If you’re craving a sweet, creamy, and indulgent dessert, this Banana Split Recipe is exactly what you need. Made with fresh bananas, rich ice cream, and a variety of flavorful toppings, Banana Split is a beloved classic that is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, indulging in a nostalgic treat, or looking for an easy dessert to impress guests, this Banana Split Recipe is a must-try.
One of the best things about this Banana Split Recipe is its versatility. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert that is both refreshing and decadent. The combination of ripe bananas, cold, creamy ice cream, and luscious sauces ensures a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding different ice cream flavors, syrups, or crunchy toppings for extra texture and taste.
Whether it’s a summer afternoon, a family gathering, or just a personal craving for something sweet, this Banana Split Recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it immediately for the best taste, as the combination of warm bananas and chilled ice cream creates the perfect contrast. Once you try this easy homemade version, you’ll never want to settle for a store-bought sundae again!
Preparation Time for Banana Split Recipe
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Assembly: 5 minutes
- Total Time: ~15 minutes
Ingredients for Banana Split Recipe
For the Banana Split:
- Ripe Bananas – 2 (~200 calories)
- Vanilla Ice Cream – 1 scoop (~137 calories)
- Chocolate Ice Cream – 1 scoop (~143 calories)
- Strawberry Ice Cream – 1 scoop (~127 calories)
- Whipped Cream – ½ cup (~205 calories)
- Chopped Nuts (Almonds or Walnuts) – 2 tablespoons (~98 calories)
- Chocolate Syrup – 2 tablespoons (~110 calories)
- Strawberry Syrup – 2 tablespoons (~110 calories)
- Pineapple Sauce – 2 tablespoons (~70 calories)
- Maraschino Cherries – 3 (~15 calories)
- Sprinkles (optional) – 1 tablespoon (~20 calories)
Instructions: How to Make Banana Split Recipe
1: Prepare the Bananas
- Peel the Bananas: Carefully peel two ripe bananas and slice them lengthwise into halves.
- Arrange on a Plate: Place the banana halves in a long dessert dish or bowl, forming a base for the ice cream scoops.
2: Assemble the Ice Cream
- Scoop the Ice Cream: Place a scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream in between the banana halves.
- Balance the Scoops: Make sure the ice cream scoops sit evenly to create a visually appealing presentation.
3: Add the Toppings
- Drizzle the Syrups: Pour chocolate syrup over the chocolate ice cream, strawberry syrup over the strawberry ice cream, and pineapple sauce over the vanilla ice cream.
- Add Whipped Cream: Use a piping bag or spoon to dollop whipped cream on top of each ice cream scoop.
- Sprinkle Nuts and Extras: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts for a crunchy contrast, followed by colorful sprinkles for extra fun.
4: Garnish and Serve
- Place Maraschino Cherries: Add a cherry on top of each ice cream scoop for the final touch.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade banana split while the ice cream is still firm and creamy.

Calorie Breakdown
- Bananas: ~200 calories
- Vanilla Ice Cream: ~137 calories
- Chocolate Ice Cream: ~143 calories
- Strawberry Ice Cream: ~127 calories
- Whipped Cream: ~205 calories
- Chocolate Syrup: ~110 calories
- Strawberry Syrup: ~110 calories
- Pineapple Sauce: ~70 calories
- Chopped Nuts: ~98 calories
- Maraschino Cherries: ~15 calories
- Sprinkles (optional): ~20 calories
- Total Calories: ~1,235 calories (serves 2; ~617 calories per serving)
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of ripe bananas, creamy ice cream, and rich toppings creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
- Customizable and Fun: Easily switch out ice cream flavors, sauces, or toppings for a personalized dessert experience.
- Quick and Easy: Requires no baking or cooking, making it a convenient treat for any occasion.
- Nostalgic and Classic: A timeless dessert that brings back fond childhood memories.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, a party, or just a sweet craving, this dessert is always a hit.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for a banana split?
Fresh bananas work best for the traditional texture, but frozen bananas can be used for a firmer bite.
2. What other ice cream flavors can I use?
You can experiment with flavors like cookies and cream, caramel, coffee, or even dairy-free options.
3. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes! Use sugar-free syrups, low-fat whipped cream, and dairy-free ice cream for a lighter version.
4. How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Lightly brush the banana slices with lemon juice to slow down oxidation and keep them looking fresh.
5. Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s best to assemble and serve immediately, but you can pre-slice the bananas and keep them chilled until ready to use.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Classic Indulgence: A traditional dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Beginner-Friendly: Requires no advanced skills or special equipment.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: A great dessert option for those avoiding gluten.
- Melt-in-the-Mouth Goodness: The creamy ice cream and fresh bananas make every bite irresistible.
- Party Favorite: Ideal for sharing at gatherings and celebrations.