How to make banana split

What is a banana split?

A banana split is an iconic American dessert that is made from bananas, ice cream, whipped cream and fruit toppings. A banana is usually cut lengthwise and presented in a long, shallow dish. Traditionally, there is one scoop of vanilla ice cream, one chocolate and one strawberry. With every bite, you’ll be transported back to your childhood.  

 

Origins of the traditional banana split

The iconic banana split is as American as apple pie and milkshakes. It was created in 1904 by David Strickler in Pennsylvania, USA. At that time, a banana split cost only 10 cents.  

Strickler was experimenting with ice cream when he landed on a delicious jackpot. He created a dessert with a banana, three scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries. The split became popular and was called the “Dr. Dave” after the man who invented it.  

The birthplace of the traditional banana split hosts a banana split festival every year to celebrate. Today, the banana split can feature countless different flavours and toppings, but the classic recipe still lives on.  

 

Our Banana split recipe

Venchi’s banana split recipe puts a luxurious twist on the classic dessert. First, we’ve used gelato in place of ice cream. Gelato and ice cream are similar, but you can taste the difference. Gelato is the better choice if you’re after a more intense flavour and smoother texture.  

Elevate the traditional recipe by whipping up chocolate sauce, strawberry puree and pineapple sauce at home. Drizzle these homemade sauces over the banana split. You won’t believe how good it tastes. The extra effort will be worth it once you taste the flavours. We recommend grilling fresh pineapple pieces and toasting pecans before adding them to the split.  

 

How to make a banana split:

1. Peel and cut a banana lengthwise.  

2. Place the banana slices on each side of a long glass bowl.  

3. Put the scoops of gelato between the banana slices.  

4. Drizzle the strawberry puree on top of the strawberry gelato, pineapple sauce over vanilla gelato and chocolate sauce over the chocolate gelato.  

5. Grill pineapple pieces. Remove once caramelised.  

6. Add fresh strawberries and grilled pineapple to the banana split.  

7. Finish off each scoop of gelato with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.  

8. Sprinkle crushed toasted pecans on top.  

 

Ingredients:

• 1 banana, peeled and cut lengthwise  

• 1 scoop vanilla gelato  

• 1 scoop chocolate gelato  

• 1 scoop strawberry gelato 

• Grilled fresh pineapples  

• 2 tablespoons chocolate sauce  

• 2 tablespoons strawberry sauce  

• fresh strawberries  

• whipped cream 

• 3 maraschino cherries  

• 2 tablespoons toasted pecans 

 

Choose your favourite Venchi ice cream flavour

There are infinite Venchi ice cream flavours to choose from, so you can personalise the banana split to your taste and mood. Recreate the classic recipe with Venchi’s artisanal strawberry gelato, Chocoviar, and Fior di Latte.  

Now, you can enjoy classic banana split with these uniquely flavourful combinations for a satisfying treat. For those who love salty and sweet flavours, try matching Venchi’s Nougatine gelato, which is rich in caramel flavours, with salted peanuts. Or make Venchi’s Hazelnut gelato the key to your banana split. The rich nuttiness of the gelato pairs effortlessly with shredded coconut flakes.