Homemade Banana Split

Making a traditional banana split at home is a wonderful after-dinner or slumber party treat that brings back nostalgic memories of this classic dessert with family and friends.

I am going to show you step by step how to recreate this timeless, shareable dessert in your own kitchen so you can enjoy all summer long.

Banana Split Ingredients

• 1 banana, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
• 1 scoop strawberry ice cream
• 1 scoop chocolate ice cream
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
• 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple
• 2 tablespoons homemade strawberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons homemade hot fudge sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
• Whipped topping
• Maraschino cherries, drained

The best way to serve banana splits are in disposable or glass boats that fit the entire banana. Here is a crystal glass banana boat set that is highly rated on Amazon if you want to keep some in your kitchen.

How to Make a Classic Banana Split at Home

Prepare the Banana: Place the halved banana in the bottom of a shallow dish. This creates the base for your banana split.

Add the Ice Cream: Top the banana halves with one scoop each of strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla ice cream. My kids love choosing their favorite ice cream flavors, and these classic options never disappoint.

Add the toppings:

• Crushed Pineapple: Spoon 2 tablespoons of crushed pineapple over the vanilla ice cream. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the vanilla perfectly so I always put it on that scoop.
• Strawberry Sauce: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of homemade strawberry sauce over the strawberry ice cream.
• Hot Fudge Sauce: Pour 2 tablespoons of hot fudge sauce over the chocolate ice cream.

Finish with Whipped Topping and Nuts: Add a generous amount of whipped topping over each scoop of ice cream. I prefer using Cool Whip (and a pastry bag and star tip makes it fancy), but you can also use whipped cream from a can if you want.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped peanuts over the top. I chopped my own dry roasted peanuts for an extra crunch.

Top with a Cherry: Place a maraschino cherry on top of each scoop of ice cream for a finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

FAQs

What is a Traditional Banana Split Made Of?

A traditional banana split includes a banana cut lengthwise, three scoops of ice cream (strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla), and is topped with crushed pineapple, strawberry sauce, hot fudge sauce, whipped topping, chopped peanuts, and maraschino cherries.

What is the Difference Between a Banana Split and a Banana Royale?

A banana split features a banana sliced lengthwise with scoops of ice cream and various toppings. In contrast, a banana royale typically consists of sliced bananas topped with ice cream and toppings, but the banana is not split lengthwise.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Split

• Variations: Feel free to mix and match ice cream flavors and toppings to suit your preferences. Some popular variations include using caramel sauce, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries.
• Try with air fryer grilled pineapple over crushed pineapple.
• Keeping it Fresh: To keep your banana split fresh, prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the dessert just before serving. This ensures the ice cream doesn’t melt too quickly and the bananas stay firm and do not brown.

My whole family loves to get in on making banana splits, so make sure you invite the kids to the kitchen. As a side note, through my recipe testing (and yes, we eat a lot of ice cream), I found that using high-quality ingredients and homemade sauces really makes a difference.

I hope you enjoy making this classic banana split as much as we do!

More ways to use Leftover Bananas

Banana Pancakes

Campfire Banana Boats

Decadent Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe

Banana Bars