The classic Banana Split is the ultimate ice cream sundae, with the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and joy.
The banana split: a chocolatey, gooey, and fruity ice cream concoction that was created in the early 1900s in America.
The name banana split is because, well, the banana is split vertically with the ice cream on top. This is, at least, what many historians and foodies can agree upon. However, it is debatable if the tasty treat originated in Ohio or Pennsylvania, or even Boston or Iowa. Despite other claims, the National Ice Cream Retailers Association crowned Latrobe, Pennsylvania as the birthplace of the banana split on its 100th birthday in 2004.
If a banana split is a dessert option, I will always choose it over anything else. I’m not normally indecisive, but when it comes to ice cream, I struggle. How do you choose between chocolatey or fruity? With the banana split, you don’t have to! I LOVE chocolate ice cream and chocolate syrup. I also love the milky, fruitiness of strawberry ice cream with a tart pineapple topping, fresh banana, and strawberries.
Nothing compares to the variety of flavors in a banana split. Plus, it has creamy whipped cream and crunchy nuts for a fantastic texture. I truly enjoy serving banana splits for dessert when I have company over. They are classic, but they also have a childlike vibe, making everyone cheerful. Fun fact: The largest banana split was 4.5 MILES long and made with 2,500 gallons of ice cream!
Is a Banana Split Healthy?
Like all sweet treats, a banana split should be enjoyed in moderation. But you’ll still get some health benefits from it!
For one, bananas contain potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. While ice cream, especially made with natural ingredients, does contain calcium, it is also high in sugar and calories. If consumed in moderation though, it’s not too bad.
Depending on the brands of ingredients you use, this dessert can be gluten-free, vegan, and made with fewer calories. For example, you can use a vegan ice cream, dark chocolate chips, and pile on the fresh berries and nuts – hello antioxidants!
DIY Banana Split For the Best Party Dessert
Ok, I know you’re thinking that the make-your-own sundae trend is reserved for kids’ birthdays, but if done right, you can have a classy and fun DIY banana split for adults, too!
I recently went to a wedding at The Breakers Resort in ultra-ritzy Palm Beach, Florida. The wedding had a gigantic, towering wedding cake, but the main dessert was actually individual DIY banana splits! Here are some tips on doing it yourself.
Serve a scoop of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream with split bananas individually, sans toppings. Then, fill small ramekins with toppings for every person or couple – this eliminates the awkwardness of people watching and waiting for you to add your toppings.
In addition to the chocolate, pineapple, strawberries, whipped cream, and peanuts, get wild and add some other fun toppings like mini chocolate candies, gummy bears, sprinkles, and fresh berries.
FAQs & Tips
To make ahead of time, you can measure out the ice cream scoops for your banana split and keep them frozen, but you’ll want to have the bananas and toppings assembled fresh.
While an overripe banana is sweeter and great for banana bread, you will want to use a perfectly ripe banana here. Underripe, and it may not be sweet enough, and overripe, it could be too mushy. Aim for bananas that have a good amount of brown spots, but not so many that they are joining up. The banana should be more yellow than it is brown.
It is so easy to make this banana split recipe vegan-friendly! Just swap out the ice cream and whipped cream for your favorite non-dairy alternatives, or skip them entirely and opt for your favorite sorbet flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Go all in for an American retro 1920s vibe. Banana splits were (and are) served at ice cream parlors and malt shops around the country. For the vintage vibe, serve classic Hamburgers and Homemade French Fries as a main course before your banana splits.
For a healthier choice, make your banana split with this Ice Cream with Chocolate and Pomegranate or mix it up with a rich Coconut Milk Ice Cream with Rum and “Egg nog”.
Banana Split
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 1 scoop chocolate ice cream
- 1 scoop strawberry ice cream
- 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple
- 1 fresh strawberry diced
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 tablespoon strawberry syrup
- Whipped cream to taste
- 3 maraschino cherries
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
Instructions
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Peel the banana and cut it in half lengthwise. Place the banana slices against the sides of a long, shallow dish.
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Place the scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream in a row between the banana slices.
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Sprinkle the crushed pineapple and strawberry pieces over the ice cream, then drizzle the syrups on top. Top each scoop with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Garnish with chopped peanuts.
Nutrition
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