This delightful Banana Split is a joyfully retro classic that instantly brings a smile to your face and a scoop of summer to any day. Creamy ice cream, sweet ripe banana, and a crown of toppings make every bite the perfect celebration of flavor, color, and childhood nostalgia—all whipped up in just minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Instant Nostalgia: Rediscover the magic of ice cream parlors right at home, complete with all the classic toppings.
- Endless Customization: From the ice cream flavors to creative toppings, a Banana Split lets everyone build their dream dessert.
- Ready in Minutes: This show-stopping treat takes just five minutes from craving to first bite—no fuss required!
- Perfect for Sharing or Solo Joy: Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, it’s a sweet moment everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes a Banana Split so timeless is how simple yet perfectly harmonious the ingredients are—every bite is cold, creamy, sweet, and crunchy. Each component highlights a different texture or pop of color, so don’t skip any of the classics unless you’re swapping in a favorite alternative!
- 1 medium banana, peeled and split lengthwise: The base and namesake of the dessert, bringing sweetness and a soft, velvety texture.
- 1 scoop vanilla, 1 scoop chocolate, 1 scoop strawberry ice cream: The classic combo is a celebration of flavor—rich, fruity, and creamy, but feel free to mix and match based on your mood.
- 2 tablespoons sliced fresh strawberries or 1 tablespoon strawberry topping: Adds juicy bursts and a vibrant red pop (fresh fruit makes it really special, but bottled topping is iconic too).
- 2 tablespoons pineapple chunks or 1 tablespoon pineapple topping: Pineapple brings a bright, tangy note that wakes up the whole dessert.
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup: Smooth, rich chocolate sauce for that must-have drizzle.
- 1 tablespoon caramel sundae syrup: Buttery caramel balances the tart and creamy layers—don’t skip this for a true Banana Split experience.
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream: A lush, cloudlike finish ties everything together and looks so inviting piled high.
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts: That salty crunch is the best contrast to all the sweet, cold magic beneath.
- 2 maraschino cherries with stems: The classic “cherry on top”—not just cute but delicious too!
Variations
The beauty of a Banana Split is how easy it is to make your own—swap flavors, play with toppings, or even tweak for dietary preferences. It’s practically begging for creativity, so don’t be shy about mixing things up or adding your flavorful flair!
- Dairy-Free Dream: Use non-dairy ice cream and whipped topping for a completely vegan Banana Split that still feels utterly indulgent.
- Nutty Swap: Replace peanuts with toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of granola for a fresh crunch and new flavor dimension.
- Chocolate Lovers: Go all-in by using triple chocolate ice cream and chocolate chips, or drizzle chocolate syrup on every layer for maximum cocoa bliss.
- Fruit Explosion: Add slices of kiwi, mango, or blueberries in place of (or alongside) strawberries and pineapple for extra juiciness and color.
How to Make Banana Split
Step 1: Prepare Your Banana and Dish
Start by peeling a ripe banana and slicing it cleanly down the middle, lengthwise. Arrange each half along the sides of a classic Banana Split dish or a wide bowl, gently cupping the space for scoops to rest without sliding.
Step 2: Add the Ice Cream
Place one generous scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream neatly between the banana halves. You can use a traditional scoop for neat rounds, or just have fun with rustic, hearty dollops—either way, this is your moment to shine.
Step 3: Layer on the Fruit and Sauces
Spoon sliced fresh strawberries (or a swirl of strawberry topping) over the strawberry scoop, and pile juicy pineapple pieces (or pineapple topping) over the vanilla or chocolate. Now drizzle with chocolate syrup and caramel sauce—don’t hold back!
Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream, Peanuts, and Cherries
Crown your creation with fluffy mounds of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crunchy chopped peanuts, and finish with two maraschino cherries, stems and all. Serve immediately for maximum wow factor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Split
- Chill Your Dish First: Pop your Banana Split serving dish in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling. This keeps the ice cream extra cold and slows melting while you decorate.
- Pick the Perfect Banana: Use a just-ripe (not overripe) banana: too firm and it tastes starchy; too soft and it falls apart. Look for a bright yellow peel with minimal brown spots.
- Scoop Smart: Dip your ice cream scoop in warm water between each flavor to get perfect, clean spheres without mixing flavors prematurely.
- Toppings at Hand: Have all your sauces and garnishes ready before you get out the ice cream, so you can work swiftly and artfully before it melts.
How to Serve Banana Split
Garnishes
No Banana Split is complete without a flourish of garnishes. Sprinkle on extra chopped nuts for crunch, drizzle a little more syrup right before serving, add rainbow sprinkles for sweet nostalgia, or even pop a little edible flower on top for an extra-special touch.
Side Dishes
A Banana Split is a star all on its own, but you can make it part of a playful dessert bar with sugar cookies, brownies, or shortbread on the side. Or serve with espresso or an iced coffee for an irresistible after-dinner treat duo.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try making mini Banana Split “shooters” in small glasses, or assemble everything in a waffle bowl for a crispy, edible vessel. If you’re serving a crowd, offer a self-serve Banana Split bar with endless toppings so everyone can design their dream sundae!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana Splits are at their best when freshly made, but if you do have leftovers (which is rare!), pop everything into an airtight container and freeze immediately. The banana will soften, but there’s no reason to waste any leftover sweetness!
Freezing
If you need to make components ahead, prep the banana and toppings, then wait until just before serving to scoop the ice cream. You can assemble and freeze Banana Split “bowls” (without whipped cream or fresh fruit) for up to a day, then add toppings right before serving for best texture.
Reheating
You won’t want to “reheat” your Banana Split, but if your frozen dessert is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before enjoying. It’ll soften just enough for that perfect, creamy, scoopable texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use other ice cream flavors in a Banana Split?
Absolutely! The traditional trio is vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, but you can add any favorite flavors—think coffee, pistachio, or even cookie dough—to make the Banana Split your own.
-
Are there nut-free options for toppings?
Yes! Try toasted coconut flakes, granola, or even crushed pretzels for a nut-free crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet and creamy elements of a Banana Split.
-
How far in advance can I prep the bananas?
You can split and prep bananas up to 30 minutes before assembling, but to prevent browning, wait until just before serving or brush them lightly with lemon juice to keep them vibrant.
-
Is a Banana Split suitable for serving at parties?
Definitely! Set up a Banana Split bar with assorted toppings, sauces, and ice cream flavors so guests can customize their own—a fun, interactive dessert for kids and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s pure joy in every bite, you simply can’t go wrong with a Banana Split. It’s quick, endlessly customizable, and never fails to bring out smiles—so gather your favorite toppings and treat yourself (and your loved ones) tonight!
Print
Banana Split Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 Min.
- Total Time: 5 Min.
- Yield: 1 Serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the classic indulgence of a Banana Split with a twist of homemade goodness. This recipe combines the creamy goodness of three ice cream flavors with fresh fruits, nuts, and decadent syrups for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Vanilla Ice Cream:
- 1 scoop
Chocolate Ice Cream:
- 1 scoop
Strawberry Ice Cream:
- 1 scoop
Banana:
- 1 medium, peeled and split lengthwise
Fresh Strawberries:
- 2 tablespoons sliced
Strawberry Ice Cream Topping:
- 1 tablespoon
Pineapple Chunks:
- 2 tablespoons
Pineapple Ice Cream Topping:
- 1 tablespoon
Whipped Cream:
- 2 tablespoons
Chopped Peanuts:
- 1 tablespoon
Chocolate Syrup:
- 1 tablespoon
Caramel Sundae Syrup:
- 1 tablespoon
Maraschino Cherries:
- 2 with stems
Instructions
- Place ice cream in a dessert dish: Scoop each flavor of ice cream into a serving bowl.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle sliced fresh strawberries, pineapple chunks, whipped cream, chopped peanuts, chocolate syrup, and caramel sundae syrup over the ice cream.
- Garnish and serve: Top with maraschino cherries. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Add banana on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Banana Split
- Calories: Approximately 500 kcal
- Sugar: Varies based on toppings
- Sodium: Varies based on toppings
- Fat: Varies based on toppings
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on toppings
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies based on toppings
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Varies based on toppings
- Fiber: Varies based on toppings
- Protein: Varies based on toppings
- Cholesterol: Varies based on toppings
