This Banana Split Dessert is a classic summertime sundae loaded with vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, gooey syrups, nuts, whipped cream, and cherries!

A banana split sundae is the perfect at-home dessert. If you’re looking for something for a party, try Banana Split Stuffed Strawberries or Banana Split Icebox Cake!

Close up photo of a banana split with a bowl of maraschino cherries behind it on a colorful napkin.

Even though this old fashioned dessert begins with classic flavors, there’s no reason you can’t mix it up with different ice cream flavors and topping! Take the traditional route and use classic vanilla ice cream or get creative and try it with key lime pie ice cream and other fun flavors!

What Is A Banana Split?

It is an ice cream-based dessert with a banana cut in half lengthwise then placed in a dish and topped with three scoops of ice cream, sauces, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries.

This dessert is traditionally served in a long oval dishes called banana split boats. These serving dishes can be hard to find. The best place to find both glass boats and plastic disposable boats is on Amazon.

Most classic ice cream treats like Root Beer Floats, Milkshakes, and the Banana Split were invented in a soda fountain. The Banana Split was invented in the early 1900s by a young pharmacist who worked in the pharmacy that housed the soda fountain. The original cost just 10¢!

How To Make A Banana Split

This is such a simple dessert to make, but you’ll want to work quickly because…ice cream.

  1. Slice a banana in half lengthwise placing one banana half on each side of the boat.
  2. Add one scoop of each chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream* on top of the banana slices.
  3. Top the scoops of ice cream with the different sauces. Then finish with whipped cream, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries.

PRO TIP: If you are making a few Banana Splits, scoop your ice cream ahead of time and freeze the scoops on a cookie sheet covered with parchment. Putting the banana split sundaes together will be a snap!

steps to to Make a Banana Split, with a cut banana, and then filled with ice cream scoops

There you have it, how to make a classic banana split recipe at home! Now grab your spouse or your BFF and a couple of spoons and dig in!

What Are Classic Toppings?

The traditional toppings on a banana split dessert are usually found in the ice cream aisle on ends caps or in the same aisle as the jams and peanut butter in the grocery store. They include the following:

We sometimes drizzle the sundae with Easy Caramel Sauce or Magic Shell for an extra decadent treat.

Angled photo of a banana split on a colorful striped napkin.More Delicious Ice Cream Desserts

Close up photo of a banana split with a bowl of maraschino cherries behind it on a colorful napkin.
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Banana Split

This Banana Split Dessert is a classic summertime sundae loaded with vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, gooey syrups, nuts, whipped cream, and cherries!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Author Rebecca

Ingredients  

  • 1 banana
  • 1 scoop chocolate ice cream
  • 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
  • 1 scoop strawberry ice cream
  • 2 tablespoons hot fudge sauce
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry sauce
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple sauce
  • 2 tablespoons peanuts chopped
  • 3 maraschino cherries
  • whipped cream

Instructions 

  • Slice the banana in half lengthwise and place the halves on either side of a banana split boat dish.
  • Add the scoops of ice cream between the slices of bananas. Top each scoop of ice cream with one of the sauces.
  • Top with whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and maraschino cherries and enjoy immediately.
5 from 3 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 488 | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 549mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 12.9mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 1.1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American

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Banana Split Sundaes with a bowl of cherries

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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