Split Dessert
A delightful layered dessert featuring bananas, ice cream, nuts, chocolate, and whipped topping, perfect for gatherings and sweet tooth cravings with rich flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of two 9 x 13-inch pans with crushed wafers.
- Slice bananas over the wafers.
- Place slices of vanilla ice cream in 1/2-inch thick slices over the bananas.
- Sprinkle walnuts on top.
- Freeze until firm.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together.
- Add powdered sugar and evaporated milk to the melted mixture.
- Cook until smooth and thick, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Cool the chocolate mixture.
- Pour the cooled chocolate sauce over the ice cream layer and freeze again.
- Cover with Cool Whip and freeze.
- Before serving, sprinkle with additional nuts and top with cherries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also substitute the walnuts with pecans for a different texture. To make it easier to slice, allow the dessert to thaw slightly before serving. If you're short on time, store-bought crushed wafers can be a quick alternative to making your own crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert with a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of fresh fruit or a side of Salsa Potato Salad for a contrasting flavor. Garnish each serving with extra nuts and cherries for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. This dessert can last for up to two weeks. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to make cutting easier. Avoid using the microwave as it may affect the texture of the ice cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Split Dessert contains roughly 1746 calories, with 7g protein, 219g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is ideal for making ahead. You can assemble it a day or two in advance and keep it frozen until you're ready to serve. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract to create a fresh topping instead of Cool Whip. This will add a light, airy texture to your dessert.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, simply use gluten-free wafers for the crust. Ensure that any chocolate chips and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors without worrying about gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).