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!

Step by step photos and instructions below!

a banana split in a glass bowl with a bright colored napkin.

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?

July is National Ice Cream month! Which is kind of perfect because I totally ate this homemade banana split for dinner. IT HAS FRUIT. I’m sticking with that story.

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.

If you love easy recipes for sweet treats, you’ll love these Oreo Dirt Pudding Parfaits, or this crazy good Blueberry Fluff Salad!

Why you’ll love this recipe

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!

Pin this recipe for later!

I have included step by step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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).

What is in a banana split?

Ripe banana, 3 scoops of ice-cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries and nuts.

banana split on a brightly colored napkin with spoons

Ingredient Notes

The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.

ingredients to make a banana split laid out and labeled.

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).

step by step making a banana split - adding the ice cream.

Peel a banana, slice in half, and place the banana halves on either side of the ice cream.

step by step making a banana split - adding the banana.

Top each ice cream scoop with whipped cream (beat heavy cream with some vanilla and sugar), maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts.

step by step making a banana split - adding the whipped cream and cherries.

Optional: a drizzle of chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce, caramel sauce or hot fudge sauce over the top.

Devour!

step by step making a banana split - adding the chocolate sauce..

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!

If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on Kylee Cooks, leave a comment and rating – I truly love to hear from you!
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How to Make a Banana Split

5 from 1 vote

Summer desserts are all about the ice cream! Make this easy to make Classic Banana Split recipe for the whole family!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Yield: 2 banana splits

Ingredients

6 scoops ice cream (you choose the flavors!)
2 bananas (sliced in half lengthwise)
1/2 cup whipped cream
6 maraschino cherries
2 Tbs chopped nuts

Directions

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!

Tried this recipe? Tag me!Mention @kyleecooks or tag #kyleecooks!

Nutrition

Disclaimer

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.

Author: Kylee Cooks