Ok guys, today I want to teach you how to make this beautiful banana split. It really doesn’t take a lot of effort, yet the result is definitely one to give the “Wow” factor, and I’m sure you and your family/guests will enjoy it!

Since I married a man who is probably at least 50% ice cream, this is one of those things that needs to be made for special occasions every now and then. Banana splits may be simple, but they are far from boring; and, as in this tutorial, they can look pretty spectacular too.

What is a banana split?

A traditional banana split is made in a long glass dish called a “Boat,” with a banana split lengthways all the way down, and then 3 scoops of ice cream and a whole bunch of toppings on top of that. It’s one of those desserts that seem designed to make you want it just by looking at it; they look extremely appealing!

What is the difference between a banana split and a banana royale?

I actually didn’t even know what a “Banana Royale” was until I decided to write this post; but apparently a banana split is made with a banana split down the middle, and a banana royale is very similar, except that the bananas are sliced crosswise into lots of pieces rather than just into the two long ones.

In this tutorial, I confess: I’ve cheated a little. I do split the banana down the centre, but since I’m using my own little dessert bowls (instead of the long banana boat), I cut my split bananas in half the other direction to make 4 pieces instead of 2.

What kinds of ice cream to use for a banana split

Typically a banana split would have one scoop of strawberry ice cream, one of chocolate, and one of vanilla; however, most of the time if you order a banana split from an ice cream parlour, you can choose your favourite kinds and they’ll dress them up for you. In this tutorial, I have only used two flavours (just to keep it simple: Heavenly Hash (my favourite), and vanilla.

Traditional toppings for a banana split

To my understanding, a banana split is most often made with strawberry sauce, chocolate sauce, pineapple, whipped cream, peanuts, and maraschino cherries on top. For this tutorial, I pretty much decided to go for my own favourite toppings; but of course, you can sub out different sauces or nuts as you like.

Other yummy sauce ideas for a banana split:

• Raspberry Sauce
• Rhubarb Sauce
• Blueberry Pie Filling
• Apple Pie Filling

How to Make a Banana Split

You will need:

• Dark chocolate melting wafers
• Italian wafer cookies
• Sprinkles
• Heat proof squeeze bottle or piping bag
• Wax or parchment paper
• Glass serving dishes or banana boats
• Ripe bananas
• 2-3 different kinds of ice cream (your choice)
• A good quality ice cream scoop
• Strawberry sauce (See my homemade recipe below)
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped almonds
• Spray whipped cream (I used Cool Whip in a can)
• Fresh or maraschino cherries

1. Make the strawberry sauce

Prepare the sauce ahead of time, and cool completely before continuing with this tutorial. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made strawberry sauce or jam to use for the topping.

2. Make the chocolate/cookie accent:

1. Melt your chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler; I’m using a squeeze bottle for this, but you can also pour some melted chocolate into a piping bag and snip off the tip. Another option would be, just to keep it simple, drizzle it off the tip of a spoon; although, this way might be a but more tedious.
2. On a piece of wax paper, pipe a little disk of chocolate, and then set the cookie over top so that the edge of the cookie squeezes out a little chocolate from underneath.
3. Drizzle chocolate in a circular motion over part of the cookie and off onto the wax paper.  You want to make a circle of chocolate that’s a little smaller, or about the same size, as the cookie.  Then, drizzle from the center of the chocolate circle outward, all the way around, until you’ve got a sort of “Chocolate star” goin’ on.  Then sprinkle it with sprinkles, like crazy.
4. Allow this to set, either at room temperature or in the fridge/freezer for a few minutes.  Set aside.

3. Assemble your supplies and ingredients

1. Select your serving dish/dishes.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut your banana in half lengthways. Peel the halves, and arrange them into your bowl. I cut my banana in half lengthways and then the other direction, giving me 4 pieces to arrange instead of 2.
3. Scoop your favourite ice cream on top of the bananas. Traditionally, you need 3 scoops for a banana split.
4. Top the ice cream with a generous spoonful of strawberry sauce, then sprinkle with nuts, spray with whipped cream, and drizzle with caramel sauce.
5. Add the cookie fan to the top, sprinkle with a few more nuts, and then drizzle with melted chocolate.
6. Add one final dollop of cream on top, and top with a fresh or maraschino cherry.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

And voila! A superb ice cream experience, perfect for the ice cream lover in your life or a simple, impressive dessert to serve to guests. I’m a fan.

If a banana split should have 2 slices, and a banana royale has many: What would you call this creation of mine with 4 slices? Leave your creative name ideas in the comments… and if you make this, tag me in your photos on Instagram @naomicakesofficial!

Back soon,

–Naomi

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