This banana split is made with homemade banana ice cream for a delicious update on this classic dessert.
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There is some contention over who created the banana split. The general consensus appears to be it was created by David "Doc" Strickler in 1904 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Others think it was created in 1907 by Ernest "Doc" Hazard in Wilmington. Several other locations around the same era also lay claim to its creation. Whoever created it the banana split was born out of the era of soda fountains which flourished from the late 1800s onwards, selling soda and ice cream by 'soda jerks'.
The classic banana split these days is usually a scoop of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, covered in chocolate sauce and various toppings, between a split banana. I have given this classic dessert a modern twist with homemade banana ice cream which really elevates it to the next level of deliciousness!
What are maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries are preserved sweetened cherries. The natural cherry color is often removed and replaced with a food color to give the typical bright red color. They are used in many cocktails and are sometimes called cocktail cherries. They are often used as a garnish on ice cream sundaes, ice cream sodas and of course banana splits. In fact the term 'cherry on top' refers to the maraschino cherry often put on top of an ice cream sundae.
What sort of dish is a banana split served in?
Banana splits are traditionally served in a long dish that's curved at the ends called a boat. It is often a somewhat oval shape, with a flat bottom that curves up at the edges and holds the banana in place. If you don't have a boat dish you can make a banana split in a flat-bottomed bowl or it looks great deconstructed on a large plate.
Looking for more mouthwatering banana recipes? Why not try making my banana ice cream, chunkey monkey ice cream or banana milkshake. Delicious!
Ingredients
Bananas: forms the split in the banana split. Use bananas that are ripe but not too ripe and without any brown spots.
Banana ice cream: I use my own home made banana ice cream to really elevate the banana flavor in this banana split. You could use store-bought banana ice cream if you can get it or substitute it with your favorite ice cream flavor that pairs well with banana such as chocolate or strawberry, either store-bought or homemade.
Vanilla ice cream: Normally I would make my own easy vanilla ice cream recipe but I was running short on time, so this time I used store brought. You could substitute with your other favorite ice cream flavors that pair well with bananas, such as my chocolate or strawberry.
Chocolate sauce: I use store brought chocolate sauce in this recipe but you can make your own using the chocolate fudge sauce in my chocolate sundae recipe. You could also use different flavor sauces such as my strawberry sauce or caramel.
Whipped cream: I used whipped cream in a can for this recipe. This is super easy as you just spray it straight from the can, but it also has no structural integrity so it does tend to collapse quickly. You can make your own whipped cream if you prefer.
Chopped nuts: give some crunch and texture to this desert. I used chopped peanuts but you can use whatever nuts you prefer, or leave them out altogether.
Sprinkles: are a fun addition to this dessert. I used hundreds and thousands for a fun pop of color but you can use whatever sprinkles you like or leave them out altogether.
Maraschino cherries: are the literal cherry on top of this dessert, and help give it the classic look. I had a little trouble sourcing the maraschino cherries, I eventually found them in a liquor store in the cocktail section.
How to make a banana split
Gather your ingredients. Once you take the ice cream out of the freezer will start to melt, so you will need to make your dessert quickly.
Peel the banana and split it down the middle, taking care not to break it.
Scoop two scoops of banana and one scoop of vanilla and place them in a line in your bowl or on your plate with the vanilla ice cream in the middle.
Place the banana pieces on either side of the ice cream, either propped in the bowl or lying flat on the plate, curving outwards.
Drizzle generously with chocolate sauce over ice cream and banana. Top each scoop ice cream with a good squirt of whipped cream. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and sprinkles.
Finally pat dry three maraschino cherries dry and put them on top of the whipped cream.
Serve immediately and bask in the praise you'll receive from this delicious dessert!
How to store
The parts of the banana split are best stored individually and assembled right before serving.
Have you made this recipe? Tell me how it went in the comments below and tag me on instagram so I can see your delicious creations! @keep_calm_and_eat_icecream
LOOKING FOR MORE YUMMY DESSERT RECIPES?
Why not try making
- Banana ice cream
- No churn chocolate ice cream
- Easy vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate sundae
- Strawberry ice cream
- Strawberry compote (strawberry sauce)
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📋 Recipe
Banana split
Ingredients
- 2 scoops homemade banana ice cream
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, homemade or store brought
- 1 ripe banana
- ¼ cup chocolate sauce, homemade or store brought
- ¼ cup whipped cream, home made or store brought
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts
- ½ tablespoon sprinkles
- 2-3 wafers
- 3 maraschino cherries with stems
Instructions
- Peel banana and carefully split in half length ways, taking care not to break it.
- Scoop two scoops of banana ice cream and one scoop of vanilla ice cream and place in a row in bowl or plate, with the vanilla ice cream in the middle.
- Place split banana on either side of the ice cream.
- Squirt generously with chocolate sauce over banana and ice cream in a zigzag pattern.
- Top each scoop of ice cream with generous squirt of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts and sprinkles.
- Cut wafers diagonally in a sail shape and push one into each scoop of ice cream.
- Finally top each scoop of ice cream with a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately, dig in and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate based on an online database. The nutritional content of ingredients may vary by brand. If you require accurate nutritional information, you should calculate this based on the specific brands and products you are using.
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Gavin says
A classic is a classic for a reason - loving this. I am inspired to make one this weekend with my daughter. She will be so excited as she has never had one!
Sarah Brooks says
Thanks Gavin, I'm sure she will love it, my boys certainly do! I have been making lots recently 🙂
Rachi says
This brings back childhood memories ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sylvie says
Such a classic for a good reason, but I love the twist of using homemade banana ice cream instead of vanilla! Definitely a great way to use those ripe bananas 🙂
Jenny says
You're right, this does look awesome!!
Robyn says
This is making me feel so nostalgic, one of my favourite desserts as a kid but I haven't made it for such a long time...that has to change! Cannot wait to try this recipe 🙂