disclosure: This is a sponsored post as part of the #BananaSplitDay Twitter Party
When was the last time you made a banana split? For me, it had been a while! But over the weekend I made this Jumbo Vegan Banana Split. I scooped creamy, melty spheres of vanilla bean, rich chocolate and strawberry dairy-free ice cream on top of silky-sweet banana halves, and loaded on the sauces, toppings, soy whip and even a few naturally-colored cherries on top. Midway through my banana split build I shouted out to my husband, "Hey, this is FUN!"
And it was! The colors, the flavors, the textures and the "wackiness" of it all.
Tomorrow, August 25th, is National Banana Split Day and I am so excited to be co-hosting a Twitter Party celebrating healthy, veganized makeovers on this all-American dessert. Ahead, get the details on the party, fun facts, a few recipes and a giveaway!..
UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who joined the twitter party! I had SO much fun chatting for an hour with you guys. You can catch up on all the fun over on my twitter page: @lunchboxbunch
“The banana split is not only American by birth; it reflects our genius for invention, passion for indulgence, and reputation for wackiness. It’s like no other dessert in the world - a grand idea that could only have been conceived in America.”
-Michael Turnback Author, The Banana Split Book
..The invite photo above is the dairy-free DOLE Banana Berry Splitz recipe. It only has 380 calories and 2.5g fat.
You are Invited! Grab your ice cream scoop and join me for some dessert-style fun on Tuesday August 25th as DOLE and I host a National #BananaSplitDay Twitter Party!
We will be chatting healthy recipes, my fave vegan versions, favorite ice cream flavors and ingredients, creative twists and tips and you can enter to win some amazing prizes.
Prizes include.. $25-$50 gift cards, Yonanas machines and more!
Ice cream. Friends. Prizes. What else could be better on a Tuesday night?
Speaking of prizes... I am also serving up my own Banana Split Day giveaway, at the end of this blogpost.
Split DOLE bananas, the start of every perfect jumbo banana split.
This vegan banana split is perfect for sharing! Grab some spoons..
Coconut milk and nut-based ice creams fill this delicious bowl..
Vegan Ice Cream Options + Recipes:
- I love Luna and Larrys Coconut Bliss!
- So Delicious Cashew milk-based ice cream in incredible!
- My Watermelon-Banana Blender ice cream is my fave.
- The chocolate and strawberry flavors in my banana split were GoBeyond's Omega Cream!
- My DIY Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- topping fave: homemade magic shell chocolate
- DIY DOLE Whip! So so good...
- DIY blender summer sorbets in four flavor options.
Sprinkles on top please..
Fave topping, chopped dark chocolate almond butter cups!..
More toppings. These are Merry Maraschino Cherries by Tillen Farms..
Ready for the coconut, rice or soy whip!..
Grab some friends and split this jumbo banana split!
Fun Facts - History of the Banana Split in America.
- David Strickler, a 23-year-old apprentice at Tassel’s Pharmacy in Latrobe, Pennsylvania invented the banana split in 1904 and served it to students of local Saint Vincent College. It quickly caught on with students and the rest is history.
- The original Tassel’s Pharmacy banana split cost 10 cents!
- Walgreens drugstores are credited with spreading the popularity of the banana split. Charles Rudolph Walgreen operated the earliest Walgreens locations in the Chicago area and adopted the banana split as a signature dessert.
- The historic recipe for the first banana split looked something like this.. The Great American Banana Split: “A fresh banana loaded with big scoops of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream, topped with chocolate, strawberry and pineapple, finished with clouds of whipped cream, chopped nuts and a cherry. Just what the doc ordered!” - Valley Dairy
My Veganized Banana Split Recipe. My vegan version is healthier, dairy-free and cruelty-free.
Ice Cream: I used the classic trio of flavors, dairy-free store-bought ice cream options. You can also use DIY banana ice cream for maximum banana goodness. (Which I plan on doing tomorrow during the party.)
Toppings: vegan sprinkles, chopped vegan chocolate chip cookies and vegan almond butter cups.
Whip: I swirled a "cloud" of soy whip on top - homemade coconut whip is pretty awesome too.
Sauce: I used vegan chocolate fudge, softened almond butter and a homemade strawberry sauce made by blending 100% fresh strawberries in my Vitamix.
Cherries on top: I used a 'healthier' variety - Tillen Farms cherries are made without artificial colors or flavors, sulfites or preservatives. Perfect.
Oh my gosh. So good.....
It is possible to have your banana splits and eat responsibly at the same time.
The star of a banana split is the banana. I mean, you cannot have a banana split without it!
Banana Nutrition. Bananas are a good source of vitamins and nutrients — especially vitamins B6 and C, potassium, manganese and dietary fiber. Bananas are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free and very low sodium. Just one medium banana provides 25% RDA of vitamin B6, 20 percent of vitamin C, 15% of manganese, 13 percent of potassium and 12% of dietary fiber.
Banana Fun Facts.
- Bananas are actually considered a type of berry.
- Bananas do not grow on trees, they grow on large hanging bushes.
- The average American consumes nearly 28 pounds of bananas annually. (I am definitely above average on that fact!)
I hope to see you at the party tomorrow
Happy Healthy Banana Split making ... and eating!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by DOLE in coordination with co-hosting the BananaSplitDay Twitter Party! All opinions are my own.
Ana @ Ana's Rocket Ship says
I am so sorry that I missed this!!!!
Debby Darmadi says
I really love banana split. My favourite is coconut ice cream (with shaded coconut) + jackfruit ice cream + durian ice cream with red cocopandan sirup and roasted canary nut.
RockMyVeganSocks says
And this is what I get for getting behind on blog reading - missing banana split day? Darn. I'll have to make extra to make up for it ;p Looks AMAZING!
autumndandelion says
I used to love banana splits back in the day, and this looks ridiculously good!
Gluten Free Babe says
Look sooooo good. I made banana ice cream last night with chunky peanut butter and dark chocolate coins. Everything in the food processor. So good! Please take a look at my other nana ice creams on my Gluten Free Babe blog 🙂
Julia Minney Mielish says
MY favorites are pretty plain, Vanilla ice cream and hot fudge.
Julia says
I love banana splits. They taste like heaven! I can't wait to try them with banana ice cream
Marina D says
Chocolate fudge sauce and whipped cream are my two favorites!!
Taylor says
Vegan whipped cream, crushed walnuts, and candy pieces make the best banana split! But no chocolate ice cream--vanilla and strawberry only!
Stefanie says
I love vegan hot fudge and natural cherries
RainDanceMan says
My favorite banana split ice cream flavor is chocolate! Toppings would be pineapple, caramel, & nuts!
Gina says
Definitely Hot Fudge and Marachino Cherries!
Laura says
I like all chocolate ice cream in my splits, and healthy doses of peanut butter sauce and chocolate syrup. Yum!
Laura says
I like all chocolate ice cream in my splits, and healthy doses of peanut butter sauce and chocolate syrup. Yum!
Elin Roberts says
I like chocolate/almonds/coconut shavings and vanilla bean/strawberries/raspberries and a little mint. And caramelized bananas with walnuts.
Felicia Escobedo says
I like vanilla and chocolate ice cream with hot fudge, almonds, whipped cream and cherry on top
Melissa Johnson says
I love chocolate ice cream & strawberries!
Susan Smith says
I love hot fudge and carmel toppings with whipped cream
DJohnson says
I love chocolate ice cream with hot fudge and caramel.
disqus_X2zYqTG9k4 says
I like chocolate chunk, double chocolate and watermelon ice creams with hot fudge, strawberries And Carmel toppings with whipped cream and cherries.
BrendaHaines81 says
I would say berries, like marionberries and blackberries.
Toni B says
I'm a huge fan of pineapple topping!
amamitc5 says
Whip Cream and Sprinkles
Valerie Simons says
hot fudge, bananas, almonds, Lots of fruit
Stephanie M says
Peanut butter sauce, chocolate chips, sprinkles and crushed nuts...also a whipped cream and cherry!
Annette H says
Hot fudge, caramel, strawberry sauce, pineapple, cashews, whipped cream and maraschino cherries. I don't hold back : )
Angela says
Strawberry, pineapple and chocolate = YUM!!
Cheribtx says
I love chocolate and carmel on my ice cream. Looking forward to the twitter party
sarah sinkus says
i love cherries and choclate sauce
Sarah Mendoza says
i love nuts,cherries and reeses
Rana Durham says
fave toppings are pecans, cherries, banana chips
Erin O'Dwyer says
Chocolate chip cookie dough! Nontraditional, but delicious!
Amy Lyons says
Strawberry, chocolate and peanut butter :)!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
Whipped cream!! There has to be something light and airy on top, it compliments the creamy rich ice cream perfectly <3 And of course the cherry 🙂
Jeffrey Lammers says
I like the standard vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice creams with hot fudge, caramel and strawberry preserves. Can't forget the whipped cream, peanuts and cherries!
Kathy Patalsky says
perfect! Don't forget to join the party tonight at 5pmPST on twitter! Go to twitter.com/lunchboxbunchto follow the fun!
s.e. thomas says
I love hot fudge, strawberries and strawberry sauce/jam, pineapple and pineapple sauce/jam, nut topping. But my standard likes are nothing next to those fabulous photos you posted. Beautiful!
Kathy Patalsky says
yum, hot fudge is a must! Don't forget to join the party tonight at 5pmPST on twitter! Go to twitter.com/lunchboxbunch to follow the fun!
Kricket Fountain says
On my banana split, I want chocolate, chocolate and MORE chocolate! I love hot fudge, magic she'll and chocolate chips! Of course I have ro have some sort of whipped topping and cherries!
Janel M. says
I love nut butter and nuts on my banana split.
Kilmorna says
I love anything chocolate with my ice cream.
Mary Fagans says
I love warm caramel on my ice cream
Katie Barthel says
So decadent! I love another excuse to eat bananas. I think I enjoy classic vanilla ice cream on my banana split, with caramel sauce. But it's honestly been so long since I've had one, I need to reassess!
Tera Estes says
I love love fresh strawberry sauce and coconut whipped cream!
Audrey Cobb says
Hot fudge and strawberries 🙂
Paula Leach says
My favorite toppings are hot fudge & caramel (vegan, of course!).
Betsy Barnes says
My favorite banana split toppings are caramel sauce, hot fudge, cherries, sprinkles and peanuts 🙂
Taylor Morgan says
Favorite toppings: peanut butter, chocolate chips and vegan whipped cream!!
perla m. says
my fave toppings are cherries and nuts!
Jennifer Essad says
I go for banana, raspberry and cheesecake ice cream, caramel, raspberries and pineapple toppings
Gina Germane Gallagher says
I love Hot Fudge, Chopped Peanuts and Whipped Cream on my Banana Splits!
dpapsis2 says
Hot fudge and butterscotch sauce.
Danielle Papsis
[email protected]
Michelle Flory says
Native Forest coconut cream + walnuts!
Natalie says
My favorite banana split toppings are butterscotch chips, cherries, cookie dough pieces and oreo crumbs. I like a different twist on the split!
Keri Justice says
My favorite topping are hot fudge whipped topping and crushed nuts. With a cherry to top it off!
1froglegs says
My banana split would be very similar to your, except I would add caramel sauce and leave off the cherries.
E E says
I've honestly never had a banana split but after looking at these amazing photos, I might have to now! I would want vanilla, chocolate, and cookie dough ice cream with caramel sauce and hot fudge - oh and some wet walnuts!
Claire Elizabeth says
Favourite icecream flavours: chocolate, peanut butter, and strawberry. Favourite toppings: strawberries, chocolate syrup, and celery (yes, CELERY)! ;-D
mapam30 says
I love broken kit kat bars and peanuts YUM
emmymom2777 says
I love my splits with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, and hot fudge, butterscotch and caramel toppings, and sometimes strawberries. (Sheila Vives on Rafflecopter)
Casandra LaMonaca says
I love the classic flavors...Chocolate, strawberry and vanilla topped off with chocolate syrup, whip cream and sprinkles 🙂
Allison Swain says
Yummm!!! That looks so good! I love adding peanut butter and cherries on mine. Might be a weird combo but it is super delicious! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Aimee Brimmer says
I actually just prefer vanilla for my ice cream flavor and then hot fudge, fresh pineapple, fresh strawberries, and coconut whipped cream for my toppings. 🙂
Curvatude says
I have to have fudge, fudge and more fudge!
Kristen Schwarz says
I love vanilla ice cream with some peanut butter in it. So yummy.
sarachristie says
I'm a huge fan of hot fudge, cherries, pineapples, and walnuts on my banana split! And don't forget the whip cream!
April Deters says
I love hot fudge, peanut butter, pineapple, and whipped cream! Mmmmm
Judith says
Gotta put peanut butter on top!
John Hartil says
Looks absolutely delicious!!
Kate Stephens says
Anything involving chocolate is good in my book!
Andrea says
My favorite banana split topping is nut butters of any kind!
Melisa Sharpe says
My favorite topping for a banana split is chocolate ice cream with caramel, hot fudge, toasted walnut pieces and whipped cream with a cherry on top for sure!
ska4me says
Vanilla ice cream all the way, and caramel sauce is a MUST!
Sandy VanBuskirk says
chocolate and strawberry with pineapple topping yum
Two Dart Mom says
Pineapple is one of my favorite toppings on a banana split plus tons of whip cream!
Stephanie says
My favorite toppings for a banana split would have to be strawberries, hot fudge, & caramel - with whipped cream, maraschino cherries then toasted walnuts sprinkled on top
Rita Alar says
I like making mine with Pineapple topping and Marshmallow topping over chocolate and vanilla ice cream
Lisa Hochstetler says
My favorite banana split flavor is homemade peach and raspberry cream of coconut ice cream with bananas and a mango sauce
Summer I. says
My favorite toppings would be dark chocolate peanut butter cups, some whip cream and chocolate sprinkles.
Harriet Emily says
Oh my goodness, all of these banana splits look so incredible!!!!!! I haven't made one in so long, I'm definitely going to have one for my dessert tonight. Yum!
Allie S. says
It's all about the maraschino cherries. And the wet walnuts. And coconut. Whipped cream. Chocolate syrup. I might have a banana split problem, you guys.
@Gucchie23Jl says
Chocolate blueberries and caramel
Amelia says
I just made peanut butter banana based ice "cream" last night for my first time! I love the coconut milk whipped cream, vegan chocolate syrup, cherry juice and chopped nuts! YUM
Carrie D. says
I am all about anything with coconut and pecans. Or peanut butter. Or chocolate. Or cherries. Or all of the above!
Kristin G says
I love to add caramel and apple slices to my banana split.
Neyonta says
This looks like the dessert of happiness 🙂
Angela Vaught Montgomery says
My fav is vanilla and chocolate ice cream topped with hot fudge, sprinkles, and chopped nuts, topped off wih a cherry
wiffieward or tnhillbillygal says
I love chocolate and caramel sauces on my splits!
Rachel H says
Your banana split looks amazing! My favorite toppings are fudge sauce, whipped cream, and strawberries.
Liz S. says
My favorite banana split toppings are chopped walnuts and hot fudge sauce.
Tuesday's Child says
I like the classic: vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream and strawberry ice cream topped with hot fudge.
rebeccagraham says
Vanilla ice cream with bananas, caramel topping, whipped cream, cherries, chocolate syrup.
Michelle says
I love chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream with whipped cream, hot fudge and cherries on top.
Noreen says
I like mint chip, coffee and vanilla ice cream, cherry, hot fudge and a large spoon
Breanna Excell says
Okay that banana split looks amazing! My favourite toppings are raspberries, chocolate sauce, peanuts, and cacao nibs. Yum!
Steel Springs says
I love coconut, strawberries, and raspberries on top.
Deidre ChinaDoll LeDoux says
My favorite flavors and toppings are strawberries, pineapples, nuts, chocolate syrup and strawberry syrup
Catherine Jackson says
I love peanut butter with banana anything! I actually don't like chocolate, so I usually stick with a nut butter or fruit!
Adriane says
What kind of cookie dough is in the pictures? LOVE hot fudge sauce and salty peanuts on mine
Kathy Patalsky says
Those are chopped up homemade vegan cookies I made last week!
Ashleigh Gunter says
Must have is vanilla and strawberry ice cream, topped with chocolate syrup and sprinkles and maybe add some mini peanut butter cups! 🙂
Angela Hendricks says
My favorite toppings is nuts and whipped cream!
groogruxking40 says
I love the banana flavor as well as caramel and strawberry.
danarsab says
peanut butter sauce and strawberry ice cream on the banana mmm
Abigail says
Fudge, whipped cream and chopped peanuts. Can't wait for tomorrow.
Bianca says
dark chocolate chunks and melted peanut butter!
Ashley P says
I love walnuts as a topping!
Steph says
I love peanut butter on my banana splits!!
Lacey says
I love whipped cream, fudge sauce and sprinkles! The ratio must be equal parts sprinkles to ice cream 😉 It makes me happy!
Ann Paquette-Lukens says
I love peanut butter and chocolate on mine! I make breakfast banana splits with yogurt and granola also.
June Burns says
I always put too much whipped cream and hot fudge on my sundaes. Drooling over these photos! 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Oh but is there really such a thing as too much whip? 😉
Rebecca P. says
Load on the rainbow sprinkles!
Kathy Patalsky says
sprinkelz are so great!
Bethany says
My favorite banana split combo is pretty simple...chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice creams, with whipped cream, hot fudge sauce, strawberry sauce, and some chopped nuts. Mmmm!
Kathy Patalsky says
classic!