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    You are here: Home / Other Desserts / Banana split

    Banana split

    Published: Oct 9, 2020 · Modified: Nov 23, 2022 by Sarah Brooks

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    This banana split is made with homemade banana ice cream for a delicious update on this classic dessert.

    Side view of banan split, with scoops of banan, then vanilla, then banan ice cream, fresh sliced banana on either side of ice cream scoops, chocolate sauce drizzled over ice cream and banana, whipped cream on top of ice cream scoops, chopped nuts and rainbow sprinkles over everything, cocktail cherries on top of whipped cream and sail shapped wafer pushed into cream and ice cream scoops, on a large white plate, with a grey background.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to make a banana split
    • How to store
    • LOOKING FOR MORE YUMMY DESSERT RECIPES?
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    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!

    Close up diaganol view of banan split, with scoops of banan, then vanilla, then banan ice cream, fresh sliced banana on either side of ice cream scoops, chocolate sauce drizzled over ice cream and banana, whipped cream on top of ice cream scoops, chopped nuts and rainbow sprinkles over everything, cocktail cherries on top of whipped cream and sail shapped wafer pushed into cream and ice cream scoops, on a large white plate, with a grey background.

    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

    banana split ingredients, banana ice cream, vanilla ice cream, bananas, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, chopped nuts, cherries.

    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.

    top down view spliting peeled banana lengthways in half with a sharp knif, on a wooded chopping board.
    putting two banana pieces on plate, curves facing outwards, with space inbetween for the ice cream.

    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.

    adding banana and vanilla ice cream to plate between split banan pieces.

    Place the banana pieces on either side of the ice cream, either propped in the bowl or lying flat on the plate, curving outwards.

    top downview of making banana split, adding chocolate sauce.
    top downview of making banana split, adding whipped cream.
    top downview of making banana split, adding coloured sprinkles.
    top downview of making banana split, adding cherries.

    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!

    End view of banan split, with scoops of banan, then vanilla, then banan ice cream, fresh sliced banana on either side of ice cream scoops, chocolate sauce drizzled over ice cream and banana, whipped cream on top of ice cream scoops, chopped nuts and rainbow sprinkles over everything, cocktail cherries on top of whipped cream, on a large white plate, with a grey background.

    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)

    Follow me on Facebook or Pinterest for many more delicious recipes.

    Diaganol view of banan split, with scoops of banan, then vanilla, then banan ice cream, fresh sliced banana on either side of ice cream scoops, chocolate sauce drizzled over ice cream and banana, whipped cream on top of ice cream scoops, chopped nuts and rainbow sprinkles over everything, cocktail cherries on top of whipped cream and sail shapped wafer pushed into cream and ice cream scoops, on a large white plate, with a grey background.

    📋 Recipe

    Close up side view of end of banan split, with scoop of banan ice cream, fresh sliced banan, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, chopped nuts, rainbow sprinkles, cocktail cherry and wafer.

    Banana split

    Author: Sarah Brooks
    This banana split is made with homemade banana ice cream for a delicious update on this classic dessert.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 person
    Calories 920 kcal

    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

    I use my homemade banana ice cream in this recipe.  You can use whatever flavoured ice cream you like that pairs well with banana, such a chocolate, strawberry or whatever else you like.  You can make your own ice cream using one of my recipes or use store brought.  
    Maraschino cherries with stems are available from some supermarkets, on line or you may find them in the cocktails section at the liquor store.   

    Nutrition

    Calories: 920kcalCarbohydrates: 137gProtein: 14gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 582mgPotassium: 733mgFiber: 6gSugar: 59gVitamin A: 813IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 333mgIron: 3mg

    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.

    Keywords: banana sundae, homemade ice cream
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Comments

    1. Gavin

      October 14, 2020 at 5:10 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sarah Brooks

        October 14, 2020 at 7:52 am

        Thanks Gavin, I'm sure she will love it, my boys certainly do! I have been making lots recently 🙂

        Reply
    2. Rachi

      October 14, 2020 at 10:03 pm

      5 stars
      This brings back childhood memories ❤️❤️❤️❤️

      Reply
    3. Sylvie

      October 14, 2020 at 10:09 pm

      5 stars
      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 🙂

      Reply
    4. Jenny

      October 16, 2020 at 4:17 pm

      You're right, this does look awesome!!

      Reply
    5. Robyn

      October 17, 2020 at 7:10 am

      5 stars
      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 🙂

      Reply

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