My Fave Childhood Banana Split
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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.
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?
- Ingredients For My Fave Childhood Banana Split
- What Makes My Fave Childhood Banana Split SO GOOD?!
- More Banana Split Ingredient Ideas
- Can I Make This Banana Split Vegan?
- My Fave Childhood Banana Split Q + A's
- More Delicious Comforting Banana Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- My Fave Childhood Banana Split
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 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.
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.
- Add fruit! Add sliced kiwi, pineapple, or mango for a tropical twist.
- Gourmet ice cream --- Try flavors like salted caramel or pistachio for a fun twist.
- Add cookie crumbles, like crushed Oreos, or some homemade cookies for an extra crunch. (Try my Oreo Funfetti Chocolate Chip Cookies or Bakery-Style Biscoff Cookie Butter Cookies)
- If you love chocolate top with some brownie bits!
- Try adding peanut butter or caramel sauce.
- Add a savory element! Sprinkle with candied bacon bits or sea salt flakes.
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.
My Fave Childhood Banana Split Q + A's
The short answer is no, it's best to assemble a banana split just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
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.
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
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
Absolutely! It's a fun activity where kids can choose their favorite toppings and help assemble their own banana splits.
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:
- Chocolate Espresso Smoothie
- Banana Chai Oatmeal Porridge
- Crunchy Vegan Banana Bread
- Maple Brown Butter Banana Waffles
- Vegan Banana Cake with Maple Buttercream
- Banana Carrot Cake Scones
- Fluffy Vegan Banana Pancakes
- Fluffy Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Easy Peanut Butter Banana Oats Smoothie
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!
My Fave Childhood Banana Split
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
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