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Classic Banana Split

5.0

(3)

Scoops of strawberry vanilla and chocolate ice cream in a serving dish topped with whipped cream cherries nuts and bananas.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams, Food Styling by Judy Haubert

A classic banana split combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream with ripe banana, whipped cream, and an array of customizable toppings, from sprinkles to marshmallow fluff. But this retro version, a tried-and-true combination of textures and flavors, keeps things simple by sticking to the basics. A single split banana adorned with a trio of ice creams, hot fudge sauce, candied cherries, chopped peanuts, and dollops of pillowy whipped cream pays tribute to the soda shop staple while making some easy to execute upgrades. Syrupy-sweet maraschino cherries get swapped out for homemade ones made with frozen cherries while a DIY hot fudge sauce provides a bittersweet edge against the sweet ice cream. A simple garnish of chopped salted peanuts gives the sundae a welcome crunch and salty contrast that ties the whole thing together. It’s the beloved banana split you know and love that celebrates the playfulness of the ice cream parlor classic.

If instant gratification is what you seek, feel free to use store-bought hot fudge sauce, maraschino cherries, and whipped cream in lieu of making your own. The banana split will come together in no time and still result in a nostalgic treat that is sure to delight.

Check out this collection for more soda fountain specialties →

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    5 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 1

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. Quick-and-Easy Hot Fudge Sauce, Microwave Hot Fudge Sauce, or store-bought hot fudge sauce
1 medium banana
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
1 scoop chocolate ice cream
1 scoop strawberry ice cream
2 Tbsp. chopped salted dry-roasted peanuts
Homemade or store-bought whipped cream
Homemade Maraschino Cherries or store-bought maraschino cherries

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat 2 Tbsp. Quick-and-Easy Hot Fudge Sauce, Microwave Hot Fudge Sauce, or store-bought hot fudge sauce in a small microwave-safe bowl on high power until melted and warm, 10–15 seconds.

    Step 2

    Peel 1 medium banana and cut in half lengthwise. Place banana, cut sides up, on an oval plate or in a shallow bowl. Top with 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, 1 scoop chocolate ice cream, and 1 scoop strawberry ice cream.

    Step 3

    Drizzle warm sauce evenly over ice cream and sprinkle 2 Tbsp. chopped salted dry-roasted peanuts on top. Dollop or pipe 3 mounds of homemade or store-bought whipped cream over ice cream and garnish with 3 Homemade Maraschino Cherries or store-bought maraschino cherries.

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