American Cuisine
Banana split
By Dana Whitfield
Rate this recipe
The banana split is American soda-fountain history in a dish, widely traced to 1904 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where a young pharmacy apprentice named David Strickler is credited with splitting a banana lengthwise and building three scoops of ice cream between the halves. The lengthwise cut was the innovation, turning a single piece of fruit into a long boat that could cradle vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream side by side. From there the format became a canvas: chocolate syrup, a cloud of whipped cream, and a bright maraschino cherry on top. Part of its genius is how the cool, creamy scoops play against the soft, fragrant banana and the sweet snap of the syrup. It requires no cooking and comes together in minutes, which made it the showpiece of mid-century American diners and ice cream parlors and a favorite indulgence for birthdays and hot summer afternoons. Naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable, it remains the dessert people split between friends, the very thing it was named for. Build it just before serving so the ice cream stays firm and the banana fresh.
Ingredients
Serves 2Instructions
- 1
Gather and prepare all ingredients as specified in the ingredient list.
- 2
Place the split banana in a long dish.
- 3
Place a scoop of each ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry) between the banana slices.
- 4
Drizzle with chocolate syrup, top with whipped cream.
- 5
Garnish with cherries.
- 6
Serve immediately.
Chef's Tips
- ✦ Choose a banana that is ripe and fragrant but still firm; an overripe one turns mushy and slides apart once you split it.
- ✦ Let hard ice cream sit out for two to three minutes and dip your scoop in warm water so the scoops come out round and clean.
- ✦ Build the split in a chilled long dish straight from the freezer to slow melting and keep the scoops standing tall.
- ✦ Add the syrup, whipped cream, and cherry last and serve immediately, since the dessert is at its best before the ice cream starts to melt.
- ✦ For neat, even scoops, drag the scoop across the surface of the carton rather than digging straight down.
Ingredient Substitutions
-
vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream → non-dairy frozen dessert
Use coconut-, oat-, or soy-based scoops 1:1 to make the split dairy-free or vegan; the same three classic flavors are widely available.
-
chocolate syrup → warm hot fudge or caramel sauce
Swap measure for measure. Hot fudge clings more thickly to the scoops, while caramel pairs especially well with the banana.
-
whipped cream → coconut whipped cream
Use chilled, whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free topping; it holds soft peaks and adds a light coconut note that suits the fruit.
-
maraschino cherries → fresh cherries or a strawberry
Top with a pitted fresh cherry or a sliced strawberry for a less sugary, more natural finish; toasted nuts also add crunch.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a banana split ahead of time? ▼
Not really; a banana split is meant to be assembled and eaten right away. You can prep components in advance, keeping ice cream in the freezer and slicing the banana at the last minute, but assemble just before serving so the scoops stay firm and the banana does not brown.
How do I keep the banana from turning brown? ▼
Slice the banana just before assembling, since cut banana browns quickly once exposed to air. A light brush of lemon juice slows browning if you must cut it a little ahead, but for the best look and flavor, split it at the moment you build the dessert.
Is this dessert safe to let sit out, and can I store leftovers? ▼
Ice cream should not sit at room temperature for long; serve the split within a few minutes and refreeze any unserved scoops promptly. An assembled banana split does not store well because the ice cream melts and the banana softens, so make only as much as you will eat.
How can I make this dessert vegan? ▼
Use non-dairy frozen dessert in the three classic flavors, top with whipped coconut cream instead of dairy whipped cream, and choose a vegan chocolate syrup. Maraschino cherries are usually vegan, but check the label or use a fresh cherry to be sure.
How do I scale this up for a party? ▼
This recipe serves 2. Multiply the banana, scoops, and toppings by the number of guests, and set up a build-your-own bar with bowls of syrups, nuts, sprinkles, and cherries. Keep the ice cream in the freezer until the last moment and let guests assemble their own to avoid melting.
