How to Make a Banana Split
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Summer desserts are all about the ice cream! Make this easy to make Classic Banana Split sundae recipe for the whole family!
Summer desserts wouldn’t be complete without adding a banana split to the mix! A whole banana, three scoops of ice cream topped with whipped cream and nuts – finished with a maraschino cherry, and MAYBE a little chocolate syrup or hot fudge. What’s not to love?
I love to make this classic dessert for my boys and make them share it. I told them that is why it’s called a “split” because “you have to split it with your brother”. It’s a great way for them to learn to share (ha) or do math? I’d be ashamed, but it’s kind of genius right?
This is a great recipe to get everyone involved. Just lay out the ingredients (all found at your local grocery store) and have the family make their own with their favorite toppings! Call it a Banana Split Bar and collect all the compliments. You’re welcome.
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below. Jump to the recipe card if you wish!
Why you’ll love this
- Customizable. You can make this however you like it. Typically, a banana split is made with vanilla ice cream chocolate ice cream and strawberry ice cream, often use Black Cherry or any other berry flavored ice-cream. I use it in place of the strawberry.
- Easy. Zero skill required!
- Fast. You can have this ready in 5 minutes!
What is in a banana split?
Ripe banana, 3 scoops of ice-cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries and nuts.
What kind of ice cream should I use?
Any kind you like! All chocolate, all vanilla, all strawberry? A mix of all 3 types of ice cream? Try your own favorite flavors in this (like I do).
Who invented the banana split?
The banana split was originally created by a 23 year old pharmacist called David Evans Strickler, in Latrobe Pennsylvania. He worked at the Tassel Pharmacy (back when they had soda fountains) and came up with the idea in 1904.
If you love easy recipes for sweet treats, you’ll love these Oreo Dirt Pudding Parfaits, or this crazy good Blueberry Fluff Salad!
Step-by-step photos and tips and tricks are below. Jump to the full recipe card instead
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Key Recipe Ingredients
Note: This highlights some ingredients. Full list is in the recipe card.
How to make a banana split
Place a scoop of vanilla, a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of strawberry ice cream in a dish (I like a long dish, but any kind of dessert dish will work). Peel a banana, slice in half, and place the banana halves on either side of the ice cream.
Top each ice cream scoop with whipped cream (beat heavy cream with some vanilla and sugar), maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts.
Optional: a drizzle of chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce, caramel sauce or hot fudge sauce over the top.
Devour!
Kylee’s Notes
Substitutions/Additions
Use any of your favorite ice cream flavors for this.
Instead of banana halves, you can do banana slices if you prefer bite sized pieces.
Add some fresh strawberries, sliced to the top.
Add some mini chocolate chips to the bowls when making your splits.
Mini marshmallows are fun too!
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How to Make a Banana Split
Ingredients
- 6 scoops ice cream you choose the flavors!
- 2 bananas sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 6 maraschino cherries
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts
Instructions
- Place 3 scoops of Signature SELECT ice cream in a dish.
- Slice a banana in half, and place the banana slices on either side of the ice cream.
- Top each ice cream scoop with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts.
- Optional: a drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or hot fudge sauce over the top.
- Devour!
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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About Kylee Ayotte
I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Meet Kylee
No words to describe this like WOW!
This was so fun! We are stuck in the house, and it was a great activity for the kids to make their own
Very good