Banana Split

Name: Banana Split
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 lb. strawberries, chopped; 1/4 c. granulated sugar; 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp. water, divided; 1/2 tsp. cornstarch; 1 lb. pineapple, chopped; 1/4 c. granulated sugar; 2 tsp. fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp. water, divided; 1/2 tsp. cornstarch; Pinch of ground cinnamon and/or cayenne pepper; 1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 c. whole milk; Pinch of kosher salt; 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped; 2 tbsp. butter, cut into small cubes; 1 c. heavy cream; 1 tbsp. powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract; 5 bananas, divded; 12 scoops vanilla, chocolate, and/or strawberry ice cream; Rainbow sprinkles, chopped walnuts, and maraschino cherries, for serving

By Justin SullivanUpdated: Jun 1, 2023

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preview for We're Going Bananas Over This Ultimate Banana Split

There are few things that bring out the inner child in us more than a banana split. The best part about enjoying them as an adult? You can make it however you want—no holds barred. We went completely decadent (and classic) with this recipe, with three types of ice cream, homemade fruit syrups, homemade flavored whipped cream, hot fudge, and all the toppings. We love this ultimate version, but feel free to make it however you please! Your banana split, your rules.

The fruit syrups.
We used a simple, easy syrup recipe to create our strawberry and pineapple syrups, but the recipe can be adapted to any fruit. Adding some creative touches, like balsamic vinegar for the strawberry and cinnamon and cayenne for the pineapple, amps up the syrups to give the entire dessert added flavor.

Tip: Just like the hot fudge, you can make the syrups in advance! Make them up to 3 weeks ahead of time, transfer to an airtight container and chill until ready to use.

The ice cream.
We went for the classic here: a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. But again—this is your banana split, make it how you like it! Prefer all of one flavor? Make your sundae a full chocolate (or vanilla, or strawberry) treat. Craving something a bit different? Switch up the ice cream with your favorite flavor, from red velvet to vegan strawberry shortcake to banana.

The toppings.
Along with our fruit syrups and hot fudge, we completed our banana split with homemade banana-flavored whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, walnuts, and cherries. Not a nut fan? Feel free to leave them off, or replace them with your favorite kind. Add on fresh strawberries or pineapple, chocolate sprinkles, or plain whipped cream if you want to tone down the banana flavor.

If you gave this recipe a try, let us know how your splits came out in the comments below!

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Yields:: 4 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 10 mins
Total Time:: 40 mins
Cal/Serv:: 937

Ingredients

Strawberry Syrup

1 lb.
strawberries, chopped
1/4 c.
granulated sugar
2 tsp.
balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp.
water, divided
1/2 tsp.
cornstarch

Pineapple Syrup

1 lb.
pineapple, chopped
1/4 c.
granulated sugar
2 tsp.
fresh lime juice
2 tbsp.
water, divided
1/2 tsp.
cornstarch
Pinch of ground cinnamon and/or cayenne pepper

Hot Fudge

1/2 c.
plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 c.
whole milk
Pinch of kosher salt
1/3 c.
unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 oz.
unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp.
butter, cut into small cubes

Banana Whipped Cream And Sundaes

1 c.
heavy cream
1 tbsp.
powdered sugar
1/4 tsp.
vanilla extract
5
bananas, divded
12
scoops vanilla, chocolate, and/or strawberry ice cream
Rainbow sprinkles, chopped walnuts, and maraschino cherries, for serving

Directions

Strawberry or Pineapple Syrup
1. Step 1In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toss fruit, granulated sugar, vinegar or lime juice, and 1 tbsp. water. Bring to a simmer and cook, mashing occasionally, until fruit is totally broken down, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Step 2Strain syrup, saving fruit solids for another use, and return syrup to saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and remaining 1 tbsp. water, then whisk into syrup. If making pineapple syrup, stir in cinnamon and cayenne.
3. Step 3Return to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until syrup has reached your desired consistency, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool.
4. Step 4Make Ahead: Syrup can be made 3 weeks ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
Hot Fudge
1. Step 1In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk granulated sugar, milk, and salt until sugar is dissolved. Simmer until you begin to see some bubbling along edges of mixture, 5 to 6 minutes.
2. Step 2Reduce heat to low. Whisk in cocoa powder until incorporated with no lumps remaining.
3. Step 3Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted and smooth. Let cool 3 minutes.
4. Step 4Add butter a piece at a time, stirring and letting pieces melt before adding more. Set aside until ready to use.
5. Step 5Make Ahead: Fudge can be made 3 weeks ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
Banana Whipped Cream and Sundaes
1. Step 1Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed (or in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment), in a medium bowl, beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
2. Step 2In a small bowl, mash 1 banana with a fork until no chunks remain. Fold into whipped cream, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
3. Step 3Slice remaining 4 bananas in half lengthwise and arrange among sundae bowls. Place 3 scoops ice cream between banana slices.
4. Step 4Pipe whipped cream over ice cream. Top with fruit syrup, hot fudge, sprinkles, walnuts, and cherries.