This Banana Split Ice Cream Pie combines the rich, creamy texture of ice cream with the crunch of a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with fresh fruit and drizzled with chocolate syrup, it’s the ultimate indulgence for any occasion.
The combination of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream offers a colorful and delicious contrast, while the crunchy walnuts and tropical fruit toppings provide a perfect balance of textures. This dessert is guaranteed to be a hit at summer gatherings, BBQs, or just as a treat to cool down on a hot day. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
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1 1/2 cups chocolate ice cream, softened
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1 1/2 cups strawberry ice cream, softened
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1/2 cup chocolate syrup
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1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
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1/2 cup sliced strawberries
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1/2 cup chopped bananas
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1/4 cup chopped walnuts
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Whipped cream, for topping
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Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
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Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, creating a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
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Once the crust is cool, begin layering the ice cream. Start with a layer of vanilla ice cream, spreading it evenly over the crust.
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Next, add a layer of chocolate ice cream, followed by a layer of strawberry ice cream. Use a spatula to smooth out the ice cream layers.
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Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top of the ice cream layers, and then sprinkle with crushed pineapple, sliced strawberries, and chopped bananas.
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Top with chopped walnuts, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries for garnish.
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Freeze the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
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Slice and serve chilled.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Origins of Banana Split Ice Cream Pie
The banana split has a long-standing history in American dessert culture. It was invented in 1904 by a pharmacist named David Strickler in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Strickler’s invention, a banana split with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream, and garnished with maraschino cherries, became an instant hit.
The Banana Split Ice Cream Pie takes this iconic dessert and reimagines it in pie form. Instead of being served in a bowl, all the ingredients are layered into a buttery graham cracker crust, making the dessert easier to serve at parties, gatherings, or a family dinner. This frozen dessert is just as satisfying and indulgent as the classic banana split, but with a more convenient presentation.
Why This Pie is a Must-Try
One of the best things about the Banana Split Ice Cream Pie is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires no baking, making it a perfect summer dessert. On a hot day, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours in the kitchen, and this pie is a solution to that problem. With just a few simple steps and a bit of freezing time, you can have a refreshing and decadent dessert ready to serve.
This dessert also brings a nostalgic twist to any summer occasion, reminding people of their childhood love for the classic banana split. The creamy ice cream layers, fresh fruit, and crunchy crust make for a well-rounded flavor profile that’s sure to please both children and adults alike.
Layers of Flavor and Texture
The layers of this pie are its standout feature. Starting with the graham cracker crust, which adds a buttery, slightly sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth ice cream layers. The three ice cream layers—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—give this dessert a rich and creamy texture that satisfies any ice cream lover.
The addition of chocolate syrup drizzled over the ice cream layers intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the dessert a visually appealing glossy finish. Fresh fruit—bananas, strawberries, and pineapple—adds a fruity and refreshing element that cuts through the sweetness of the ice cream and syrup, balancing the flavors.
Finally, the topping of whipped cream and maraschino cherries brings the dessert together, offering a light and creamy finish along with a touch of retro flair. The whipped cream gives a fluffy texture, while the cherries add a pop of color and sweetness that completes the banana split experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a birthday party, or a family dinner, the Banana Split Ice Cream Pie is sure to impress your guests. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it ideal for warm-weather gatherings, and it can easily be prepared ahead of time, so there’s no last-minute stress. All you need is a few hours for the pie to freeze, and you’ll have a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Not only is this pie an excellent choice for summer, but it’s also versatile enough to be served at holiday celebrations or casual get-togethers year-round. It’s the perfect way to end any meal, especially after a hearty main course or grilled meats during a summer cookout. You can also serve it at kids’ parties where its fun, colorful layers will be a hit with the little ones.
How to Customize Your Banana Split Ice Cream Pie
The Banana Split Ice Cream Pie is highly customizable, so feel free to get creative with your layers and toppings. While the traditional combination of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream is always a hit, you can experiment with different ice cream flavors to create your own version. Some great alternatives include mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or even coconut milk-based ice cream for a dairy-free option.
For the toppings, you can also get creative. If you prefer a nut-free dessert, you can leave out the walnuts and opt for more fruit or perhaps chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also mix in chocolate chips or chopped candies into the ice cream layers for an added crunch or sweetness.
The Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Freshness
One of the key components of the Banana Split Ice Cream Pie is the balance between sweetness and freshness. The rich, creamy ice cream layers provide all the indulgence you’d expect from a classic banana split, while the fruit toppings bring in a refreshing, natural sweetness that balances out the richness. The combination of strawberries, bananas, and pineapple offers a tangy contrast to the ice cream, while the whipped cream provides a light, airy texture that ties everything together.
The pie is not overly sweet, thanks to the freshness of the fruit and the slight tang of the whipped cream. It’s sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings but not so heavy that you can’t enjoy a second slice. This perfect balance is what makes the Banana Split Ice Cream Pie so enjoyable for a wide range of palates.
Why It’s a Great Dessert for Families
This dessert is perfect for family gatherings because it’s easy to make, and the entire family can enjoy it. Kids especially love the flavors and colors of the pie, making it a great choice for birthday parties or holiday celebrations. It’s a great way to get children involved in the kitchen too, as they can help layer the ice cream and top the pie with fruit and whipped cream.
Since the pie is served frozen, it can be made in advance and stored in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it, allowing you to focus on other parts of the event without worrying about last-minute preparations. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal dinner, the Banana Split Ice Cream Pie can be made to suit the occasion and will always be a crowd favorite.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic with a Twist
The Banana Split Ice Cream Pie takes the beloved flavors of the classic banana split and transforms them into a dessert that’s both easy to make and fun to eat. With its creamy ice cream layers, fruity toppings, and crunchy graham cracker crust, this dessert is perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something refreshing, indulgent, and visually stunning.
What makes this dessert so special is the balance of textures and flavors—from the crisp crust to the smooth ice cream, the fresh fruit, and the light whipped cream topping. The Banana Split Ice Cream Pie is sure to delight all who try it, and it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Don’t forget to customize it to your liking, whether you stick with the classic flavors or add your own creative twist.
This dessert not only tastes amazing but also brings a sense of nostalgia and fun to the table. It’s the kind of treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe. So the next time you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy and delicious, give this Banana Split Ice Cream Pie a try—you won’t be disappointed!