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  3. Classic Banana Split
Indulge in a classic banana split topped with cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.

Three ice cream flavors on a split banana with all the toppings

Classic Banana Split

Classic Banana Split

10 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

0 min

Total Time

10 min

Servings

2

2 banana splits

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Classic Banana Split

Three ice cream flavors on a split banana with all the toppings

The ultimate ice cream sundae—a banana split lengthwise cradling scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream with fudge, pineapple, and strawberry toppings.

10m

Prep Time

0m

Cook Time

10m

Total Time

2

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

DessertVegetarianGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

June 9, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

The banana split is American ice cream at its most extravagant—three flavors, three sauces, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries. More is definitely more in this case.

Why This Recipe Works

Splitting the banana lengthwise creates a boat that cradles the ice cream scoops perfectly. Using three sauces for three scoops gives variety in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 2 bananas, peeled and split lengthwise
  • 1 scoop each vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream (per split)
  • Hot fudge sauce, pineapple topping, and strawberry sauce
  • Whipped cream
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Maraschino cherries

Instructions

  1. 1

    Split each banana lengthwise and lay the halves in a long banana split dish or bowl.

  2. 2

    Place one scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream between the banana halves.

  3. 3

    Drizzle hot fudge over the vanilla, pineapple topping over the chocolate, and strawberry sauce over the strawberry.

  4. 4

    Add generous mounds of whipped cream over each scoop.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and top each whipped cream mound with a maraschino cherry.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream

  • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving

Substitutions

PeanutsSprinkles, crushed Oreos, or toasted coconut

Any crunchy topping works

Traditional ice cream flavorsAny three flavors you love

There are no wrong choices for a banana split

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Vanilla Extract

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the vanilla matters

For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.

This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.

  • Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
  • Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes

Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.

Shop vanilla extract for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use slightly under-ripe bananas—they're firmer and hold up better under the ice cream.

  • Warm the fudge sauce just before serving so it flows over the ice cream without melting it too fast.

Storage

Serve immediately. Banana splits cannot be stored.

Reheating

Not applicable—this is a frozen treat.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (55mg) · 2 servings

Calories540
LowModerateHigh

A hearty, energy-rich serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein8g
Carbohydrates22g
Fat82g
Fiber160mg
Sugar3g
Sodium62g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different flavors?
Of course—mint chip, butter pecan, or cookie dough are fun substitutes.
Where was the banana split invented?
Latrobe, Pennsylvania in 1904—it's been an American classic ever since.

Explore More

More DessertVegetarian RecipesGluten-Free RecipesNo-Cook Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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