This banana split is a classic dessert and one of my family’s favorite weekend treats! Start with a banana, three scoops of ice cream with lots of delicious toppings on top.
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Banana Split Ice Cream
One of my family’s favorite weekend desserts is making a banana split. They’re so much cheaper to make at home though, so I usually try and have the ingredients stocked in the kitchen.
We love setting up a banana split sundae bar and having friends over too. It’s the perfect dessert for a dinner party and makes for a fun night! You can even make this easy banana split dessert that’s perfect for serving a crowd.
David Evans Strickler, a pharmacist in Pennsylvania, invented the first banana-based triple ice cream sundae in 1904 also known as the ‘banana split.’
What Goes Into a Banana Split?
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a banana split, I’m going to show you how. It’s SO simple…maybe a little too simple. ;)
- Neapolitan ice cream – The classic split has one scoop of chocolate ice cream, one scoop of vanilla ice cream, and one scoop of strawberry ice cream.
- A banana split in half – I like to cut them in half again, so they’re easier to eat.
- Sauces on top – I like hot fudge and caramel sauce (however chocolate, strawberry and pineapple are the original sauces). Mix it up and add some butterscotch sauce if you like!
- Nuts – Crushed peanuts are our favorite.
- Whipped cream – If you have the time, try making homemade whipped cream. It’s simply the best!
- Maraschino cherry – To add on top of the dollop of whipped cream.
That’s the basics of a classic banana split. If you’re looking for more ideas for an ice cream sundae bar, below are some of our favorites.
Assembly
When it comes to easy no-bake desserts, a banana sundae is the easiest of all. It’s made in just 5 minutes and there’s absolutely no way to mess it up. Just add your favorite sundae toppings and dig in!
- Peel the banana, then use a knife to slice it in half. Then slice the pieces vertically in half again (so you have 4 pieces total). Then place in a bowl.
- Scoop the ice cream and place in bowl in between the bananas (use 1-2 scoops of each flavor).
- Next drizzle the chocolate syrup and caramel sauce over the ice cream. Then top with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, crushed nuts and any other toppings of choice.
TIP: If your ice cream is super cold and hard to scoop, run your ice cream scoop under hot water for a few seconds before scooping. It makes a huge difference and is so much easier to scoop out!
Favorite Sundae Toppings
- Hot fudge or chocolate ganache
- Salted caramel
- Butterscotch topping
- Melted peanut butter
- Strawberry topping
- Strawberry jam
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
- Candied nuts (or regular)
- Mini marshmallows
- Fresh or caramelized bananas
- Chopped berries
- Chocolate chips
- Edible cookie dough pieces
- Brownie pieces
- Chopped Reese’s
- M&M’s
- Candy bar pieces
- Crushed Oreo’s
- Waffle cone pieces
- Coconut
- Chopped pretzels
- Sprinkles
I’d love to hear what your favorite toppings are. Comment below!
More Frozen Ice Cream Desserts
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Banana Split Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bananas , peeled & cut in half, then split in half again
- 6 scoops neapolitan ice cream , two scoops of chocolate, two scoops of vanilla, and two scoops of strawberry
- 2 Tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 2 Tablespoons caramel sauce
- 4 Tablespoons whipped cream
- 2 maraschino cherries , with stems
- crushed nuts , optional
Instructions
- Place banana in bowl and put ice cream scoops in between the banana slices.
- Then assemble with all remaining toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
I recently enjoyed a delectable banana split at home today, and it was absolutely delightful
I love a great banana split! What don’t I think of this more often!?!
It’s an oldie but a goodie for sure! :)