You haven’t truly lived until you’ve tried a banana split kissed by the grill. We’re taking your classic childhood favorite and giving it a warm, caramelized upgrade you’ll want to enjoy all summer long. It’s quick, nostalgic, and just fancy enough to wow your friends at your next cookout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
During my years as a personal chef, I made fancy plated desserts for dinner party clients—but fun fact? This easy grilled banana split got more compliments than most of my triple-layer cakes. It’s warm, melty, crunchy, and downright dreamy.
- Super quick—ready in under 15 minutes
- Grilled fruit = instant flavor elevation
- No fancy tools or equipment needed
- Perfect for entertaining or a fun family treat
- Customizable with everyone’s favorite toppings
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 ripe but firm bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or chocolate sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted nuts (peanuts, almonds, or pecans)
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, but highly encouraged!)
Pro Tips
- Use bananas that are just ripe—they’ll hold up better on the grill.
- Dark chocolate chips add a rich contrast to the sweet banana and ice cream.
- Brush the bananas with melted butter to keep them from sticking and to enhance caramelization.
- No grill? Use a grill pan on the stovetop—works perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium heat and lightly oil or brush with melted butter.
- Slice bananas in half lengthwise. Brush the cut sides with melted butter or coconut oil.
- Grill bananas cut side down for 2–3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the bananas start to caramelize. Flip and grill the other side for 1 minute.
- While the bananas grill, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth, or warm your favorite chocolate sauce.
- Place grilled bananas in bowls. Top each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with melted chocolate, sprinkle with chopped nuts, add whipped cream, and pop on a cherry to crown it.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t over-grill the bananas—they should be warm and lightly caramelized, not mushy.
- If your grill tends to stick, use a piece of foil with holes poked in it to grill the bananas.
- Serving a crowd? Create a grilled banana split bar with a variety of toppings.
- Add a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top for a sweet-salty finish.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Swap vanilla with chocolate, strawberry, or coconut milk ice cream for a dairy-free version.
- Go tropical! Add shredded coconut and crushed pineapple.
- Use peanut butter sauce or caramel sauce instead of—or with—the chocolate drizzle.
- Top with crushed waffle cone pieces for extra crunch.
- Want s’mores vibes? Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.
FAQs
Can I make these indoors?
Absolutely! Use a stovetop grill pan, or even a nonstick skillet if that’s what you have on hand. You won’t get those grill marks, but you’ll still get that lovely caramelization.
What kind of bananas work best?
Go for ripe but still firm bananas—the kind that are yellow with no brown spots. Overripe bananas will get mushy fast on the grill.
Can I prep anything ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice your toppings, whip up the whipped cream, and even brush the bananas with butter a few hours in advance. Grill them fresh for the best texture, though!
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted nuts
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium; lightly oil the surface.
- Brush bananas with melted butter and grill cut side down for 2–3 minutes. Flip and grill 1 more minute.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave until smooth, or heat chocolate sauce.
- Assemble: Place grilled bananas in bowls, top with ice cream, drizzle with chocolate, and finish with nuts, whipped cream, and cherries.
Nutrition: ~280 calories per serving
If you make this grilled banana split, I’d LOVE to hear how it turned out. Snap a pic, tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or leave a sweet comment below—let’s celebrate your delicious creation together!
