Copycat Dairy Queen Banana Split Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about that classic boat-shaped dish filled with soft-serve vanilla, drizzled in pineapple, chocolate, and strawberry sauce, topped with whipped cream and crowned with cherries, you’re not alone. The Dairy Queen Banana Split has been a sweet symbol of American ice cream culture since 1951, and now you can recreate that joy at home.

This copycat Dairy Queen Banana Split recipe captures everything you remember about the original. It’s cool, creamy, fruity, and nostalgic in the best way. The soft-serve base is easy to mimic with store-bought or homemade vanilla ice cream, and the layered toppings can be prepped in just a few minutes. Whether you’re serving it up for a backyard treat or just reliving your childhood, this one’s always a showstopper.

How to make Copycat Dairy Queen Banana Split

The trick to nailing this banana split is in the build. You’ll want your ice cream cold but scoopable, bananas just ripe, and your sauces warm enough to drizzle without melting everything. Choose a dish that lets you nestle the bananas around the scoops like DQ does, and don’t skip the whipped cream. That visual is part of the magic.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 94g
• Sugar: 74g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for warming sauces)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 1

Ingredients, tools, instructions and tips

Ingredients:

• 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 ripe banana, split lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons strawberry topping
• 2 tablespoons pineapple topping
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• Whipped cream (about ¼ cup)
• 3 maraschino cherries
• Optional: chopped peanuts or rainbow sprinkles

Tools:

• Long dessert dish or shallow bowl
• Ice cream scoop
• Small saucepans (to warm the toppings)
• Spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions:

1. Prep the banana. Slice the banana lengthwise and set aside.
2. Warm the toppings. Heat each sauce slightly on low heat, just until pourable. Do not boil.
3. Scoop the ice cream. Place three even scoops of vanilla ice cream side by side in your dessert dish.
4. Assemble. Nestle a banana half on each side of the ice cream.
5. Top it off. Spoon strawberry topping over one scoop, pineapple over another, and chocolate over the third.
6. Garnish. Add whipped cream between each scoop and top each with a maraschino cherry. Add optional toppings if using.
7. Serve immediately. This dessert melts fast, so enjoy it right away.

Tips:

• Chill your bowl before building the split to help slow melting.
• Use good-quality vanilla ice cream or homemade soft serve for best texture.
• For extra nostalgia, serve with a long spoon and striped napkin.

What to serve with

When serving the delightfully sweet and refreshing Copycat Dairy Queen Banana Split, adding a few complementary sides or beverages can turn this solo act into a full dessert course. Whether you’re hosting a sundae party or treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, these pairings will elevate the experience.

Crisp and Light Snacks

Buttery Waffle Crisps: Lightly sweet waffle cookies or pizzelle offer a crisp contrast to the creamy banana split and make for great dipping.
Coconut Macaroons: Their chewy texture and tropical notes bring out the best in the pineapple topping.

Fruity Refreshers

Strawberry Lemonade Spritzers: A fizzy blend of sparkling water, strawberry puree, and lemon juice balances the richness of the split with tart bubbles.
Pineapple Mint Cooler: Muddle fresh mint with pineapple juice and serve over ice for a tropical pairing that matches the split’s vibe.

Small Savory Bites

Mini Cheese Boards: A few mild cheeses with grapes or crackers give a savory edge to balance all the sugar.
Salted Popcorn: Lightly salted air-popped popcorn makes an excellent salty contrast to the sweet sundae.

Coffee and Cream Pairings

Vanilla Iced Latte: The soft vanilla undertones echo the ice cream, and the bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Cold Brew with Sweet Cream: A gentle creamy swirl in strong cold brew echoes the split’s whipped topping while keeping things light.

Ingredient substitutes

1. Ice Cream Base
   Original Ingredient: Vanilla ice cream
   Substitutes:

• Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Use coconut milk or almond milk-based ice cream.
• Frozen Yogurt: Tangier, lighter option that still offers creaminess.
• Low-Fat Ice Cream: Cuts calories but still works beautifully.

2. Banana
   Original Ingredient: Ripe banana
   Substitutes:

• Plantains: If slightly ripe and boiled first, can be used in a tropical twist.
• Grilled Banana: Adds a caramelized depth to the flavor.

3. Strawberry Topping
   Original Ingredient: Strawberry sauce or preserves
   Substitutes:

• Fresh Strawberries with Sugar: Let them macerate for 10–15 minutes.
• Raspberry Sauce: Slightly tart but beautifully bright.

4. Pineapple Topping
   Original Ingredient: Crushed pineapple in syrup
   Substitutes:

• Fresh Pineapple Compote: Cook chopped pineapple with a touch of sugar.
• Mango Chutney (lightly sweetened): A twist that still offers tropical brightness.

5. Chocolate Syrup
   Original Ingredient: Classic chocolate syrup
   Substitutes:

• Hot Fudge Sauce: Adds richness if you prefer a thicker topping.
• Homemade Chocolate Ganache: For a gourmet version.

6. Whipped Cream
   Original Ingredient: Whipped topping
   Substitutes:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Great dairy-free option.
• Greek Yogurt Whip: Tart and protein-rich if sweetened lightly.

7. Cherries
   Original Ingredient: Maraschino cherries
   Substitutes:

• Fresh Bing Cherries: Seasonal but luscious.
• Cherry Compote: A more natural and richly flavored topping.