The Most Decadent Grilled Banana Split Recipe

There truly is something transformative about the way the banana emerges from a grill grate. The warm caramelized fruit adds a layer of sexiness to the classic split, especially in the way the heat of the banana plays off the chill of the ice cream. Salted peanuts add crunch and contrast, while chocolate doubles down on the decadence in this grilled banana split recipe. And yet all of this can be yours for the low, low price of just 320 calories! Come summertime, this makes for a truly decadent dessert.

Nutrition: 320 calories, 12 g fat (5 g saturated), 28 g sugar

Serves 4

You'll Need

2 bananas, unpeeled (For the best possible splits, the bananas should be ripe, but not soft.)
2 Tbsp light brown sugar
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
4 Tbsp chocolate sauce, heated
4 Tbsp roasted and salted peanuts, roughly chopped6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

How to Make It

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cut the bananas in half lengthwise, being sure to leave each half in the peel.
3. Coat the cut sides of the bananas with the brown sugar, using your fingers to press the sugar into the flesh of the fruit.
4. Place the bananas on the grill, cut sides down, and grill for about 3 minutes, until the sugar caramelizes and forms a deep-brown crust. Flip and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the bananas are warmed all the way through but not mushy.
5. Remove the peels from the bananas and place each half in the bottom of a bowl.
6. Top with a scoop of ice cream, a good drizzle of hot chocolate sauce, and a handful of peanuts.

Eat This Tip

So no one can really argue with a grilled banana. Rich in potassium and all the vitamins you need, it makes for an amazing healthy dessert. It's a classic starring player on the top of a split (it's called a Banana Split, after all). But grilling fruit is a great addition to any dessert, as it adds both a tangy, sweet taste that packs in important vitamins and nutrients that are more often than not absent from many of our favorite ice cream toppings. Fruits that are best for your grill tend to be ones that can hold their form as you grill. Here are a few thoughts: pineapple, strawberry, peaches, and tangerines. Try your favorite!

This recipe (and hundreds more!) came from one of our Cook This, Not That! books. For more easy cooking ideas, you can also buy the book!