Crafting the Ultimate Healthy Banana Split

Tips and tricks

You may have heard about the healthy breakfast banana split—it's delicious but not exactly a great substitution for that cold, creamy indulgence on a special occasion like National Banana Split Day! Because we like to keep things on the healthier side, we're going to suggest a few nutritious alternatives you can use to make a split that’s both delicious and good for you.

For a proper banana split, start with your banana – always! High in potassium, fiber, and vitamins, bananas support heart health, aid digestion, and much, much more. Make sure it's fresh and ripe for the best banana split eating experience.

Now for the swaps. 

Instead of full-fat ice cream, use banana nice cream made from frozen bananas. It's smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet. You can prepare it in advance and keep it in the freezer for easy scooping. Let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes or so before serving to allow it to thaw out a bit. Our recipe features a rich chocolate flavor that's perfect for your banana split. This healthy alternative to traditional ice cream is low in fat and higher in fiber and potassium. Alternatively, you can try using low-fat frozen yogurt. The difference in calories between vanilla frozen yogurt and regular ice cream is about 90 calories per 100g serving, making vanilla frozen yogurt a significantly lighter option if you're watching your calorie intake.

Instead of pre-made chocolate sauce, try making your own chocolate shell. By melting dark chocolate chips in the microwave with a dab of coconut oil, you can control the added sugar and quality of ingredients. Drizzle the mixture on top of your ice cream for an instant hard chocolate shell. This homemade version is packed with antioxidants, minerals like iron and magnesium, and may even help with heart health and cognitive function.

For a healthier strawberry sauce, cook up fresh or frozen berries with a touch of honey. As the berries cook down, they become soft and syrupy from their natural juices, making a wonderful topping for your split. Berries are low in calories and high in fiber, which is great for weight management.

Instead of traditional whipped cream, consider a vegan-friendly option by whipping aquafaba (chickpea brine) into a meringue. Spoon it over the top for a dairy-free alternative. Aquafaba is a low-calorie, plant-based protein source, suitable for a heart-healthy and weight-conscious diet.

Celebrate National Banana Split Day on August 25 the healthy way with this delicious and nutritious recipe. By incorporating just one, or all of these healthy ingredients into your Banana Split Day celebration, you can enjoy a better for you treat that supports your health goals.  Our tropical split is worthy of the occasion.  Check it out!

Published August 1, 2024