Don't mind us, the banana split boat has just docked, and we can't wait to jump right in. Just imagining your spoon delving into three different ice cream flavors sandwiched between bananas, topped with a mountain of whipped cream, and a drizzle of hot fudge is enough to make our sweet tooth ache. Who needs a single-flavor sundae when you can have the whole ice cream bar in one bowl? You can be as indulgent as you'd like when preparing our traditional banana split recipe.
Traditional Banana Split Recipe
If you love a buffet because you can always go back for seconds, then this loaded banana split recipe is right up your alley. This recipe makes 1-2 servings and should be eaten immediately after preparing.
Ingredients
- 1 large banana, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 1 scoop chocolate ice cream
- 1 scoop strawberry ice cream
- 2 tablespoons pineapple sauce or crushed pineapples
- 2 tablespoons chocolate sauce or hot fudge
- 2 tablespoons strawberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cherry
Instructions
- In a small glass serving boat, place the three scoops of ice cream next to each other.
- Set the banana halves on either side of the ice cream (one on each side).
- Drizzle the pineapple sauce over the vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle the chocolate sauce or hot fudge over the chocolate ice cream.
- Drizzle the strawberry sauce on top of the strawberry ice cream.
- Sprinkle peanuts on top of all of the ice cream scoops.
- Dollop whipped cream on top of the ice cream scoops.
- Add a cherry on top.
Related: 6 Fruit Roll-Ups & Ice Cream Combos You'll Want to Try
Transform your whipped cream into something exciting with a few drops of flavored extract. Use extracts like vanilla, mint, almond, rose, rum, or spearmint to completely change your banana split's flavor profile.
Scrumptious Banana Split Variations
Why stop with a Neopolitan affair when you could toss in your favorite ingredients from the pantry to create an even better banana split concoction? From packing in your daily dose of Vitamin C to taking the s'mores away from the fire, these are a few of our favorite spins.
Cookie Extravaganza
Use vanilla ice cream or go for the cookie mixes — cookies & cream or cookie dough. Top it with your favorite crushed cookies and drizzle with hot fudge. You can even add whipped cream and sliced almonds for an extra crunch.
Fruity Rainbow
In this spin on the classic, you need any fruity ice cream or rainbow sherbet. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped strawberries, ¼ cup blueberries, and ¼ cup chopped kiwi. While you're at it, add some colorful sprinkles just for fun.
S'mores Delight
You don't need to sweat over an open flame to get that sweet s'mores flavor. Just use vanilla and chocolate ice cream and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs in your banana split. Add tiny marshmallows or marshmallow fluff and drizzle chocolate syrup as a final touch.
Minty Fresh
Winter doesn't own the rights to peppermint. Bask in a gloriously minty banana split by substituting mint chocolate chip ice cream. Crush some mint cookies and top with mint-flavored whipped cream. Might as well add some mini chocolate chips and mint leaves for color to really bring it home.
A Banana Split So Good, You'll Hit Glass Before You Know It
Who said only kids are allowed to enjoy a sugar high? Bring back that thrumming childish excitement for sweets with an over-the-top banana split. From tropical and fruity twists to chocolatey extravaganzas, the customizable combos are endless. The way we see it — the more, the merrier!
