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.
Ingredients
Banana Split
- 4 bananas sliced in half, lengthwise
- 12 scoops refined sugar-free vegan ice cream 3 scoops per sundae
- strawberry compote see recipe below
- chocolate sauce see recipe below
- crushed pineapple I use unsweetened canned
- toppings see below
Strawberry Compote
- ⅔ lb frozen strawberries fresh can also be used
- ⅙ cup water about 40 ml
- 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 2 ½ tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
Chocolate Sauce
- ½ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- ¼ cup maple syrup or agave
- ¼ cup plant-based milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- pinch sea salt
Toppings
- roasted pistachios
- coconut whipped cream optional
- fresh cherry for garnish
Instructions
Strawberry Compote
- Combine ingredients in a saucepan and stir over medium heat.
- When the sauce is bubbling, the strawberries will soften quickly, and the sauce will thicken. Stir the sauce and mash the strawberries, leaving some bigger chunks if desired for added texture.
- Set aside and allow to cool slightly.
Chocolate Sauce
- While the strawberry compote is heating, begin making the chocolate sauce.
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. The sauce will thicken as soon as it has warmed through. Set aside.
Banana Split
- In 4 banana split boats, arrange one split banana on either side of the boat.
- Add 3 scoops of ice cream between the banana slices.
- Starting at one end of the banana split, top one scoop of ice cream 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!
Notes
- Ice cream: For the best results, use a creamy vegan ice cream that complements the banana and fruit without overpowering them.
- Make it ahead: The individual components can be prepared in advance, but the banana splits themselves are best assembled right before serving.
- Chocolate sauce: If the sauce thickens in the refrigerator, gently warm it or stir in a small splash of plant-based milk until it reaches a drizzleable consistency.
- Pineapple: Use well-drained crushed pineapple so the banana split doesn't become watery.
- Pistachios: A light sprinkle adds just the right amount of salty crunch. Peanuts or pecans can also be used.
- Refined-sugar-free: Be sure to choose a vegan ice cream and coconut whipped cream that are also free from refined sugar if you want the entire dessert to remain refined-sugar-free.