Classic Banana Split

Banana Split is easy on the eye and even easier to gobble down in a flash. It's simple, yet decadent. Best of all, it takes just minutes to make.

The traditional Banana Split is made of fresh banana, ice cream, a syrup topping, nuts, whipped cream and maraschino cherries.

This Banana Split Recipe requires these 6 ingredients and is extremely versatile – check out all the variation ideas below. This classic dessert goes down well after any meal, and is sure to be a hit with family members young and not-so-young.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to make a Banana Split
• Variations
• Top tips
• More banana recipes
• Classic Banana Split

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to whip up this popular ice cream sundae style dessert:

• banana – make sure it's perfectly ripe
• vanilla ice cream
• chocolate syrup – store-bought is fine
• crushed peanuts
• whipped cream – the can variety works well with this dessert
• maraschino cherries – buy them at larger liquor stores such as Dan Murphy's here in Australia.

See recipe card for ingredient quantities.

How to make a Banana Split

Okay, it's an extremely straightforward recipe. However, there are a few things to take care with to make sure you deliver a drool-worthy dessert that looks like it would be served at an old-style milk bar. So take note of the tips as we run through the banana split-making process.

Find a "dessert boat"

First, you'll need a suitable dish to contain your dessert. You can still purchase banana split dishes or "dessert boats" at specialty kitchenware stores.

TIP: Another great place to find these are at op shops – I bought my vintage glass boats for $2 at a local op shop.

Of course, you can always serve it in a regular bowl, too.

Making the split

Peel the banana and cut it in half lengthways.

TIP: Use a sharp knife and take care as the banana can easily snap in half the other way as you're doing this.

Place the split banana in the serving dish.

Nestle the ice cream scoops in between the slices of banana.

Pour over the chocolate syrup and then sprinkle with the crushed nuts.

Decorate with whipped cream and cherries and then serve immediately.

Variations

The Banana Split has seen many delicious variations since it came on the dessert scene in Pennsylvania USA in 1904.

Here in Australia, we love this banana dessert so much that the little Aussie town of Innisfail made an 8km long Banana Split! That's quite a variation. Unless you're having a huge celebration, though, I'd suggest you stick with these variations:

• Flavoured Ice Cream – the original version includes a scoop each of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream, and you could use any flavour you fancy or even some Homemade Ice Cream.
• Syrup Toppings – strawberry, caramel, pineapple and other-flavoured syrups can also be used.
• Nuts and Sprinkles - some recipes use chopped walnuts instead of peanuts, and you could also add some 100s & 1000s for a kid friendly version.
• Cherries on top - the maraschino cherries were on the traditional Banana Split back in Pennsylvania and I say they're a must, but you could use fresh cherries, Cherry Compote or a lolly raspberry instead.

More banana recipes

Got plenty of ripe bananas on hand? Try these:

Made this recipe and love it? Please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It’s such a help to others who want to try the recipe. (And it really makes my day to hear how Nana Ling's recipes are being made, shared and loved all around the world! - Libby x)

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