Frozen Treats

Banana Split Ice Cream

Name: Banana Split Ice Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 large ripe bananas, peeled and sliced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup high-quality chocolate chips; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp fine salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

By Una Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Frozen Treats

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total240 min

Serves6

As a child, I was always fascinated by the colorful and elaborate banana splits at our local ice cream parlor. The combination of creamy ice cream, sweet bananas, and crunchy nuts was a match made in heaven. Today, I'm excited to share my recipe for Banana Split Ice Cream, a unique dessert that captures the essence of this classic treat in a single, delicious scoop.

What makes this recipe special is the use of pureed bananas, which are blended into the ice cream base to create a smooth and creamy texture. The addition of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and a hint of vanilla extract takes this dessert to the next level. Whether you're a fan of banana splits or just looking for a new ice cream flavor to try, this recipe is sure to impress.

This Banana Split Ice Cream is perfect for warm weather gatherings, family barbecues, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy on a hot summer day. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. So why not give it a try and experience the magic of banana split ice cream for yourself?

In this recipe, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of making Banana Split Ice Cream, from preparing the ice cream base to churning and freezing the final product. With its unique flavor combination and creamy texture, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

So let's get started and dive into the world of Banana Split Ice Cream! With its rich flavors and smooth texture, this dessert is sure to transport you back to the good old days of childhood summers and carefree fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Banana Split Ice Cream is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment.
The unique flavor combination of pureed bananas, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts is a match made in heaven.
This dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings, family barbecues, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy on a hot summer day.
The creamy texture and smooth flavor of this ice cream make it a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing dessert.
This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins and toppings to create a truly unique dessert.
Banana Split Ice Cream is a great way to use up ripe bananas and reduce food waste in your household.
This dessert is perfect for kids and adults alike, with its fun and playful flavor combination and creamy texture.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Banana Split Ice Cream lies in the combination of ingredients and the technique used to prepare them. By pureeing the bananas and blending them into the ice cream base, we create a smooth and creamy texture that's perfect for scooping. The addition of chocolate chips and chopped nuts provides a nice contrast in texture, while the vanilla extract adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the flavor.

Another key factor in making great ice cream is temperature control. By chilling the ice cream base to the correct temperature before churning, we can ensure that the mixture freezes evenly and develops a smooth, creamy texture. This is especially important when working with ingredients like bananas, which can be prone to ice crystal formation if not handled properly.

Finally, the use of high-quality ingredients is essential for making great Banana Split Ice Cream. By choosing ripe bananas, high-quality chocolate, and fresh nuts, we can ensure that our dessert has the best possible flavor and texture. Whether you're a seasoned ice cream maker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to produce delicious results.

With its unique flavor combination and creamy texture, Banana Split Ice Cream is the perfect dessert for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. So why not give it a try and experience the magic of this delicious treat for yourself?

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Banana Split Ice Cream, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including pureed bananas, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and high-quality chocolate chips. You'll also need some basic kitchen equipment, such as a blender, ice cream maker, and freezer-safe container.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose ripe bananas and high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture. You can also customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins and toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or whipped cream.

3 large ripe bananas, peeled and slicedRipe bananas are essential for the best flavor and texture in this recipe. Look for bananas with a few brown spots and a sweet, slightly soft texture.
1 1/2 cups heavy creamHeavy cream provides the richness and creaminess that's essential for great ice cream. Look for high-quality heavy cream with a high fat content for the best results.
1 cup granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to balance the flavor of the bananas and chocolate. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but keep in mind that the ice cream will be less sweet after freezing.
1/2 cup high-quality chocolate chipsHigh-quality chocolate chips are essential for the best flavor and texture in this recipe. Look for chocolate chips with a high cocoa content and a smooth, creamy texture.
1/4 cup chopped walnutsChopped walnuts add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the ice cream. You can also use other types of nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, if you prefer.
1 tsp pure vanilla extractPure vanilla extract adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the flavor of the ice cream. Look for high-quality vanilla extract with a high vanillin content for the best results.
1/4 tsp fine saltA pinch of fine salt helps to balance the flavor of the ice cream and bring out the sweetness of the bananas and chocolate.
2 large eggsEggs help to enrich the flavor and texture of the ice cream. Look for fresh, high-quality eggs with a clean, smooth texture.
1 cup whole milkWhole milk adds creaminess and helps to balance the flavor of the ice cream. You can also use low-fat or nonfat milk if you prefer, but keep in mind that the ice cream may be less creamy.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter helps to enrich the flavor and texture of the ice cream. Look for high-quality unsalted butter with a high fat content for the best results.

Equipment You’ll Need

Blender or food processorIce cream makerFreezer-safe container with lidMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskInstant-read thermometerMixing bowl

How to Make Banana Split Ice Cream

1
In a blender or food processor, puree the sliced bananas until smooth. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of pureed banana.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk. Temper the egg mixture by slowly pouring the warm cream mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly.
4
Return the saucepan to the stovetop and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches an internal temperature of 170-180°F.
5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pureed banana, chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, vanilla extract, and fine salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
6
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8
Once the ice cream is almost fully churned, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the container in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours.
9
Once the ice cream is hardened, scoop and serve. You can customize your banana split ice cream with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
10
To ensure the best texture and flavor, it's essential to churn the ice cream until it's almost fully set and then freeze it to harden. This will help to prevent ice crystal formation and give you a smooth, creamy texture.
11
If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can also freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan and then blend it in a food processor once it's frozen solid. This will give you a slightly chunkier texture, but it's still delicious and worth trying.

Expert Tips

Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
Don't over-churn the ice cream, as this can lead to a tough or icy texture.
If you're using a store-bought ice cream mix, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and adjust the flavorings as needed.
Experiment with different mix-ins and toppings to create a unique and delicious flavor combination.
Consider using a high-quality ice cream maker for the best results, as this will help to churn the ice cream to the correct consistency and texture.
If you're having trouble getting the ice cream to churn, try adding a little more cream or whole milk to the mixture and then re-churning.
To prevent ice crystal formation, it's essential to churn the ice cream until it's almost fully set and then freeze it to harden.
Don't over-freeze the ice cream, as this can lead to a tough or icy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using unripe bananas, which can lead to a bland or starchy flavor.
Over-churning the ice cream, which can result in a tough or icy texture.
Not tempering the egg mixture properly, which can lead to scrambled eggs or a curdled mixture.
Not chilling the mixture long enough, which can result in a soft or icy texture.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the ice cream.
Not following the instructions carefully, which can lead to a range of problems, from a too-soft texture to a too-hard texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the ice cream for added texture and flavor.
Use different types of milk, such as almond or coconut milk, to create a non-dairy ice cream.
Add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavor of the ice cream.
Try using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to create a unique flavor profile.
Experiment with different mix-ins, such as candy pieces or cookie dough, to create a fun and playful flavor combination.
Consider using a high-quality ice cream mix as a base and then customizing it with your favorite flavorings and mix-ins.
Add a few drops of food coloring to the ice cream to create a fun and colorful flavor combination.

What to Serve With Banana Split Ice Cream

Banana Split Ice Cream is perfect for serving on its own or as part of a sundae. Try pairing it with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, chopped nuts, or sprinkles, for a delicious and customizable dessert.

You can also serve Banana Split Ice Cream as part of a larger dessert, such as a banana split or a sundae bar. Simply scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and top with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Whipped creamChopped nutsSprinklesChocolate sauceCaramel sauceFresh fruit

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store Banana Split Ice Cream, simply place the container in the freezer and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The ice cream will keep for several weeks in the freezer, but it's best consumed within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

If you're looking to make the ice cream ahead of time, you can prepare the mixture and then freeze it until you're ready to churn. Simply thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator and then churn according to the instructions.

To prevent ice crystal formation, it's essential to churn the ice cream until it's almost fully set and then freeze it to harden. This will help to give you a smooth, creamy texture that's perfect for scooping and serving.

Banana Split Ice Cream is also a great make-ahead dessert, as it can be prepared and frozen until you're ready to serve. Simply thaw the ice cream overnight in the refrigerator and then scoop and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bananas should I use for this recipe?

Ripe bananas are essential for the best flavor and texture in this recipe. Look for bananas with a few brown spots and a sweet, slightly soft texture.

Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of milk, such as almond or coconut milk, to create a non-dairy ice cream. Simply substitute the whole milk with your preferred milk alternative and proceed with the recipe.

How long does it take to churn the ice cream?

The churning time will depend on the type of ice cream maker you're using and the consistency of the mixture. As a general rule, it's best to churn the ice cream until it's almost fully set and then freeze it to harden.

Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream?

Yes, you can add mix-ins to the ice cream to create a unique and delicious flavor combination. Simply fold in your preferred mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips, once the ice cream is almost fully churned.

How do I prevent ice crystal formation in the ice cream?

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and then freeze it until you're ready to churn. Simply thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator and then churn according to the instructions.

How do I store the ice cream?

Can I serve the ice cream as part of a larger dessert?

Yes, you can serve Banana Split Ice Cream as part of a larger dessert, such as a banana split or a sundae bar. Simply scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and top with your favorite toppings and sauces.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card