Best Homemade Banana Split Sundae Recipe for Sweet Treats

Crafting a nostalgic banana split sundae brings back memories of classic ice cream parlors.

Sweet memories dance through each carefully layered ingredient.

Summers feel magical when you scoop creamy vanilla alongside rich chocolate and strawberry flavors.

Decadent textures blend perfectly in this beloved dessert.

Cool whipped cream adds a cloud-like touch to the delightful treat.

Your taste buds will appreciate the harmonious combination of fresh bananas and smooth ice cream.

Let’s make this delicious dessert that sparks joy with every spoonful.

Banana Split Sundae: Why It’s a Classic

• Kids will love customizing their own banana split with favorite toppings and ice cream flavors.
• Perfect for backyard barbecues, birthday parties, or spontaneous sweet cravings with minimal prep time.
• Recreates that beloved old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience right in your own kitchen, bringing back sweet childhood memories.

What You’ll Need for a Banana Split Sundae

• Banana: Classic sundae foundation, ripe and sweet banana provides natural flavor and soft texture.

Fresh, yellow bananas with minimal brown spots work best for optimal taste and presentation.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, smooth base that complements banana's natural sweetness.

High-quality premium ice cream recommended for rich flavor.

• Chocolate Sauce, Strawberry Sauce, Caramel Sauce: Delicious flavor enhancers that add color and taste variety.

Sauces should be smooth and pourable at room temperature.

• Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that adds a luxurious finish to the dessert.

Fresh or store-bought whipped cream works well.

• Maraschino Cherries: Bright, sweet garnish that provides a classic sundae touch.

Bright red cherries with stems add visual appeal.

• Chopped Nuts: Crunchy element that provides textural contrast.

Roasted peanuts or almonds recommended for best flavor.

How to Build a Banana Split Sundae

Step 1: Prepare Banana Base

Split a ripe banana in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. The banana should be firm but not too hard, ensuring perfect texture and easy slicing.

Step 2: Position Banana Slices

Carefully arrange the banana halves parallel to each other in a long dessert dish or serving bowl. The halves should create a gentle V-shape, forming the foundation of your classic sundae.

Step 3: Scoop Ice Cream

• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Strawberry

Place generous scoops between the banana slices, creating a colorful and tempting arrangement.

Step 4: Drizzle Chocolate Sauce

Slowly pour rich chocolate sauce over the ice cream, allowing it to cascade down and create delicious streams across the dessert.

Step 5: Add Fruity Toppings

• Sliced strawberries
• Chopped pineapple
• Maraschino cherries

Step 6: Finish With Whipped Cream

Pipe or spoon whipped cream along the length of the sundae, creating elegant peaks and valleys.

Step 7: Garnish With Nuts

• Chopped almonds
• Crushed peanuts
• Toasted pecans

Step 8: Final Flourish

Top the sundae with a single maraschino cherry in the center, creating a classic and inviting presentation.

Top Sundae Tips for Banana Split Fans

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Select bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots for maximum sweetness and perfect texture.
• Prevent Browning: Brush banana slices with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent quick discoloration.
• Customize Toppings: Mix up your sundae with alternative toppings like crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or fresh berries for added crunch and flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Assemble the banana split just before serving to keep the ice cream cold and prevent melting.
• Temperature Matters: Chill the serving dish beforehand to help maintain the ice cream's consistency and create a more refreshing dessert experience.

Saving a Banana Split for Later

• Store any leftover banana split components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Ice cream should be placed in a sealed container in the freezer, while bananas can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
• Wrap sliced bananas tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag to prevent browning. They'll stay good for up to one week when properly sealed.
• When ready to enjoy again, let ice cream sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes to soften before serving, which helps restore its creamy texture.
• Rebuild the sundae with fresh banana slices and slightly softened ice cream for the best taste and presentation.

Sweet Sides for a Banana Split Sundae

• Pair this classic banana split with a light, crisp rosé wine that complements the dessert's sweetness without overpowering the delicate banana flavors.
• Select a smooth, hazelnut-based coffee or cappuccino to enhance the rich ice cream and provide a subtle nutty contrast to the fruity banana base.
• Add a small glass of chilled amaretto liqueur on the side, which will bring out the caramel and almond notes, creating a luxurious adult twist to this nostalgic dessert.
• Serve a chilled sparkling water with a hint of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the dessert's richness and providing a light, effervescent counterpoint.

Banana Split Sundae Flavors to Explore

• Vegan Banana Split: Swap dairy ice cream with coconut or almond milk-based frozen desserts. Use dairy-free chocolate sauce and top with crushed nuts or vegan whipped cream.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all toppings and sauces are gluten-free certified. Use gluten-free ice cream and skip any cookie or graham cracker garnishes.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace traditional ice cream with sugar-free frozen yogurt. Use sugar-free chocolate and caramel sauces. Add fresh berries for natural sweetness.
• Protein-Packed Sundae: Use Greek yogurt-based ice cream or protein frozen dessert. Sprinkle with chia seeds, hemp hearts, and sliced almonds for extra protein boost.

Banana Split Sundae FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for a classic banana split sundae?

The key ingredients include ripe bananas, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauces, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries.

• Can I use different types of bananas?

Yes, you can use any ripe banana variety like Cavendish or yellow bananas. Just ensure they are firm and not overly soft or bruised.

• Is a banana split sundae considered a healthy dessert?

While delicious, banana splits are high in sugar and calories. The banana provides some nutritional value, but the ice cream and toppings make it an indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation.

• What is the best way to slice the banana for a perfect presentation?

Cut the banana lengthwise down the center, creating two equal halves. Place them symmetrically in a long, narrow dish to create the classic banana split layout.

Banana Split Sundae Recipe

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• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Creamy banana split sundae celebrates classic American dessert indulgence with layers of ice cream, fresh bananas, and rich chocolate sauce. Sweet nostalgia meets contemporary flavor in this irresistible treat you’ll devour to the last delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 3 scoops of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or your favorites)

Sauces and Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (or hot fudge sauce)
• 2 tablespoons strawberry sauce (or fresh sliced strawberries)
• 2 tablespoons pineapple sauce (or crushed pineapple in syrup)
• ¼ cup whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, or almonds)
• 3–4 maraschino cherries
• 1 tablespoon sprinkles or mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Split a ripe banana down its center, carefully separating each half lengthwise to create two symmetrical portions.
2. Select a rectangular or elongated serving dish that will comfortably accommodate the banana halves with room for additional toppings.
3. Position the banana segments parallel to each other along the sides of the dish, creating a classic V-shaped arrangement.
4. Scoop vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream between the banana halves, ensuring each flavor is distinctly placed.
5. Drizzle rich chocolate sauce generously over the ice cream, allowing it to cascade down the sides and pool around the banana.
6. Sprinkle chopped nuts across the surface, adding a delightful crunch and textural contrast to the creamy dessert.
7. Crown the sundae with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream, creating a cloud-like peak at the center of the dish.
8. Garnish with vibrant maraschino cherries, strategically placing them atop the whipped cream for a classic finishing touch.
9. Serve immediately to preserve the ice cream’s optimal temperature and prevent melting.

Notes

• Opt for ripe, golden bananas with just a few brown spots for the sweetest flavor and creamiest texture.
• Chill the serving dish beforehand to keep the ice cream from melting too quickly and maintain a picture-perfect presentation.
• Slice bananas with a sharp knife on a cutting board to get clean, even halves that showcase the dessert’s elegant design.
• Experiment with different ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry for a classic combination that never disappoints.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 75 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg