Banana Split Milkshakes are pretty much my answer whenever life feels a bit “meh”—you know what I mean? Sometimes after a long day, or let’s be honest, even after a totally normal one, you just crave something cold and sweet that actually feels a bit special. I used to think you needed a fancy blender or some secret chef skills, but turns out, absolutely not. Whipping up a Banana Split Milkshake is ridiculously easy, and if you’re already a fan of easy banana desserts (hello, this Easy Banana Split Dessert), you’ll adore it. Sometimes I even toss in a little twist I learned from this Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding and boom, next-level snacking happiness. Craving, satisfied.
Ingredients
Alright, here’s what you’ll need for my all-time favorite Banana Split Milkshakes. I keep this list taped inside my cupboard. That’s how much I make these.
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (if you’re feeling wild, try half chocolate, half vanilla)
- 1 ripe banana (no green ones, people, trust me)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%… I honestly just grab whatever’s in the fridge)
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
- 2 tablespoons pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, go on, live a little)
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (or a handful of strawberries if they’re in season)
- Whipped cream (heaps of it for real happiness)
- Maraschino cherry (because it’s basically required)
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts (if you’re fancy or just like a crunch)
“I can’t believe this milkshake is so close to what my grandma made for me as a kid. Seriously nostalgic and ridiculously good.”
Directions
Not going to make you scroll through a life story, promise. Here’s the rundown:
- Grab your blender. Get everything assembled like you’re on a cooking show. Because, well, why not?
- Toss in your sliced banana, ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup, pineapple, and strawberry jam. Don’t worry about order. Just pile it in.
- Blend until smooth. If your blender sounds angry, add a splash more milk. It should be creamy, not runny.
- Pour into a big glass. Heck, use a mason jar if you want to feel fancy.
- Blast the top with whipped cream. Like, treat yourself.
- Drop a cherry on top. Flick on some sprinkles or nuts if you’re in a mood for color (or crunch).
Done. Lick the spoon.
Tips for a Perfect Shake
Okay, I do have some opinions here—making a killer Banana Split Milkshake isn’t hard, but these little things make a difference.
Try frozen banana for a thicker texture. Got bananas going brown? Peel and freeze ’em.
Use REAL dairy ice cream when possible. It’s honestly more creamy.
Don’t skip the pineapple. It’s what makes a banana split a banana split, not just a banana milkshake.
If you want a less-sweet shake, skip the chocolate syrup. I’ve tried it, still delish, just different.
“My kids call this a ‘party in a glass.’ We make it on movie nights and no one ever complains. Ever.”
Nutritional Information
Let’s keep it real, Banana Split Milkshakes aren’t exactly health food—but oh boy, they deliver joy. On average, one big shake (with all the good stuff) clocks in around 400-500 calories. That’s with full-fat ice cream, syrup, and the works.
Now, you can slim things down. Try low-fat ice cream or swap the whipped cream for a little dab. But, honestly, if you’re gonna have one, go all in. Live a little. You’ll get some calcium and potassium from the banana and milk, at least, which totally counts for something, right?
Just enjoy it as an occasional treat. I mean, you wouldn’t skip Thanksgiving pie, would you? Me neither.
Nutritional Element | Per Serving (Approx.) | Health Benefits |
---|---|---|
Calories | 400-500 | Provides energy |
Fat | 15-25g | Good source of healthy fats if using real cream |
Sugar | 35-50g | Natural sugars from fruits |
Protein | 8-10g | Essential for muscle health |
Calcium | 20% DV | Supports bone health |
Variations and Substitutions
Sometimes I like to go rogue and shake things up, pun intended. No rulebook says you have to stick to the classic.
That leftover chocolate ice cream? Go for it instead of vanilla. In fact, for all the chocoholics, my friend says this Easy Double Chocolate Banana Bread is “double trouble” and I kinda agree. Want it dairy-free? Use your favorite almond or coconut milk and plant-based ice cream. Not everyone loves pineapple, so swap it for mango or nothing at all if you want a less ‘tangy’ shake. And honestly, I’ve even added a scoop of peanut butter before—holy moly, it’s like dessert for breakfast.
If you want a lighter vibe, blend up some Strawberry Banana Juice instead. Sometimes you just want fruity and fresh, not creamy and heavy.
I won’t judge you for using chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or whatever you like on top. Hey, your kitchen, your rules.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make Banana Split Milkshakes without ice cream?
A: Yep! Use frozen bananas plus some milk. Not quite the same, but still pretty good.
Q: How do I make this vegan?
A: Just grab non-dairy milk, vegan ice cream, and plant-based whipped topping. Works great, promise.
Q: What’s the best time to serve this shake?
A: Anytime you need cheering up. Dessert, after school, even weekend brunch—no rules.
Q: My shake’s too runny, what gives?
A: Add more ice cream or toss in some frozen banana chunks. Works every time.
Q: Can I prep ahead?
A: Only the fruits. Blend right before serving so it stays super frosty.
Ready to Shake Things Up? No Regrets, Just Sips
If you’re looking for a treat that’s easy and honestly feels a little bit like being a kid again, Banana Split Milkshakes just hit all the right notes. With a few ingredients and, okay, maybe some extra sprinkles, you’ll have something way closer to a five-star restaurant treat than you’d expect from your own kitchen. For more milkshake magic, you’ll love these BANANA SPLIT MILKSHAKES – Butter with a Side of Bread, or maybe check out the classic Banana Split Shake Recipe, and if you’re feeling playful, you have to try this Strawberry banana split milkshake. Give it a shot and let yourself smile with every spoonful—or sip, I won’t judge.
Banana Split Milkshake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream You can mix half chocolate, half vanilla for a twist.
- 1 ripe banana banana Make sure it’s ripe, no green ones.
- 1/4 cup milk Whole or 2% milk works best.
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup Optional, skip for a less sweet shake.
- 2 tablespoons pineapple chunks Use fresh or canned.
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam Fresh strawberries can be used instead.
- to taste whipped cream Heaps of it for real happiness.
- 1 maraschino cherry For the topping.
- to taste sprinkles or chopped nuts For added crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Grab your blender and assemble all the ingredients.
- Add the sliced banana, ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup, pineapple, and strawberry jam to the blender.
- Blend the mixture until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Pour the milkshake into large glasses or mason jars.
- Top generously with whipped cream, add a cherry, and sprinkle with nuts or sprinkles if desired.