Banana split ice cream recipe

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There's something so fun about a banana split ice cream. It's the kind of dessert that never goes out of style, whether you grew up enjoying it at the diner or you're making it fresh at home for your kids. It's creamy, fruity, chocolatey, and just a little over-the-top in the best way.

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What is a Banana split ice cream?
Ingredients you'll need
Step-by-step instructions
Notes & make-ahead tips
Variations to try
Equipment you'll need
Storage tips
Why everyone loves a banana split
FAQs about banana split ice cream
Recipes you may like
📖 Recipe
💬 Reviews

banana split ice cream — Indulge in a classic ice cream sundae featuring multiple flavors, whipped toppings, cherries, nuts, and drizzles of syrup served in a glass dish.

This version sticks with the classic: a ripe banana, three scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, sauces galore, and of course, a cherry on top. The best part? You don't need anything fancy to make it, and you can easily switch up the flavors depending on what you love most.

If you're looking for another old-fashioned sweet treat after this, you'll love my Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe - it's just as simple and just as delicious.

What is a Banana split ice cream?

A banana split is a nostalgic American dessert that's been around since the early 1900s. Traditionally, it's made with a banana sliced lengthwise, three scoops of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry), whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and cherries. Over time, it's become one of those desserts that's as fun to build as it is to eat.

The combination of cold, creamy ice cream with the soft sweetness of banana, plus the crunch from nuts and the drizzle of sauces, makes every bite a little adventure.

Ingredients you'll need

Here's everything you need to make a classic banana split at home:

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (see notes)
1 large ripe banana (about 5 ½ ounces; 155 g), peeled and halved lengthwise
3 large scoops of ice cream - vanilla, chocolate, and/or strawberry
Fudge sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Strawberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
¼ cup toasted walnuts, crushed or roughly chopped (1 ounce; 30 g)
Maraschino cherries, for topping

Step-by-step instructions

Whip the cream

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 2 minutes).

Transfer to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip and keep it in the fridge until ready to use. No piping bag? No problem - just spoon it over the top later.

Prepare the banana base

Slice your banana lengthwise and lay both halves in a banana split dish or shallow bowl, cut side up.

Scoop the ice cream

Add one scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, nestling them between the banana halves.

Add toppings

Drizzle with fudge, caramel, and strawberry sauce. Sprinkle with crushed toasted walnuts.

Finish with whipped cream & cherries

Pipe or dollop whipped cream on top of each scoop and finish with a cherry on each mound. Serve right away before it melts!

Notes & make-ahead tips

This recipe can be doubled, tripled, or even scaled down for a mini split (use half a banana and one scoop of ice cream).
If using a hand mixer, whip the cream for about 3 minutes. Store-bought whipped cream works just fine too.
No piping bag? Use a spoon to dollop whipped cream.
Chocolate, caramel, and strawberry sauces can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Variations to try

Healthier version: Swap in frozen yogurt or dairy-free ice cream, drizzle honey instead of fudge, and top with fresh fruit.
Banana split sundae in a jar: Layer everything into mason jars for a portable treat - great for parties.
Chocolate lovers' split: Use all chocolate ice cream, extra fudge sauce, and top with chocolate shavings.

Equipment you'll need

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Piping bag and tip (optional)
Ice cream scoop
Banana split dish or shallow bowl

Storage tips

Banana splits are best eaten fresh, but sauces can be made ahead of time and kept in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. Assemble the split right before serving to keep the bananas fresh and the ice cream from melting.

Why everyone loves a banana split

This dessert is a hit with kids (who get to pile on toppings) and adults (who enjoy a little trip down memory lane). It's playful, customizable, and guaranteed to make any ordinary night feel like a special occasion.

FAQs about banana split ice cream

Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?

Yes! Try strawberries, pineapple slices, or even mango for a fun twist.

What's the best way to serve this for a crowd?

Set up a banana split bar with scoops of ice cream, sauces, and toppings. Everyone can build their own.

Can I make the whipped cream ahead?

Yes - store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Do I have to use all three classic ice cream flavors?

Not at all. Pick your favorites - mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or coffee are all fun swaps.

Recipes you may like

📖 Recipe

Yield: 1 banana split