Easy ways to make a banana split… yumm yumm

You can make a healthy banana split by swapping out a few ingredients and controlling your portion sizes. Use a small scoop of low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, or Greek-style yogurt instead giant scoops of regular ice cream. Swap unhealthy toppings out for nutritious options, like dried or fresh fruit and nuts. Try making interesting variations on the traditional banana split, like a healthy banana split parfait or fun frozen banana split bites.

Ingredients
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Traditional Banana Split[1]
1 banana
A scoop of low-fat Greek style yogurt or frozen yogurt
Dried or fresh fruit, like raisins, dried cranberries, fresh strawberries, or blueberries
Chopped or sliced nuts, like walnuts or almonds
Healthy Banana Split Parfaits[2]
2 ounces (57 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 medium bananas, sliced
1/4 cup (60 mL) walnuts, finely chopped
1 cup (240 mL) pineapple, diced
4 scoops of strawberry ice cream, about 1/4 cup (60 mL) each
4 cherries, pitted
Banana Split Bites[3]
12 pineapple chunks
1 banana cut into bite-sized pieces
6 medium strawberries, cut in half
2.5 ounces (71 grams) dark chocolate
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Chopped nuts or shredded coconut (optional)
12 popsicle sticks
Method One of Three:
Making a Healthy Traditional Banana Split
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1
Control your portion sizes. The first step to turning a banana split into a healthy snack is to use smaller portions. Instead of piling on three or four giant scoops of ice cream, limit yourself to a small scoop of lower-fat options. Use parfait glasses or mason jars instead of big bowls to help you keep your portion sizes in check.[4]

2
Swap ice cream with yogurt or frozen yogurt. For the healthiest option, use low-fat Greek style yogurt or whole milk yogurt. These offer more nutrients and less fat than ice cream, and contain healthy probiotics. Their thick and creamy textures are great substitutes for ice cream, so you won’t be missing out on richness.[5]
You can also substitute ice cream with a low-fat or high-protein brand, or use low-fat frozen yogurt.
Go for fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and other healthy toppings. Drowning your banana split in whipped cream, butterscotch, chocolate syrup, and other not so healthy toppings will send your calorie count soaring. Instead, you can splurge with a small amount of melted dark chocolate, and use nutritious, low-calorie fruits and nuts.[6]
Try sliced almonds, chopped peanuts, or a tablespoon of peanut butter.
Top your split with raisins, blueberries, diced pineapple, or sliced strawberries.

4
Turn your healthy banana split into a fun activity. A healthy banana split can be a fun, interactive activity for your kids, whether for dessert or an afterschool snack. Put out bowls of each topping, and try letting your younger kids serve themselves to practice using utensils and taking turns.[7]
If you’re an adult making a healthy snack for yourself, layering your banana split in a parfait glass or mason jar will add a touch of refinement to your dessert. In addition to keeping your portions in check, you’ll feel a little more fun and fancy.

5
Put together a beautiful banana split. Cut a banana in half then slice each half lengthwise, so you have four long slices. Place them at the bottom of a bowl or jar, and add a scoop of yogurt, frozen yogurt, or low-fat ice cream. Top it with sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, diced pineapple, or chopped nuts.[8]
You might be cutting down on calories, but there’s no need to deprive yourself of a gorgeous, simple dessert!
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Making a Healthy Traditional Banana Split
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Method Two of Three:
Preparing Banana Split Parfaits
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1
Melt the chocolate. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for 30 seconds, then give it a stir. Continue to microwave it in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and pourable.[9]
You can also melt the chocolate over low heat on the stovetop if you don’t want to use the microwave.
Toss the banana slices with the walnuts. Place the bananas and about 3/4 of the walnuts in a medium-sized bowl. Mix them together with your clean hands or rubber spatula. You can use a metal spoon, but be careful not to break the bananas.[10]
Your bananas should be about 1/4 inch (or about 1/2 centimeter) in thickness.

3
Assemble your parfaits in layers. Grab four small bowls or parfait glasses. First, place 1/4 cup (60 mL) of pineapple at the bottom of each bowl. Then divide the walnut-coated bananas evenly between them. Top each with a scoop of strawberry ice cream, drizzle with melted chocolate, and top with the rest of the walnuts and a cherry.[11]
You can substitute the strawberry ice cream with a low-fat variety, high protein ice cream, or frozen yogurt for healthier options.
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Method Three of Three:
Creating Healthy Banana Split Bites
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1
Assemble the fruit onto popsicle sticks. Make stacks with one piece each of cut pineapple, banana, and strawberry. Press a popsicle stick through each stack. Place the fruit popsicles in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze them for one or two hours, or until they’re solid.[12]
For best results, use a banana that’s slightly unripe or just turning ripe. Your bites will eventually turn out mushy if your fruit, especially the banana, is too ripe.
Melt the chocolate and coconut oil. Place the coconut oil and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat until the chocolate is completely melted. If you prefer to use a stovetop, heat the chocolate and oil over low heat and stir constantly.[13]
Start melting the chocolate when the fruit becomes solid. Remove the chocolate from heat once it’s melted.

3
Dip the fruit popsicles in the chocolate. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, so you’ll have somewhere to put your chocolate-dipped popsicles. Dip one side of each fruit stack into the melted chocolate, then let the excess drip. If you’re using chopped nuts or shredded coconut, immediately dip the chocolate-covered fruit popsicle into a bowl of the nut topping.[14]
After dipping, place each popsicle onto the parchment paper and let them rest until the chocolate hardens.

4
Freeze your banana split bites overnight. After the chocolate is completely hard, transfer the bites into an airtight container or freezer bag. Place them in the freezer overnight, and store them there until you’re ready to serve.[15]
If you pack a lunch with them or want to serve them at an outing, it’s a good idea to transport them with an ice pack to prevent a melted chocolate mess.
A healthy banana split parfait! Enjoy this skinny version of dessert for breakfast or dessert!

Some desserts are just fun. Banana splits are one of those. Have you ever been sad while looking at a banana split? I think it’s impossible. All those flavors and colors, it’s just a happy food. What makes me even happier than a banana split? A healthy banana split. Whoo hooo! These make me so happy. I think I may eat this every day for the rest of my life. Ok, ok, that might be a bit of hyperbole. But you get the idea, right?

Isn’t that cherry on top just gaaaahgeous?! Like that? That’s my exaggerated way of saying gorgeous..in case you were wondering what happened to my spell check. I’m slightly obsessed with these cherries. And I can tell you the hubs is probably happy that I am. It might be possible I asked him to drive me about 15 minutes out of the way (one way) to go to a certain store, just so I could get these exact cherries. Ok, so that’s exactly what happened. But I couldn’t be happier with how perfect they look sitting on that cup of delightfulness.

And sprinkles!!!! Be still my heart. A day with sprinkles is a good day indeed. I think that’s a famous quote or something. If not. It should be. Ok, enough about me rambling about cherries and sprinkles. You probably want me to get to the point and actually tell you what’s in these right? Lucky for you, I am! This just happens to be loaded with all good stuff. Vanilla Greek Yogurt, which I don’t know about you, but to me that stuff just tastes like cake. If you don’t think so, don’t burst my bubble by telling me otherwise please! I love me some vanilla yogurt. Top that with some granola, if you make your own you can add that, or I just picked some up pre-made from the market. Vanilla of course! And all of our fruits are in there, banana, strawberry, pineapple, oh my! Some more yogurt and a cherry on top. Ohhh the cherries! And it’s a healthy cherry too! Although I will admit that when I gave this to my lil mini monster (the 2 year old), I took the cherry and gave her a maraschino instead. C’mon. I didn’t want her to choke on the pit! Plus, she’s 2. Maraschino cherries are better than diamonds to a 2 year old.
This parfait could be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert! Who knew being healthy could be so fun?!

If you make this recipe make sure you take a picture and share it on Instagram with #houseofyumm ! I love seeing your creations! And follow me for more gaaaahgeous pictures of food.
Looking for healthy breakfast ideas? What about a banana split? for breakfast? YOU BET! Whip up this healthy, “clean-eating” version in about 5 min. and indulge guilt-free.

Sometimes it’s all about the presentation…just changing things up a bit can make something feel “new” and “special”. Case in point, today’s healthy breakfast banana split!

Healthy ingredients, like cottage cheese (or yogurt), fresh fruits and nuts that make up this banana split may already be part of your breakfast routine, but when you dress them up in a fun banana split bowl somehow, they just seem so decadent!

Preparing this banana split is so easy, even the kids can do it! You can use a special banana split bowl (mine came from Crate and Barrel) or any low shallow dish.

Cut a banana in half lengthwise and place in the dish. Add a layer of strawberries, blackberries or any of your favorite fruits between the banana slices. This helps to hold them up and forms the base of the banana split. Add a few scoops of cottage cheese (or your favorite yogurt) and top with fruit jelly (or even chocolate sauce if you like) granola and nuts.

It’s pretty hard to have a bad day when you start out with a fun ( and healthy) breakfast banana split!
INSTRUCTIONS
Peel 1 bananas and cut in half lengthwise. Place banana halves in a shallow bowl . Add a few berries to the bottom of the bowl, between banana slices. Top with cottage cheese and sprinkle with remaining berries, granola and chopped nuts. Repeat with remaining banana, to prepare second banana split. Serve immediately.
for a little extra sweetness drizzle with honey or agave.
This delicious but healthy banana split recipe is magic for your taste buds–and waistline–and perfect for making with your kids.

CUTE BANANA SPLIT BOWLS AND SPOONS

Real banana split bowls make a healthy banana split even more special. By clicking one of these links, we get a small commission on anything you buy from Amazon, without it costing you any extra. Thanks for supporting our family business!
HEALTHY BANANA SPLIT RECIPE KIDS CAN MAKE

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. No pressure, breakfast. You got this, right?

We wake up hungry, and are bombarded with choices–everything from bagels and sugar laden colorful cereals to donuts and toaster pastries.

They all promise to satisfy our tummies. That early morning sugar gives us an artificial energy boost to get lunch boxes in backpacks and shovel kids out the door.

We know it isn’t healthy. But we serve it anyway because we know they’ll eat it. It’s one less thing to worry about.

BUT LETS TURN A CORNER…

Staying ahead of the enticing commercial advertising can be a challenge, but we can arm ourselves. We’ll do it with other amazing looking food. Building this healthy banana split with your kids is a great way to combat the battle against high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors.
Use this fun banana split bowl to add to the ambiance. It’s all about presentation, people. When it feels fancy, it is fancy.

Bonus? It tastes really good!

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

The Greek yogurt is packed with protein, and the granola adds in flavorful fiber without a ton of sugar. This healthy banana split recipe will keep you full quite a bit longer than a bowl of sugary cereal. The vividly colored fresh fruit entices the eyes–feeding those chemical firings in your brain that beg for something beautiful and delicious. The natural sugars in the fruit will give a more desirable energy boost sans the guilt. It’s a winning combo.

And your kids will love putting these together.

I mean, look at this face. Is this the face of a deprived child forced to eat cardboard for breakfast? I think not.

That is the face of bliss right there, folks.

My mama heart is full–knowing I’m giving myself and my family a healthy, but decadent, start to the day.

WHEN TO SERVE THIS HEALTHY BANANA SPLIT

By all means, don’t stop at breakfast.

This healthy banana split recipe will even be a hit as a dessert. So many people are trying to avoid high-sugar desserts. They feel sabotaged when they don’t have healthier options at functions. You’ll please their pallets and their waistlines. Nobody will miss the 7-layer dark chocolate cake you made last year. (Ok, maybe that’s drawing the line. They might discuss fond memories of that one.)
Make this healthy banana split recipe as a dessert bar for your next birthday party–or summer social event at the park–by offering different yogurt flavors, fruit, nuts, coconut, etc.

The possibilities are endless!

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Healthy Banana Split Recipe
Prep Time
5 mins

There are so many variations to dressing these Healthy Banana Splits. Choosing different greek yogurt flavors, or different toppings such as coconut, crushed almonds, or dried apricots will provide many fun options. Serve for breakfast, dessert, or at birthday parties. From Food.com

Course: Breakfast
Servings: 1
Author: Diana Johnson
Ingredients
1 banana, peeled and split lengthwise down the middle
3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
1/4 cup raspberries
1/4 cup blueberries
1/2 cup granola
1 dollop real whipped cream
1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
Place banana in a bowl and top with the greek yogurt.

Spoon granola or cereal over the yogurt and sprinkle with berries.

Add a little chocolate or fruit topping syrup if serving for dessert.

Dollop a spoonful of whipped cream on top and garnish with a cherry.