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My Fave Childhood Banana Split

July 3, 2024
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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My fave childhood banana split is pure joy in a bowl, loaded with ice cream, sprinkles, and all your favorite fixings—the perfect over-the-top dessert!

My Fave Childhood Banana Split

My Fave Childhood Banana Split recipe is the ultimate over-the-top dessert! It's loaded with scoops of ice cream, strawberry + chocolate sauce, tons of sprinkles, crushed nuts, whipped cream, and all your favorite fixings. Trust me, it's perfect for kids + adult kids alike— the whole family will want to dig into this nostalgic treat! Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan Options.

Overhead view of banana split on a yellow table with cherries, spoons, and cones.

Some of my absolute favorite recipes to share come straight from my grandma + mom (think Grandma's Baked Southern Banana Pudding and Apple pie), but My Fave Childhood Banana Split holds a special place in my heart. This dessert is my go-to for pure indulgence—over-the-top and completely customizable with loads of toppings!

The best part is you can either put it together yourself or set up a sundae bar with all the toppings for a fun family activity. Both my husband + son absolutely love them and me too! It's simple, sweet, and the mix of creamy ice cream, crunchy nuts, strawberry + chocolate sauce, classic whipped cream, and maraschino cherries creates the best textures for everyone to enjoy together!

Making banana splits at home is a breeze and so much fun, especially during the summertime. If you want to kick it up a notch, try making your own no-churn ice cream. And hey, if you're craving another easy banana dessert, my Southern Bananas Foster recipe is a must-try next!

Jump to:

What Is A Banana Spilt?

A banana split is a classic dessert where a banana is split lengthwise and placed in a dish. It's topped with three scoops of ice cream—typically vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—and drizzled with chocolate + strawberry sauces. Whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry on top!

Ingredients on a yellow table.

Ingredients For My Fave Childhood Banana Split

I didn't hold back on toppings for this banana split dessert—there's a bit of everything here, making it incredibly indulgent and delicious. You're going to absolutely love this!

Here's everything you'll need, and feel free to customize it to your liking.

BANANA SPLIT:

  • Bananas. Peeled + sliced lengthwise.
  • Chocolate, Strawberry + Vanilla ice cream. I love Haagen Dazs or Van Leeuwen. If you want to take things up a notch see my no-churn vanilla icecream.
  • Strawberry sauce. You can find my strawberry sauce in my strawberry shortcake pancakes recipe---be sure to cool fully
  • Chocolate syrup. Adds a rich, chocolatey layer.
  • Whipped cream. Adds lightness + creaminess.
  • Chopped nuts. I used pistachios, however, you can use your faves: pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, etc.
  • Maraschino cherries. For a sweet, colorful finish.
  • Sugar cones. Crushed or whole.
  • Rainbow sprinkles. See my fave natural sprinkles here.
  • Fresh strawberry slices. Optional.
Diced strawberries on a cutting board with a knife.

SHOP MY FAVORITE BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THIS DESSERT!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Banana Split recipe. Everything from my fave ice cream spoon, knifes, bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

What Makes My Fave Childhood Banana Split SO GOOD?!

  • Quick + easy dessert fix in just 10 minutes.
  • Uses up those ripe bananas sitting in your fruit bowl.
  • Fluffy whipped cream topping adds a light creaminess.
  • Kid-friendly treat that adults will equally adore.
  • Perfect for sharing ---- Ideal for family gatherings or a fun dessert night at home, bringing everyone together.

More Banana Split Ingredient Ideas

Though this banana split is already amazing, here are a few more ideas to take it up a notch if you want to mix things up.

Can I Make This Banana Split Vegan?

Absolutely! You can easily make this banana split vegan. Here's how:

  • Use your favorite dairy-free vegan ice cream flavors such as coconut-based vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. I love the So Delicious brand.
  • Opt for coconut whipped cream or another dairy-free alternative.
  • Look for a vegan chocolate syrup to drizzle over your banana split.
  • Ensure the sprinkles you choose are also vegan-friendly.
Banana split ice creams on a yellow table with cherries, cones, and more.

My Fave Childhood Banana Split Q + A's

Can i make a banana split ahead of time?

The short answer is no, it's best to assemble a banana split just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.

Can i make more or less servings?

This recipe makes 2 servings, however, you can reduce it to a single serving by using only ½ the amount of ingredients or create more by doubling or tripling the ingredients. 

Can i use another type of ice cream?

Yes, absolutely! You can use any ice cream flavors you prefer or have on hand to customize your banana split.
Here are a few of my homemade favorites:
Southern Blackberry Cobbler Ice Cream
No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Maple Brown Butter Walnut Ice Cream
The Best Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
No-Churn Caramel Ice Cream

Is this Banana Split recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to check the labels on ingredients like ice cream and sauces, especially chocolate sauce, to ensure they are gluten-free. Many ice cream brands offer gluten-free options, and there are gluten-free chocolate sauces available as well

Can kids help make this banana split?

Absolutely! It's a fun activity where kids can choose their favorite toppings and help assemble their own banana splits.

Up close shot of banana split ice creams.

More Delicious Comforting Banana Recipes

Now that you've fallen in love with the bananas in this recipe, put them to good use with these other sweet banana recipes:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried My Fave Childhood Banana Split recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Banana split ice creams on a yellow table with cherries, cones, and more.

My Fave Childhood Banana Split

July 3, 2024
No ratings yet
My Fave Childhood Banana Split recipe is the ultimate over-the-top dessert! It's loaded with scoops of ice cream, strawberry + chocolate sauce, tons of sprinkles, crushed nuts, whipped cream, and all your favorite fixings. Trust me, it's perfect for kids + adult kids alike— the whole family will want to dig into this nostalgic treat! Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan Options.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2 servings
Units:

Ingredients

BANANA SPLIT:

  • 2 bananas, peeled + sliced lengthwise
  • 2 scoops chocolate ice cream (I love Haagen Dazs or Van Leeuwen)
  • 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (I love Haagen Dazs or Van Leeuwen)
  • 2 scoops strawberry ice cream (I love Haagen Dazs or Van Leeuwen)
  • 4 Tbsps strawberry sauce (You can find my strawberry sauce in my strawberry shortcake pancakes recipe---be sure to cool fully)
  • 4 Tbsps chocolate syrup
  • whipped cream
  • 4 Tbsps chopped nuts (I used pistachios, however, you can use your faves: pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, etc.)
  • 6 maraschino cherries
  • 2 sugar cones, crushed or whole
  • rainbow sprinkles
  • fresh strawberry slices, optional

Instructions

ASSEMBLY:

  • In a banana split dish or oblong, shallow dish, add one scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream. Add one half of the sliced banana on each side of the scoops, propped upright on its edge if possible (cut sides facing the ice cream).
  • Top the scoops of ice cream with ½ the amount of strawberry sauce followed by ½ the amount of each: whipped cream, chocolate syrup, rainbow sprinkles, chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, crushed sugar cones, and fresh strawberries, if using.
  • Repeat for the other banana split with the remaining ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • TOPPINGS: See post for great toppings and ingredient variations to make your banana split your own!
  • SERVINGS: This recipe makes 2 servings, however, you can reduce it to a single serving by using only ½ the amount of ingredients or create more by doubling or tripling the ingredients. 

Nutrition

Calories: 631kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 134mg | Potassium: 459mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 507IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 2mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Xx, Shanika in script writing

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