the deliciousness of a grilled banana split and why you should give ice cream sundaes the s'mores treatment can surely see how the ice cream-free version is similarly suited. Think sticky, sweet grilled banana topped with marshmallow fluff, ribbons of hot fudge, and crushed graham crackers. You could even toast the fluff with a culinary torch, which would be extra delicious with a (both proverbial and literal) cherry on top.