Banana split

Cooking time 15 min
Banana split

Step into a world of sweet nostalgia with our banana split recipe. It combines ripe bananas with scoops of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a glorious drizzle of chocolate sauce. With a sprinkle of dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, this dessert is equal parts childhood memories and decadent deliciousness.

Ingredients

Double cream
250 ml
Bananas
4
Vanilla ice cream
500 ml

Garnish

Dark chocolate, chopped
25 g
Chocolate sauce
100 ml
Hazelnuts, roasted and chopped
100 g

Instructions

  • Whip the cream until it forms a light foam.
  • Peel bananas and slice them lengthwise, arranging them on plates to form "banana boats".
  • Scoop the ice cream.
  • Fill the banana boats with ice cream scoops and whipped cream.
  • Garnish with dark chocolate, chocolate sauce, and hazelnuts.

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Strawberry ice cream
4 hours 25 min
Strawberry ice cream
(0)
Enjoy!

Pick firm and ripe bananas

Opt for firm, ripe bananas that are entirely yellow with little to no green. Avoid underripe bananas, which can be too starchy and slightly tangy, or overripe ones with brown spots, as they may be too soft.

Get scoopable ice cream

Ice cream that is easy to scoop makes assembling a banana split much smoother. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes or until it softens slightly to glide easily from the scoop but still holds its shape perfectly.

Serve immediately

A banana split is best enjoyed as soon as it is assembled. The ice cream melts quickly, and the bananas can soften over time. Serve immediately to keep the scoops firm, the toppings crisp, and the textures at their best.

Set up a DIY banana split bar

A DIY banana split bar is a fun and interactive way to serve this classic treat, making it a great choice for birthdays and parties. Set out bowls with toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed biscuits, and fresh fruit. Offer different ice cream flavours like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or caramel. For the final touch, have a few sauces on hand, such as chocolate, caramel, strawberry, or even peanut butter. Let everyone build their own ultimate banana split exactly how they like it!

FAQ: Questions about banana split

Are you curious about a thing or two when it comes to banana splits? Check out the answers to some of the most common questions below.

What is a banana split?

A banana split is a classic ice cream dessert made with a banana sliced lengthwise and filled with scoops of ice cream. It is traditionally topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a variety of garnishes, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, and cherries.

Can I use different ice cream flavours?

Absolutely! A banana split is easy to customise with different ice cream flavours. While we use vanilla, you can go for chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, cookies and cream, or any other flavour you prefer.

How do I keep the banana from browning?

The best way to keep the banana from browning is to slice it right before making your banana split. If you need to prepare it a little earlier, brush the cut sides lightly with lemon or lime juice to slow oxidation. Just do not overdo it, or the citrus flavour might sneak in where it is not wanted.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

2315 Kcal

Fibre 29.6 gram fibers
Protein 30.8 gram
Carbohydrates 172.5 gram
Fat 168.4 gram

Dig into a fun and delicious banana split

Banana split to the rescue! Cold, creamy, and piled high with everything you could want in a dessert, it is the ultimate decadent ice cream dessert. In just 15 minutes, you will have scoops of ice cream, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy toppings ready to enjoy. It is a treat worth enjoying all year round, not just in the summer.

There is no such thing as too much dessert, and we have plenty of tempting options to try. Go for a zesty lemon sorbet, a white chocolate cheesecake, or homemade stracciatella ice cream.

Sweet bananas, vanilla ice cream scoops, and whipped cream

The trio of sweet bananas, vanilla ice cream, and airy whipped cream is what makes a banana split a classic. The banana contributes soft, mellow sweetness, and the ice cream is smooth and creamy with a delicate, almost floral sweetness. The whipped cream makes everything lighter, fluffier, and harder to resist. It is a simple combo, but one that never gets old.

Topped with chopped chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and chocolate sauce

A banana split feels incomplete without the crunch of toppings breaking through the soft layers. Chopped chocolate delivers a deep, bittersweet cocoa taste, while hazelnuts contribute warm, nutty notes with a caramelised edge. A drizzle of glossy chocolate sauce unites everything, adding a sweeter chocolate note.

A classic-inspired American ice cream dessert

Have you ever wondered where the banana split comes from? This beloved ice cream dessert is believed to have been created in 1904, when a young pharmacy apprentice named David Evans Strickler decided to get creative at the soda fountain in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. By slicing a banana in half and topping it with scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, he unknowingly created a dessert that would become an American classic.

Our version stays true to the original while keeping things simple and delicious. So why not make one yourself and bring this beloved treat to life in your own kitchen?

Experiment with different ice cream flavours and toppings

Banana split likes good company, so go wild with the flavours! You can keep it classic by using scoops of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream instead of just one flavour. Top it off with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and maraschino cherries instead of nuts for a sweeter taste.

Alternatively try a fruity sorbet, like raspberry or mango. Raspberry sorbet hits with a juicy tartness that plays well with the sweeter toppings, while mango sorbet offers a tropical sweetness with a slight tang.

Swap hazelnuts for almonds, which are more delicate and slightly buttery, or go for caramel sauce instead of chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness. Toss in a mix of fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, and suddenly it has that wild, forest-like charm.

For something different, grilling the banana before assembling the dessert works wonders. The heat enhances its natural sweetness and gives it a subtle smoky undertone.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/banana-split/