If you love the classic flavors of a banana split but want to enjoy them in a cool, creamy form, you are absolutely going to adore this Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of ripe bananas, luscious vanilla ice cream, sweet pineapple, juicy strawberries, and a rich touch of chocolate syrup, whipped up into a smooth and indulgent shake that tastes just like summer in a glass. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or a fun dessert drink to share, this recipe brings all those iconic flavors into one easy-to-make, refreshingly satisfying milkshake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe plays a starring role. They are simple, fresh, and essential to creating that nostalgic, vibrant combination of tastes and textures that make this milkshake truly unforgettable.
- Ripe bananas: Provide natural sweetness and a creamy base, best when perfectly yellow with just a few spots.
- Vanilla ice cream: Adds rich creaminess and balances the fruit flavors with smooth vanilla goodness.
- Milk: Helps blend everything to the perfect sippable consistency; start with half a cup and add more if needed.
- Pineapple chunks: Introduce a bright and tropical hint, perfectly complementing the bananas and strawberries.
- Strawberries: Bring a fresh, tangy sweetness that’s essential in recreating the classic banana split profile.
- Chocolate syrup: Adds a decadent chocolate depth—plus extra for that irresistible drizzle on top.
- Whipped cream: Makes the shake irresistibly fluffy and light when spooned generously over the top.
- Maraschino cherries: The bright red cherry on top—literally—giving you that iconic banana split look and sweetness.
- Chopped peanuts or sprinkles (optional): Add a delightful crunch or colorful fun to finish off the shake perfectly.
How to Make Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Start by peeling the ripe bananas and slicing them into chunks for easy blending. Hull and chop the fresh strawberries if they aren’t prepped already, and make sure your pineapple chunks are well-drained to prevent the shake from becoming too runny.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients Together
In your blender, combine the banana pieces, vanilla ice cream, milk, pineapple chunks, strawberries, and chocolate syrup. Secure the lid and blend everything until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and thick. If the shake feels too thick, add a splash more milk in small increments until you reach your ideal consistency.
Step 3: Serve with Toppings
Pour the luscious banana split milkshake into chilled glasses. Don’t be shy—pile on whipped cream, then drizzle extra chocolate syrup over the top for that signature look and extra indulgence. Place a maraschino cherry on each shake, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts or colorful sprinkles for added texture and charm.
How to Serve Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where this Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe really shines. Whipped cream and maraschino cherries are classics for a reason—they add a lightness and a pop of color that make the drink as visually appealing as it is delicious. Adding chopped peanuts introduces an irresistible crunch, and sprinkles bring a playful vibe that’s perfect for parties or simply brightening up your day.
Side Dishes
These milkshakes are delicious enough on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, pair them with simple yet complementary snacks. Think buttery graham crackers, crispy waffle cones, or even a small serving of classic banana bread. The flavors all harmonize beautifully, making your snack or dessert moment extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this into a show-stopping treat? Serve your milkshakes in tall, decorative glasses or mason jars with wide straws and tiny spoons for those thick, creamy sips. You could even rim the glass edges with crushed peanuts or colored sugar to add more flair. Adding a small scoop of ice cream alongside the milkshake or layering fresh fruit around the glass can make your presentation feel like an artful dessert creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover shake (not that it’s likely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly, becoming denser as it chills, so give it a good stir before enjoying again within 24 hours for best taste.
Freezing
This Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe can be frozen in ice cube trays or shallow containers if you want to prepare ahead. Freeze portions to blend again later, or use the frozen cubes to add thickness to future shakes. Just be sure to blend well to regain that smooth texture before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, creamy shake, reheating isn’t recommended, but if you find the texture has thickened too much after storage, simply add a splash of milk and blend briefly to loosen it up. Enjoy chilled for that classic experience!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Using frozen banana slices not only makes your shake thicker and colder but also adds a lovely creamy texture without watering it down. Just slice ripe bananas and freeze them in advance for the best results.
Is it possible to make this milkshake dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond milk-based ice cream, and use your favorite plant-based milk instead of regular milk. The flavors will still pop beautifully.
Can I make this recipe for more servings?
Definitely. The ingredients can be easily scaled up to feed as many friends as you want. Just maintain the same ratios, and blend in batches if your blender isn’t large enough.
What can I substitute for chocolate syrup?
If you don’t have chocolate syrup, you can use melted chocolate, chocolate spread thinned with a little milk, or even a drizzle of caramel for a twist on the classic flavors.
How long does the banana split milkshake stay fresh?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy the milkshake immediately. If stored, consume within 24 hours as the fruit and ice cream can change in flavor and consistency over time.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe is the perfect way to capture all those favorite dessert flavors in a fabulously fun and easy-to-make drink. Whether you’re cooling off on a sunny day or looking for a sweet treat to brighten your afternoon, these shakes are sure to bring smiles all around. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite indulgence!
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Banana Split Milkshakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 large milkshakes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Banana Split Milkshake combines ripe bananas, creamy vanilla ice cream, and fruity pineapple and strawberries, all blended into a smooth and refreshing drink. Topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a cherry, it’s a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Milkshake Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk (more as needed)
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks (drained)
- ¼ cup strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
- Chopped peanuts or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and slice the ripe bananas, hull and chop the strawberries, and drain the pineapple chunks to ensure no excess juice dilutes the shake.
- Blend the Milkshake: In a blender, add the bananas, vanilla ice cream, milk, pineapple chunks, strawberries, and chocolate syrup. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the shake is too thick, gradually add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses, leaving room for toppings.
- Add Toppings: Top each glass with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a maraschino cherry. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or sprinkles for added texture and fun, if desired.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve immediately with a straw and spoon to enjoy the thick, creamy texture at its best.
Notes
- For a thicker shake, freeze the banana slices beforehand.
- You can swap vanilla ice cream with strawberry or chocolate ice cream for a different flavor twist.
- Add more or less milk depending on how thick or thin you prefer your milkshake.
- Use fresh fruit for the best flavor and texture.
