Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe
Imagine the joy of a classic banana split, transformed into a frosty, sippable treat—Banana Split Milkshakes are everything you love about the iconic sundae, packed into a glass and topped with all the essentials. This playful, colorful dessert is pure nostalgia, with layers of creamy vanilla ice cream, sweet fruit, ribbons of chocolate, and a mountain of whipped cream. Whether you’re cooling off on a summer afternoon or simply need a whimsical pick-me-up, Banana Split Milkshakes promise a party in every sip and a guaranteed smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Milkshake Base
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk (more as needed)
Fruits & Flavorings
- ¼ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup (plus more for drizzling)
- ¼ cup strawberries, chopped
Toppings
- Whipped cream for topping
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Chopped peanuts or sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Banana Split Milkshakes
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your ripe bananas and popping them into the freezer ahead of time. Using frozen bananas is the secret to that thick, ice-cream-shop consistency we all crave. Make sure your strawberries are hulled and chopped, and drain your pineapple well to avoid a watery shake.
Step 2: Blend Everything Together
In a high-powered blender, add the frozen banana slices, vanilla ice cream, milk, crushed pineapple, chocolate syrup, and chopped strawberries. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If your blender struggles a bit, just add a splash more milk until the blades turn easily and everything is perfectly blended.
Step 3: Check the Consistency
Pause to check the thickness. If you love a super-thick milkshake, you can add a few more banana slices or a scoop of ice cream. Prefer it a bit lighter? Add an extra splash of milk to get just the right pourable texture.
Step 4: Pour and Garnish
Pour your Banana Split Milkshakes into tall, chilled glasses. Top each with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and that all-important maraschino cherry. For extra flair, sprinkle on chopped peanuts or colorful sprinkles—the more playful, the better!
How to Serve Banana Split Milkshakes
Garnishes
When it comes to Banana Split Milkshakes, the garnishes are half the fun! Pile on whipped cream, give a generous zigzag of chocolate syrup, and crown each shake with a cherry. Don’t forget the chopped peanuts or rainbow sprinkles for that classic banana split look and a satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
These milkshakes are a showstopper all on their own, but if you want to turn snack time into a full-on party, serve them alongside buttery shortbread cookies, crisp waffle cones, or even a plate of chocolate-dipped pretzels. The sweet-and-salty combo is impossible to resist!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pour Banana Split Milkshakes into mason jars or mini milk bottles and set out a toppings bar with extra fruit, sauces, and sprinkles for guests to customize their creations. Or, try making mini shakes in shot glasses for a whimsical dessert tray at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Banana Split Milkshakes, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give them a quick stir or shake before serving, as the ingredients may settle a bit. Keep in mind, though, the texture is best when fresh.
Freezing
To freeze your milkshake, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. When ready to enjoy, allow it to soften at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, then blend or whisk to restore that creamy, dreamy consistency.
Reheating
While you won’t need to reheat a milkshake, if your shake is too frozen after storing or freezing, just let it sit on the counter for a few minutes or pulse it in the blender with a splash of milk until it’s back to sipping perfection.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?
Frozen bananas are key for that thick, milkshake-like texture, but if you’re in a pinch, fresh bananas will work—the shake will just be slightly thinner and less frosty. Try adding a handful of ice cubes to help thicken things up.
Is it possible to make Banana Split Milkshakes dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular milk and ice cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives, like almond, oat, or coconut milk and non-dairy vanilla ice cream. The result is just as creamy and delicious, with all the classic flavors.
What other toppings can I use?
The sky’s the limit! Try toasted coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or even a dollop of peanut butter. These milkshakes are all about personalization and playfulness.
Can I double or triple the recipe for a party?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients to match the number of servings you need, and blend in batches if necessary. Banana Split Milkshakes are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
How do I make the milkshake thicker or thinner?
For a thicker shake, use less milk or add an extra scoop of ice cream or more frozen banana. For a thinner, more sippable shake, just add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a surefire way to spark joy and nostalgia, whip up a batch of Banana Split Milkshakes! They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to brighten any day with their playful flavors and creamy texture. Grab your blender and indulge in a little sweet magic—you’ll be glad you did.
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Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously creamy banana split milkshake that combines frozen bananas, vanilla ice cream, and fruity flavors like pineapple, strawberries, and chocolate syrup. Topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and optional chopped peanuts or sprinkles, this refreshing and fun shake makes a perfect summer treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Milkshake Base
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk (more as needed)
Fruits & Flavorings
- ¼ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup (plus more for drizzling)
- ¼ cup strawberries, chopped
Toppings
- Whipped cream for topping
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Chopped peanuts or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the frozen banana slices, vanilla ice cream, milk, crushed pineapple, chocolate syrup, and chopped strawberries into a blender.
- Blend Smoothly: Blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add more milk if necessary to achieve your preferred milkshake consistency.
- Pour & Serve: Pour the milkshake into tall glasses, ensuring an even distribution of the delicious flavors.
- Add Toppings: Top each milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of additional chocolate syrup, and a maraschino cherry for a classic finish.
- Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or colorful sprinkles on top for added texture and fun.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve right away with a straw and a spoon to savor all the layers of flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a thicker milkshake, reduce the amount of milk or add more frozen banana slices.
- You can swap some or all of the vanilla ice cream with chocolate or strawberry ice cream for alternative flavor variations.
- Make sure the pineapple is well drained to avoid diluting the milkshake.
- Use fresh or frozen strawberries depending on availability and preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 milkshake
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
