Ice Cream Sundae with Banana and Nuts Recipe

The Dreamy Banana Nut Ice Cream Sundae Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet summer afternoons call for the ultimate banana nut ice cream sundae that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy vanilla ice cream nestled with fresh banana slices creates a delightful dessert experience.

Crunchy chopped nuts add a delectable texture that elevates every spoonful.

This classic treat brings together rich flavors and simple ingredients in moments.

The combination of cool, smooth ice cream and warm, toasted nuts delivers a perfect balance of temperatures and tastes.

Each layer builds excitement for the next delicious bite.

Prepare to savor a dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Banana Split Sundae Delights Everyone Loves

  • Perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings with minimal preparation and maximum flavor explosion.
  • Easily personalize each sundae by adjusting sauces, nuts, and toppings to match individual preferences and taste buds.
  • Appealing to all ages, this classic dessert brings instant smiles and creates fun memories during gatherings or family nights.
  • Combines creamy ice cream, crunchy nuts, smooth sauces, and soft bananas for an incredible sensory experience in every single bite.

Ingredient Essentials for Banana Split Sundaes

Main Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Fresh, ripe bananas form the classic base of this delightful banana split sundae.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: A smooth and creamy classic flavor that provides a rich foundation for the dessert.
  • Chocolate Ice Cream: A decadent chocolate flavor that adds depth and richness to the sundae.
  • Strawberry Ice Cream: A fruity and sweet ice cream that brings a bright flavor to the dessert.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Hot Fudge Sauce, Caramel Sauce, Pineapple Sauce: Sweet and warm sauces that add moisture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the sundae.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Chopped Nuts, Whipped Cream, Maraschino Cherry, Sprinkles: Crunchy nuts, fluffy cream, bright cherry, and colorful sprinkles provide texture, visual appeal, and additional layers of flavor to complete the classic sundae.

Gear to Build a Show-Stopping Sundae

  • Large Dessert Dishes: Wide, deep dishes perfect for showcasing your colorful sundae.
  • Ice Cream Scoop: Stainless steel scoop for creating perfectly rounded ice cream scoops.
  • Measuring Spoons: For precise drizzling of sauces.
  • Knife: To slice bananas into neat halves.
  • Chopping Board: For safely cutting bananas and nuts.
  • Spoon: For adding whipped cream and placing cherries.

Creating a Banana Split Sundae: Directions

Step 1: Slice And Position Bananas

Select ripe yellow bananas and slice them lengthwise.

Carefully place two banana halves in each large dessert dish, positioning them to create a classic split foundation.

Step 2: Scoop Creamy Ice Cream Layers

Select three distinct ice cream flavors:
  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Strawberry

Gently place one scoop of each flavor between the banana halves, creating a colorful and delicious arrangement.

Step 3: Drizzle Decadent Sauces

Warm up three classic sauce options:
  • Hot fudge
  • Caramel
  • Pineapple

Carefully drizzle these sauces over the ice cream, allowing them to cascade beautifully down the scoops and bananas.

Step 4: Sprinkle Crunchy Nuts

Choose your favorite nuts:
  • Chopped almonds
  • Crushed walnuts
  • Roasted pecans

Generously scatter the chopped nuts across the entire sundae, adding texture and nutty flavor.

Step 5: Crown With Fluffy Cream

Take fresh whipped cream and create a light, airy swirl on top of each sundae, covering the ice cream and nuts with a creamy cloud.

Step 6: Finish With Classic Garnish

Top the whipped cream with a bright red maraschino cherry.

For extra flair, sprinkle colorful rainbow jimmies or chocolate shavings over the sundae.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Present the banana split sundae immediately while still cold and invite everyone to dig into this classic dessert celebration.

Ice Cream Sundae Tips to Impress

  • Select firm, yellow bananas without brown spots for the best texture and sweetness in your sundae.
  • Warm sauces slightly to create a beautiful drizzle without melting the ice cream too quickly.
  • Chop nuts and have all toppings ready before assembling to create a smooth, quick dessert experience.
  • Chill dessert dishes in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep ice cream firm longer.
  • Try different nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to add unique flavor and crunch to your sundae.

Banana Split Sundae Customizations

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace dairy ice cream with coconut milk or almond milk-based frozen desserts, using vegan whipped cream and dairy-free chocolate sauce.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all sauces and toppings are gluten-free certified, using gluten-free sprinkles and checking nut sources for cross-contamination.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar-free ice cream alternatives, use sugar-free sauces, and replace maraschino cherries with fresh berries for natural sweetness.
  • Tropical Transformation: Swap traditional nuts with toasted coconut flakes, use mango and passion fruit sauces, and add fresh passion fruit seeds as a garnish.

Fun Ways to Serve Banana Split Sundaes

  • Fancy Presentation Platter: Create an elegant dessert spread by arranging sundaes on a beautiful marble or wooden serving board with extra garnishes scattered around.
  • Party Perfect Companion: Pair the sundae with crisp wafer cookies or delicate shortbread on the side for added crunch and texture contrast.
  • Adult Twist Option: Drizzle a small amount of liqueur like Baileys or amaretto over the sundae for a sophisticated grown-up version of this classic dessert.
  • Festive Decoration Station: Set up a small tray with extra toppings like chocolate shavings, colorful sprinkles, and additional chopped nuts so guests can customize their sundaes.

Sundae Storage Enjoyment

  • Store leftover sundae components separately in airtight containers. Keep ice cream in the freezer, sauces in sealed jars, and toppings in separate containers to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual banana splits in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Consume within 2-3 days for best texture and flavor.
  • Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to restore creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent melting and texture loss.
  • Refresh nuts and whipped cream just before serving. Discard maraschino cherries after one day to prevent sogginess and maintain quality.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent bananas from browning quickly?

Cut bananas just before serving and brush with lemon juice to slow down oxidation and keep them fresh.

  • What are the best nuts to use for this sundae?

Chopped roasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts work best, adding a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the dessert.

  • Can I make this sundae ahead of time?

Prepare individual components separately, but assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent ice cream from melting.

  • How can I make this dessert more kid-friendly?

Let children help choose their favorite ice cream flavors and toppings, making it a fun and interactive dessert experience.

Print
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Ice Cream Sundae with Banana and Nuts Recipe

Ice Cream Sundae with Banana and Nuts Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade banana sundae delights with creamy vanilla ice cream nestled between caramelized banana slices and crunchy roasted nuts. Rich flavors and textures create a classic dessert perfect for summer afternoons when you crave something sweet and satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 bananas
  • 6 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • 6 scoops chocolate ice cream
  • 6 scoops strawberry ice cream

Sauces and Toppings:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot fudge sauce, warmed
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) caramel sauce, warmed
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple topping
  • 1 cup (150 grams) chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, or almonds)
  • Whipped cream
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Garnishes:

(none additional beyond the above categories)


Instructions

  1. Slice bananas lengthwise and position two halves in each of three dessert bowls, creating a classic banana split foundation.
  2. Carefully nestle one scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream between the banana halves, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Gently warm hot fudge, caramel, and pineapple sauces, then artfully drizzle them over the ice cream, allowing the sauces to cascade down the sides.
  4. Liberally scatter chopped nuts across the sundae, providing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to complement the creamy ice cream.
  5. Crown each sundae with a luxurious swirl of whipped cream, creating an elegant peaked texture.
  6. Complete the dessert by perching a vibrant maraschino cherry atop the whipped cream and optionally sprinkle colorful confetti-like sprinkles for added visual appeal.
  7. Present the sundaes immediately while the ice cream remains perfectly chilled and the sauces are still slightly warm, inviting immediate indulgence.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, firm bananas to prevent them from turning mushy and maintaining a perfect texture in your sundae.
  • Slightly warm the sauces before drizzling to create a beautiful contrast with the cold ice cream and enhance flavor melting.
  • Toast nuts beforehand to elevate their crunchiness and release deeper, more complex nutty flavors.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond milk ice cream for lactose-intolerant guests or vegan diets.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 1030
  • Sugar: 115 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 130 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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