Who says you need an ice cream maker to whip up a dreamy, decadent banana split? This no-churn vanilla ice cream recipe is all about keeping things easy yet indulgent — perfect for those moments when a sweet tooth strikes but you’re not in the mood for fuss.

This ice cream is used in a bistro-style recipe for a banana split with a twist: think velvety homemade vanilla ice cream, classic sundae toppings and caramelized bananas that bring a touch of elegance to this nostalgic dessert treat.

The best sundae toppings:

Caramel sauce
Chocolate chips
Maraschino cherries
Toasted pecans
Stroopwaffels

Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with someone special, this elevated sundae is the ultimate way to beat the heat or cap off a cozy night in. Grab a spoon and dig in, you’ve earned it!

Silver bowls of ice cream with a wafer and sundae decorations

Banana Split Ice Cream Sundae

A bistro-inspired dessert recipe for no-churn ice cream, served with caramelized bananas, caramel sauce and stroopwafels.

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Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings 8

Ingredients

No-Churn Ice Cream

300 mL can sweetened condensed milk
1 vanilla pod halved lengthwise and scraped
2 cups 35% cream

Caramelized Bananas

4 bananas
¼ cup butter
2 tbsp granulated sugar

Sundae

prepared caramel sauce
whipped 35% cream
⅓ cup toasted pecans
3 tbsp chocolate chips
8 maraschino cherries
8 stroopwafels

Instructions

No-Churn Ice Cream

In bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat condensed milk with vanilla seeds on low until blended. Add cream and beat on medium until mixture has doubled in size and medium peaks form. Scrape cream mixture into loaf pan or plastic container with lid and let freeze overnight or at least 6 hours.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Peel bananas; halve lengthwise and cut into large pieces.

Caramelized Bananas

In large non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat; sprinkle with sugar and let cook until dissolved. Add bananas, cut side down, and let cook on all sides until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to lined pan to prevent sticking.

Sundae

To assemble, spoon about 1 tbsp of the caramel sauce into each coupe. Layer with 2 scoops of ice cream and caramelized bananas. Garnish each with whipped cream, pecans, chocolate chips, 1 stroopwafel and 1 cherry.