All-American dessert for summer! This banana split has three different flavors of ice cream, delicious sauces, and is topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and walnuts! Perfect for parties, picnics, or a simple treat at home, this classic dessert never goes out of style. Indulge in its delightful blend of flavors and textures with every bite.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Banana Split
- For the Sauces
- For Topping
- How to Make Banana Split
- Step 1: Prepare the Banana
- Step 2: Add Ice Cream Scoops
- Step 3: Drizzle with Sauces
- Step 4: Add Whipped Topping
- Step 5: Sprinkle Nuts
- Step 6: Serve Immediately
- How to Serve Banana Split
- Classic Presentation
- Sundae Style
- Party Platter
- Individual Cups
- Mini Versions
- How to Perfect Banana Split
- Best Side Dishes for Banana Split
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Banana Split
- Reheating Banana Split
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How To Make Banana Split?
- Can I customize my Banana Split?
- What are the best ice cream flavors for Banana Split?
- Is it possible to make a healthy version of a Banana Split?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time.
- Versatile Flavors: Customize your banana split with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings to create a unique treat every time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a hot summer day or a cozy gathering, this banana split is sure to impress friends and family.
- Fun for Kids: Let children assemble their own banana splits, making it a fun activity that everyone will enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delightful banana split, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dessert dish
- Ice cream scoop
- Spoon
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Dessert dish: A wide dish allows you to present the banana split beautifully while providing enough space for the toppings.
- Ice cream scoop: This tool helps you serve perfect scoops of ice cream without creating a mess.

Ingredients
For the Banana Split
- 1 medium ripe banana (peeled and cut lengthwise)
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 1 scoop chocolate ice cream
- 1 scoop strawberry ice cream
For the Sauces
- 1 Tbsp strawberry sauce
- 1 Tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 Tbsp pineapple sauce
For Topping
- 3 maraschino cherries
- Whipped topping (for topping)
- Chopped roasted peanuts or walnuts (for topping)
How to Make Banana Split
Step 1: Prepare the Banana
Place the banana in a dessert dish with one slice on each side.
Step 2: Add Ice Cream Scoops
Place scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream between the banana slices.
Step 3: Drizzle with Sauces
Top the vanilla ice cream with pineapple sauce, the strawberry ice cream with strawberry sauce, and the chocolate ice cream with chocolate syrup.
Step 4: Add Whipped Topping
Top each scoop of ice cream with whipped topping and place a maraschino cherry on top.
Step 5: Sprinkle Nuts
Sprinkle chopped peanuts or walnuts over everything for added crunch.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Enjoy your homemade banana split while it’s cold and fresh!
How to Serve Banana Split
Serving a Banana Split is all about presentation and creativity. Here are some fun ways to serve this classic dessert that will impress your guests and make every bite memorable.
Classic Presentation
- Use a long, narrow dish to showcase the banana and ice cream layers beautifully.
Sundae Style
- Layer the banana split ingredients in a tall glass for a colorful and eye-catching dessert.
Party Platter
- Create a banana split bar where guests can customize their toppings, including various sauces and nuts.
Individual Cups
- Serve in individual cups for easy handling during parties or gatherings, making it convenient for everyone.
Mini Versions
- Make mini banana splits using baby bananas or smaller scoops of ice cream as a delightful bite-sized treat.
How to Perfect Banana Split
To create the ultimate Banana Split experience, follow these tips. They will elevate your dessert to new heights!
Choose ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are sweeter and have a better texture, enhancing the overall flavor of your dessert.
Use high-quality ice cream: Opt for premium ice cream brands for rich flavors that will impress your taste buds.
Chill your serving dish: A chilled dish helps keep the ice cream from melting too quickly, allowing you to enjoy the dessert longer.
Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to use different nuts or sauces like caramel or chocolate fudge for unique flavor combinations.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Split
Pairing side dishes with your Banana Split can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delightful options:
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a healthy balance to the sweetness of the banana split.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: These classic cookies provide a chewy texture that complements the smoothness of the ice cream.
Pineapple Coconut Cake: The tropical flavors echo the banana split’s ingredients while adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Vanilla Pudding: Creamy vanilla pudding serves as a nice contrast to the coldness of the ice cream, creating great texture harmony.
Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies pair perfectly with any ice cream dessert, adding depth and decadence.
Nuts & Trail Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts or trail mix offers a crunchy snack that can be enjoyed alongside or sprinkled on top of the banana split.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites are rich and creamy, making them an excellent sidekick to this fruity dessert.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: For an added treat, serve mini ice cream sandwiches as a fun alternative or additional dessert option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating a perfect Banana Split can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin this delightful dessert. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Bold choice of bananas: Using overly ripe or under-ripe bananas can affect the taste and texture. Choose medium ripe bananas for the best flavor.
Bold ice cream selection: Sticking only to classic flavors might limit your creativity. Experiment with different ice cream flavors like mint or cookie dough for a unique twist.
Bold sauce application: Overloading on sauce can lead to a soggy split. Use just enough to complement each flavor without overwhelming it.
Bold topping choices: Forgetting to add toppings like nuts or cherries can make your dessert less appealing. Don’t skip these—they add flavor and texture!
Bold serving time: Allowing the Banana Split to sit too long before serving can lead to melting ice cream. Serve immediately for the best experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 1 day for best taste and texture.
Freezing Banana Split
- You can freeze components separately, but assembled splits do not freeze well.
- Ice cream should be stored in its original container or an airtight one for up to 3 months.
Reheating Banana Split
- Oven: Not recommended as heating will melt ice cream.
- Microwave: Use with caution; warm toppings slightly if desired.
- Stovetop: Again, avoid reheating; serve fresh for optimal enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Banana Splits that you might find helpful.
How To Make Banana Split?
Making a Banana Split is simple! Just layer slices of banana with scoops of your favorite ice creams and top them with sauces and whipped topping.
Can I customize my Banana Split?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different ice creams, sauces, and toppings according to your taste preferences.
What are the best ice cream flavors for Banana Split?
Classic choices include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, but you can use any flavor you love!
Is it possible to make a healthy version of a Banana Split?
Yes! Consider using low-sugar ice cream and fresh fruit toppings to create a healthier twist on this classic dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Split recipe is an all-time favorite that offers endless customization options. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just indulging yourself, this dessert is sure to please everyone. Get creative with flavors and toppings to make it truly your own!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Banana Split
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
Indulge in the ultimate summer treat with this delightful Banana Split! This classic dessert features a harmonious blend of creamy vanilla, rich chocolate, and refreshing strawberry ice creams, all nestled between perfectly ripe banana slices. Drizzled with luscious sauces and topped with fluffy whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and crunchy walnuts, this banana split is ideal for parties, picnics, or a cozy night in. Easy to prepare and infinitely customizable to suit your taste preferences, this dessert guarantees smiles with every scoop. Take a bite and savor the symphony of flavors that define this timeless favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 1 scoop chocolate ice cream
- 1 scoop strawberry ice cream
- 1 Tbsp strawberry sauce
- 1 Tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 Tbsp pineapple sauce
- Whipped topping
- 3 maraschino cherries
- Chopped roasted peanuts or walnuts
Instructions
- Peel and cut the banana lengthwise; place it in a dessert dish.
- Add scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream between the banana slices.
- Drizzle pineapple sauce over the vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce over the strawberry ice cream, and chocolate syrup over the chocolate ice cream.
- Top each scoop with whipped topping and add a maraschino cherry on top.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts or walnuts over everything.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Dessert
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 85g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg