A classic Banana Split recipe made with fresh bananas, chocolate ice cream with hot fudge sauce, strawberry ice cream with strawberry sauce, vanilla ice cream with pineapple sauce, whipped cream, and cherry. Tips and tricks on how to make the best banana split.
I remember as a little girl going to the ice cream shop with my Grandma and Grandpa. They told me I could order anything on the menu and my eyes went straight for the largest ice cream sundae on the menu — the classic Banana Split.
I have the best memories of sitting on those swivel bar stools, eating the best banana split in the world, and spending time with my grandparents. Every time they asked me where I wanted to go for dessert, I would always say the old-fashioned ice cream shop.
So I wanted to create homemade banana splits at home with all of the ingredients made from scratch. It was so fun to make a banana split toppings bar for my kids and their friends. They loved it! I am sharing my banana split recipe and how easy it is to make at home.
What is a Banana Split?
A banana split is a classic American dessert that originated in the 1900s and has become a classic ice cream dessert. A classic banana split is an American ice cream-based dessert consisting of a peeled banana in half lengthwise and served with ice cream and sauce between the two pieces.
There are many variations, but the classic banana split is made with three scoops of ice cream (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry). The sauces (chocolate hot fudge, strawberry, and pineapple) are drizzled onto the ice cream, which is topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
Best Banana Split Ingredients:
These ingredients are layered and arranged in a long dish or banana split boat, typically with the banana halves on each side of the dish and the scoops of ice cream placed in between. The toppings are then drizzled over the ice cream, followed by a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, and a cherry on top.
- Fresh Banana: You want to use a ripe banana that isn’t too mushy. If it has brown spots, it’ll probably be too soft. You can read more on that below.
- Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry Ice Cream: The ice cream brand itself isn’t that important, just make sure that it’s a kind that you know you love! You can even try to make some homemade ice cream, I’ve listed some of my best recipes below.
- Strawberry Sauce: Although you can buy some at the store, from scratch is super simple! Homemade strawberry sauce is made with thinly sliced fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. They’re heated all together until they’re combined into a thick syrup.
- Hot Fudge Sauce: Once again, this is something that could be store bought, or you can use my easy hot fudge sauce recipe. This is truly the best way to make hot fudge sauce, and it takes any dessert to another level. Rich and fudgy chocolate pairs well with the chocolate ice cream and really ties everything together.
- Pineapple Sauce: This pineapple sauce is really as easy as it gets! Just chopped fresh pineapple, brown sugar, and water. Sweet and tangy, it’s the perfect topping to bring together the ice cream and the banana.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade or store bought, whipped cream adds some light and fluffy texture that balances out the heavy cream of ice cream.
- Maraschino Cherry: The perfect topping!
How to make a Homemade Banana Split:
If you want to really elevate this traditional banana split, make the sauces from scratch. I will share my hot fudge recipe, strawberry sauce recipe, and fresh pineapple sauce for ice cream below.
Variations:
While the classic banana split is delicious on its own, there are endless variations you can do to customize this famous ice cream dessert. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the traditional ice cream flavors for your favorites, such as mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or chocolate chip cookie dough.
- Add extra toppings like crushed Oreo cookies, sliced strawberries, or caramel sauce.
- Make a tropical twist by using coconut ice cream and topping with fresh mango or passion fruit.
Tips for making the Best Banana Split:
- Use FIRM, yet slightly ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – the more, the merrier!
- Serve your banana split in a chilled dish to keep the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- Assemble the banana split just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Have fun with presentation – garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
Banana Split Topping Ideas:
How to make homemade hot fudge:
- Heat cream and butter in a heavy bottomed sauce pan, whisking often.
- Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar to the liquid, continuing to whisk so that clumps don’t form.
- If you want a thicker fudge, cook the mixture for a longer amount of time until it’s the consistency that you want.
- Remove from the heat and place in a glass jar. Let cool, then place in the fridge until ready to serve.
- If you want to serve the fudge hot, you can reheat it on the stove top or heat in the microwave.
How to make homemade strawberry sauce:
- Boil sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for about 12-16 minutes, or until the sauce is thickening.
- Let cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken as it cools until it is the perfect consistency to top the strawberry ice cream!
How to make homemade pineapple sauce:
- Bring diced pineapple, brown sugar, and water to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce is thickening.
- Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
More Ice Cream Recipes:
No-Churn Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Hot Fudge Sauce
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Assembling Banana Split:
Start with firm bananas that aren't too ripe. If there are a lot of brown spots on the banana, it is too ripe and will be overly mushy. You want a firm, yellow banana with a little green on the stem. Cut the bananas in half lengthwise and place in a dish. The ice cream will be placed in the middle of the two bananas.
Place three scoops of ice cream — vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate — in the center of the banana. If you want to make homemade sauces, make hot fudge, strawberry sauce, and pineapple sauces.
Top the vanilla ice cream with pineapple sauce, the strawberry ice cream with strawberry sauce, and the chocolate ice cream with hot fudge sauce. Squirt whipped cream over each scoop of ice cream and then top with a maraschino cherry on each scoop. Serve right away.
Hot Fudge Sauce:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat cream and butter over medium heat. Whisk often to ensure it doesn't burn on the bottom. Once butter is melted, reduce heat to low.
Stir in cocoa powder and sugar, ½ cup at a time. Whisk well after each addition to prevent clumping. When the mixture is completely smooth, remove from heat. If you desire a thicker fudge, cook while whisking for several minutes longer). Stir in vanilla extract.
Transfer the fudge to a glass jar or storage container and let cool to room temperature before covering with a lid (the steam will cause condensation to form). Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. May microwave it or heat on a stovetop.
Strawberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat and simmer 12-16 minutes or until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. The strawberry sauce will thicken as it cools.
Pineapple Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine diced pineapple, brown sugar and water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat and simmer 8-10 minutes or until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. The pineapple sauce will thicken as it cools.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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