Banana Split Recipe

Bananas: Ripe bananas provide the base for this dessert, offering natural sweetness and a creamy texture.

Vegan ice cream: Choose any flavor of vegan ice cream to suit your taste. This dairy-free option ensures the dessert is suitable for vegans.

Chopped nuts: Optional but recommended for added crunch and a nutty flavor. Use any type of nuts you prefer.

Vegan chocolate syrup: A rich and decadent topping that complements the sweetness of the bananas and ice cream.

Cherries: Used for garnish, cherries add a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor to the dessert.

When slicing the bananas lengthwise, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and prevent bruising. This will help maintain the bananas' shape and presentation. Additionally, slightly warming the vegan chocolate syrup before drizzling can make it easier to pour and create a more visually appealing dessert.

• Bananas - Substitute with mango slices: Mango slices provide a similar creamy texture and natural sweetness, making them an excellent alternative to bananas.

• Vegan ice cream - Substitute with frozen coconut yogurt: Frozen coconut yogurt offers a creamy consistency and can be found in various flavors, similar to vegan ice cream.

• Chopped nuts - Substitute with seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds): Seeds add a crunchy texture and are a great nut-free option for those with allergies.

• Vegan chocolate syrup - Substitute with date syrup: Date syrup is a natural sweetener with a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs well with desserts.

• Cherries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a tart and sweet flavor, similar to cherries, and work well as a garnish.

• To keep your banana split fresh for a short period, cover the serving dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the texture of the bananas and the vegan ice cream for up to 2 hours.
• If you need to store the components separately, place the bananas in an airtight container with a few drops of lemon juice to prevent browning. Store the vegan ice cream in its original container or a freezer-safe container to keep it from melting.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the banana split. Assemble the bananas and vegan ice cream on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This method ensures the banana split retains its shape and flavor.
• When ready to enjoy, remove the frozen banana split from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the vegan ice cream to soften slightly, making it easier to eat.
• Avoid adding the vegan chocolate syrup, chopped nuts, and cherries before freezing. Instead, store these toppings separately and add them just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
• For the vegan chocolate syrup, store it in a squeeze bottle or airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a month. Simply drizzle over the banana split when ready to serve.
• Keep the chopped nuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for several weeks. Sprinkle them over the banana split just before serving.
• Store the cherries in a jar with their syrup in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for several weeks. Garnish the banana split with cherries right before serving for the best presentation and taste.

• Place the leftover banana split in an airtight container and store it in the freezer.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the banana split from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to slightly soften.
• Transfer the banana split to an oven-safe dish.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for about 5-7 minutes, just until the bananas are warmed through but the ice cream is still intact.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Place the banana split in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, checking frequently to ensure the ice cream doesn't completely melt.
• Once warmed, drizzle additional vegan chocolate syrup if desired, and enjoy immediately.

• Knife: To peel and slice the bananas lengthwise.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely slice the bananas.

• Ice cream scoop: To scoop the vegan ice cream and place it between the banana slices.

• Serving dish: To arrange the banana slices and ice cream.

• Spoon: To drizzle the vegan chocolate syrup over the ice cream and bananas.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the chopped nuts and vegan chocolate syrup.

• Chopping knife: To chop the nuts if they are not pre-chopped.

• Small bowl: To hold the chopped nuts before sprinkling them on the dessert.

• Tongs: Optional, to place the cherries on top for garnish.

Pre-slice the bananas: Peel and slice the bananas ahead of time, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use store-bought syrup: Opt for ready-made vegan chocolate syrup to save time on preparation.

Pre-scoop the ice cream: Scoop the vegan ice cream into balls and freeze them on a tray. This way, they’re ready to place between the banana slices.

Chop nuts in bulk: If using chopped nuts, prepare a larger batch and store them in a jar for quick access.

Ready-to-use cherries: Use pre-pitted and stemmed cherries for easy garnishing.