Ice Cream Sundae with Banana Split & Nuts Recipe

Get ready to indulge in a sweet and satisfying treat with this Ice Cream Sundae with Banana Split & Nuts! This recipe brings all the nostalgic charm of an old-fashioned banana split, with creamy scoops of your favorite ice cream vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry nestled between fresh banana halves and drizzled with rich chocolate and caramel sauces. A generous sprinkle of chopped nuts adds the perfect crunch, while fluffy whipped cream and a cherry on top complete the classic look. Whether you’re making it for a family dessert night, a weekend treat, or a party sundae bar, this fun and easy dessert is guaranteed to please. Customize it with your favorite toppings like chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or crushed cookies for an extra-special twist. Perfectly simple yet totally indulgent, this sundae is a go-to for banana split lovers and ice cream fans alike. A true crowd-pleaser in every bite!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

For the Sundae:

• 4 scoops of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry)
• 2 ripe bananas, halved lengthwise
• ½ cup chocolate sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)
• Chocolate shavings or sprinkles, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Arrange the banana halves lengthwise in a dish or shallow bowl.
2. Place two scoops of ice cream between each banana half.
3. Drizzle the chocolate sauce and caramel sauce generously over the top.
4. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the sundae.
5. Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top.
6. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy every delicious bite!

Notes:

• Mix and match your favorite ice cream flavors go wild with cookies and cream or butter pecan!
• Try toasting the nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Want to make it boozy? Add a splash of Kahlúa or Baileys over the top.
• For a dairy-free option, use plant-based ice cream, sauces, and whipped topping.

Helpful Tips

1. Choose Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas that are yellow with a few brown specks—they’re perfectly sweet and soft enough to slice without getting mushy. Underripe bananas can be too firm and less flavorful.
2. Mix Up the Flavors: Classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are always winners, but don’t be afraid to play with unique flavors like salted caramel, mint chip, or peanut butter cup. Let your sundae reflect your personality!
3. Toast Those Nuts: Lightly toasting your chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) in a dry skillet for a few minutes enhances their crunch and brings out their natural oils and flavor. Cool before topping.
4. Homemade Sauces: If you have a few extra minutes, homemade chocolate or caramel sauce can take this sundae over the top. Bonus: You can control the sweetness and texture!
5. Build Just Before Serving: This dessert is best served immediately after assembling so the ice cream doesn’t melt into a puddle. Get everything prepped ahead and build right when you’re ready to dig in.
6. Add Extra Crunch: Want more texture? Sprinkle crushed waffle cone pieces, cookie crumbs, or even granola on top for an extra wow factor.
7. Diet-Friendly Swaps: For a dairy-free or vegan version, use plant-based ice cream, coconut whipped cream, and dairy-free sauces. Still just as indulgent!
8. Fun for a Crowd: Hosting a party? Set up a DIY sundae bar and let guests customize their own dreamy dessert!

Conservation and Storage

Since ice cream sundaes are meant to be enjoyed fresh, they’re best assembled right before serving. The mix of cold ice cream, warm sauces, and fresh bananas doesn’t hold up well once everything is combined especially with whipped cream and toppings that can quickly melt or get soggy.

However, if you’d like to prep ahead, here’s how to store individual components:

• Ice Cream: Keep your favorite flavors stored in the coldest part of your freezer. For easy scooping, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
• Bananas: Slice bananas just before assembling the sundae. If you must slice early, lightly brush them with lemon juice to prevent browning, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 hours.
• Sauces: Store homemade chocolate or caramel sauce in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until pourable before use.
• Nuts: Toasted nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer freshness.
• Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream holds best for a few hours in the fridge. For longer storage, use stabilized whipped cream or store-bought varieties.

Fully assembled sundaes aren’t ideal for storage, but if you must save leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container. The texture may change, but it’ll still be tasty for a quick frozen treat later!

Serving Suggestions

Turn your sundae into a sweet experience with a little extra flair! This classic banana split-style sundae is perfect on its own, but a few creative touches can really make it shine.

Dress It Up: Serve your sundae in a traditional banana split boat or a wide, shallow bowl to show off all the layers. Fancy glass dessert cups also add an elegant touch if you’re hosting guests or planning a date-night dessert.

Go Big or Mini: Hosting a crowd? Create a family-style banana split sundae on a large platter and let everyone dig in with spoons. For parties or kids, serve in small mason jars or ramekins for mini sundaes that are just as fun and a little less messy.

Add a Crunchy Side: Pair with fresh waffle cones, rolled wafer cookies, or even crispy churro bites on the side for dipping and crunching.

Flavor Twists: Mix in sliced strawberries, pineapple chunks, or a few spoonfuls of crushed berries for a fruity twist. A drizzle of peanut butter or Nutella can take things to a whole new level of indulgence.

Seasonal Flair: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon in the fall, crushed peppermint candies in the winter, or fresh berries and mint in the summer to match the vibe of the season.

Serve Immediately: This sundae is at its best fresh and melty serve as soon as it’s assembled for maximum creaminess and crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the sundae just before serving. However, you can prep individual components—like slicing bananas, toasting nuts, and making sauces—ahead of time and store them properly until you’re ready to serve.

What are the best ice cream flavors to use?
Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are traditional banana split favorites, but feel free to get creative! Try cookie dough, coffee, caramel swirl, or even fruity flavors like raspberry or mango for a fun twist.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Fresh bananas are recommended for the classic split texture and flavor. Frozen bananas tend to be too soft and may become mushy when thawed, which can affect the overall experience.

Are there nut-free options?
Absolutely! Just skip the nuts or substitute with crushed cookies, granola, or allergy-friendly seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.

How can I make it dairy-free?
Use your favorite non-dairy ice cream (almond, coconut, soy, or oat-based), dairy-free whipped topping, and plant-based sauces. There are plenty of delicious vegan options available today!

What can I do with leftovers?
If you somehow have leftover components, store them separately ice cream in the freezer, sauces in the fridge, and bananas in an airtight container (though best eaten fresh). Fully assembled sundaes don’t store well, but they make a quick frozen snack if packed up immediately.

Can I make this for a party?
Definitely! Set up a sundae bar with different ice creams, toppings, and sauces so guests can build their dream creation.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about a classic ice cream sundae, especially when it’s loaded up banana-split style with all the fixings—creamy scoops of your favorite ice cream, ripe bananas, gooey chocolate and caramel sauces, crunchy nuts, and a mountain of whipped cream. Whether you’re making it for a fun family night, a backyard gathering, or just treating yourself after a long day, this sundae brings smiles every time.

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. From swapping in different ice cream flavors to adding fresh fruit, cookies, or candy, there’s no wrong way to make it your own. Plus, with make-ahead tips and storage ideas, you can prep all the goodies ahead of time and simply assemble when the craving hits.

It’s a dessert that’s nostalgic, comforting, and just plain fun perfect for kids and adults alike. Don’t forget the cherry on top (unless you’re skipping it in favor of extra chocolate shavings)!

So grab a couple of spoons, scoop up your favorites, and get ready to dig in. Whether you build a single sundae or lay out a full DIY bar for a party, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. There’s no better way to celebrate life’s sweet moments than with a banana split sundae piled high with joy.

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If you love this treat, you might also enjoy trying The Perfect Banana Split another fun twist on a timeless classic.

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