Three ice cream flavors on a split banana with all the toppings
Classic Banana Split
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2
2 banana splits
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Classic Banana Split
Three ice cream flavors on a split banana with all the toppings
★4.8(12)
The ultimate ice cream sundae—a banana split lengthwise cradling scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream with fudge, pineapple, and strawberry toppings.
10m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
10m
Total Time
2
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
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.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
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
Split each banana lengthwise and lay the halves in a long banana split dish or bowl.
- 2
Place one scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream between the banana halves.
- 3
Drizzle hot fudge over the vanilla, pineapple topping over the chocolate, and strawberry sauce over the strawberry.
- 4
Add generous mounds of whipped cream over each scoop.
- 5
Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and top each whipped cream mound with a maraschino cherry.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
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
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.
Measure baking ingredients by weight when possible. Baking is chemistry, and precision matters more than in any other type of cooking.
Bring butter, eggs, and dairy to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients do not emulsify properly and can produce tough, uneven results.
Storage
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Most baked goods can be frozen for up to 3 months — wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil.
Reheating
Most baked goods are best at room temperature. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight then bring to room temperature. Some items benefit from a brief warm-up in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
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.
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.
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