Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that captures everyone’s favorite childhood memories, the Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts checks every box. Imagine silky ice cream in three classic flavors nestled among sweet banana slices, drenched in a trio of irresistible toppings, and crowned with whipped cream, crunchy nuts, and those iconic maraschino cherries. Every spoonful is equal parts creamy, fruity, crunchy, and decadent. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this fun, over-the-top treat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With this Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts, you’ll find that each ingredient brings something special, whether it’s flavor, color, or that essential finishing touch. Don’t be tempted to skip a component – together, they create the ultimate dessert masterpiece.

• Bananas: The foundation of any iconic banana split, their sweetness and soft texture balance all the rich toppings.
• Vanilla ice cream: Offers a creamy, classic flavor that lets the other toppings shine.
• Chocolate ice cream: Delivers deep, decadent chocolate notes for that irresistible contrast.
• Strawberry ice cream: Adds a fruity burst of color and flavor that lifts every bite.
• Pineapple chunks: Bring a refreshing, tropical tang that brightens the whole experience.
• Strawberry topping: Keeps things vibrant and extra juicy around the strawberry scoop.
• Hot fudge sauce, warmed: A must for melting into the chocolate ice cream, creating gooey magic.
• Whipped cream: Fluffy and light, it’s the billowy cloud that tops your entire sundae.
• Chopped nuts (walnuts or peanuts): These add that perfect, salty crunch to contrast the creamy textures.
• Maraschino cherries: The finishing flourish of color and sweetness every sundae deserves.

How to Make Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Start by peeling your bananas and slicing each one lengthwise, right down the middle. Arrange the slices in a long, shallow dish (a classic banana split boat works beautifully, but any oblong plate or baking dish will do). These bananas form the sweet cradle for all the magic to come!

Step 2: Scoop the Ice Cream

It’s time for the trifecta: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Place a generous scoop of each flavor between the banana halves so the colors and flavors sit side by side. This trio is the heart of the Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts, and it creates that irresistible burst of taste and color.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Bring on the layers! Gently spoon the juicy pineapple chunks over the vanilla ice cream. Next, drizzle that vibrant strawberry topping over the strawberry scoop. Finally, pour the warmed hot fudge sauce right over the chocolate ice cream—watch as it slowly melts in for pure heaven.

Step 4: Garnish

Now for the glorious finishing touches. Top each scoop with a generous cloud of whipped cream. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the whipped cream, letting them tumble naturally to give every bite a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Finish with Cherries

No Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts is complete without a maraschino cherry perched atop each mountain of whipped cream. It’s that unmistakable touch that makes everyone’s heart skip a beat!

Step 6: Serve

Serve your beautiful creation immediately, before the ice cream starts to melt and all that saucy goodness becomes one sweet pool. Grab some long spoons and dig in—you deserve every decadent bite!

How to Serve Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts

Garnishes

Fresh garnish brings out the wow factor! I love sprinkling a little extra chopped nuts or even adding a shower of colorful sprinkles for fun. If you want to make your Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts extra fancy, zest a little orange over the top for a citrusy twist.

Side Dishes

While this sundae stands tall on its own, serving it alongside crisp butter cookies or delicate pizzelle wafers is always a fun touch. If you’re in the mood for more fruit, a few fresh berries nestled around the sundae add a nice burst of color and balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the classic boat dish! Try building individual Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts in mason jars for a picnic, or arrange them on a big platter for sharing at parties. You could even set up a DIY sundae bar with all the toppings so everyone can customize their own masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), transfer everything into an airtight container. The banana may brown a bit, but it’s still delicious the next day. Just cover with plastic wrap and tuck in the fridge—it will hold up for about a day.

Freezing

While the ice cream and toppings freeze beautifully, bananas don’t always fare so well in the freezer. If you plan on making parts of your Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts ahead, pre-scoop the ice creams and freeze them on a tray, then assemble with fresh bananas and toppings just before serving.

Reheating

The only thing you’ll need to reheat is the hot fudge sauce. Give it a quick zap in the microwave or warm it gently on the stove until it’s glossy and pourable again, then drizzle it onto your sundae right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other ice cream flavors in my Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts?

Absolutely! While the classic trio of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry brings nostalgia, feel free to experiment with your favorites—think caramel swirl, pistachio, or even coffee. There are no rules when it comes to making this treat your own.

What kind of nuts work best?

Walnuts and peanuts are traditional, but you can easily try pecans, almonds, or even cashews for something different. Toasting the nuts first brings out extra flavor and crunch, so give that a try if you have a few extra minutes!

Can I make Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts ahead for a party?

You can pre-slice the bananas and prep the toppings in bowls, but I recommend assembling the sundae just before serving so everything stays fresh and pretty. Scooping the ice cream onto a chilled tray also helps speed up serving if you have a larger group.

Is there a dairy-free way to enjoy this dessert?

Definitely! There are so many amazing non-dairy ice creams, whipped toppings, and even dairy-free fudge sauces available now. You can keep the spirit of a Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts alive, just swap in your favorite plant-based alternatives.

What’s the best way to keep the ice cream from melting too quickly?

Chill your serving dishes ahead of time in the freezer—this buys you extra time for assembly and serving. Also, make sure your toppings and sauces are ready to go before you start scooping the ice cream.

Final Thoughts

Few desserts create instant smiles like the Cream Sundae with Banana Split and Nuts. It’s easy enough for weeknight indulgence but impressive enough for celebrations. Gather your favorite people, scoop with abandon, and savor every deliciously nostalgic bite!