The Ultimate Refined Sugar-Free Vegan Banana Split

Banana splits have to be one of my top five desserts. The combination of chocolate, strawberry, and pineapple served over ice cream, paired with delicious fresh bananas, is hard to beat. But many banana splits are made with artificial syrups and are full of refined sugar and/or corn syrup. And if you’re dairy intolerant, banana splits are usually out of the question. That’s why I began making my own at home, and it became an absolute hit with my family and friends. Keep reading if you would like to learn how to make the ultimate refined sugar-free vegan banana split!

This vegan and refined sugar-free banana split is a healthier spin on the classic

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Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Vegan Banana Split

There are so many reasons why you’ll adore this banana split and want to make it again and again:

100% Vegan

If you follow a plant-based diet, or are sensitive to milk products, this recipe is a must-try. It’s every bit as delicious and indulgent-tasting as a traditional banana split but sans the dairy. The best part is you can use your favourite vegan ice cream or make your own. With this recipe, you can have your dessert and eat it too.

No Refined Sugar

I avoid refined sugar whenever possible because of the adverse effects it has on gut health and immune function. This is one of the primary reasons I came up with this recipe. Most banana splits use sugar-laden chocolate syrup and strawberry topping. The ice cream is usually chock-full of the same.

By making your own, you have the freedom to choose what goes into it. This recipe uses chocolate syrup and strawberry compote made with maple syrup and refined sugar-free ice cream. It’s a healthier option that does not sacrifice any of the flavour.

Easy to Customize

Making your own food allows the freedom to customize your desserts according to your preferences. Allergic to nuts? Leave them off. Not a fan of pineapple? Skip it. Chocoholic? Add more! The options are endless. You can make this banana split exactly how you like it.

Perfect For Kids and Adults

My kids get so excited when I tell them we’re having banana splits. They absolutely love them and eagerly anticipate enjoying them after supper (it’s a good way to bribe them to eat more salad 😉). What I love about this recipe is that I’m not simply giving my kids ice cream—they are also getting a few servings of fruits from the banana, strawberries, and pineapple.

And while the kids look forward to the ice cream, I enjoy my banana split with less ice cream or none at all. I love this option because I can still enjoy eating dessert with my family, but with fewer calories and fat.

Ingredients

Vegan ice cream – use refined sugar-free if possible
Banana
Crushed pineapple – I use canned, but you can use fresh if you prefer

Chocolate Sauce

Cocoa powder
Maple syrup – agave can be substituted
Dairy-free milk
Vanilla extract
Sea salt

Strawberry Compote

Fresh or frozen strawberries
Maple syrup – or agave
Cornstarch – or arrowroot powder
Lemon juice

Additional Toppings

Roasted pistachios
Dairy-free whipped cream
Cherry

How to Make the Ultimate Vegan Banana Split

Strawberry Compote

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and stir on medium heat.

Once the sauce is bubbling, the strawberries will soften quickly. Stir the sauce and mash the strawberries (some bigger chunks are okay for added texture).

Set aside and allow to cool slightly.

Chocolate Sauce

While heating the strawberry compote, get started on the chocolate sauce. Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. The sauce will thicken as soon as it has warmed through. Set aside.

Assemble the Banana Split

Slice the banana in half lengthwise and arrange it on either side of a banana split boat.

Add three scoops of vegan ice cream between the banana slices.

Starting at one end of the banana split, top one scoop with strawberry compote, another with crushed pineapple, and the third with chocolate sauce.

Finish your sundae with roasted pistachios, dairy-free whipped cream, and a cherry.

Enjoy immediately!

Tips for the Best Banana Split

Chill the serving dish – preparing your banana split in a chilled serving dish will prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
Prepare the sauces ahead of time – this will save you time preparing your sundae.
Prepare immediately before serving – since ice cream melts quickly at room temperature, wait until you’re ready to eat your banana split before putting it together.
Don’t overdo the toppings – banana splits already have a lot of flavours going on, so it’s best to add just a few toppings at most.

Serving Suggestions

Dessert for a summer gathering – this banana split will be a hit. Make the sauces beforehand for quick and easy assembly. If making several, place already-made sundaes in the freezer while prepping the rest.
Birthday parties – kids will go wild for these! Assemble the base and let them choose their own toppings at a dessert bar.
Family movie night – my kids look forward to banana splits and a movie. Enjoy in the kitchen to avoid mess and follow with a movie!

Final Thoughts

Eating healthy doesn’t mean depriving yourself of your favourite foods. With a few simple tweaks, a relatively unhealthy banana split can be enjoyed guilt-free while still tasting great.

What’s best, making your own banana split means you’re in control of what goes into it, giving you the peace of mind of knowing what your family is eating.

Ultimate Vegan Banana Split

This refined sugar-free vegan banana split is a wholesome twist on a classic favourite, made with ripe bananas, creamy vegan ice cream, crushed pineapple, homemade strawberry compote and naturally sweetened chocolate sauce. It’s indulgent, delicious, and made entirely with plant-based ingredients.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Course Dessert

Servings 4 servings

Calories 480 kcal