Get ready for a nostalgic trip back to the 80s and 90s with a dessert that was the ultimate summer treat: the banana split—a timeless favourite among kids, now ready to be reimagined in a more contemporary, gourmet style! History and Origins of the Banana Split This recipe is as simple as it is hotly debated. All we know for certain is that it was created in the early 20th century in the United States and originally featured an unpeeled banana cut in half—hence the name banana split—filled with scoops of ice cream. One story credits a college student from Pittsburgh, inspired by a Boston street food, who later replicated and served it at his family’s ice cream parlour. Another attributes its invention to an innovative restaurateur from Ohio, eager to offer something different on his dessert menu. After its heyday in Italian gelaterie during the 80s and 90s, this retro treat still sparks curiosity—and cravings! Here’s how to make it, the Venchi way. Ingredients 1 ripe banana 3 scoops of Venchi gelato (choose your favourite flavours) 70 g Venchi dark chocolate 150 ml fresh cream 3 glacé cherries Chopped hazelnuts for garnish Prep Time: 15 minsDifficulty: Super easy How to Prepare a Banana Split Chill the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes—cold bowls make whipping cream easier and faster. Melt Venchi dark chocolate over a bain-marie. Whip the cold cream until firm and smooth (add icing sugar for extra sweetness if you like). Peel and slice the banana lengthwise, then place both halves on a serving dish. Add three scoops of ice cream on top. The classic version uses vanilla, strawberry and chocolate—but we recommend a gourmet twist: Nocciola (with Nocciola Piemonte IGP), Chocoviar 75%, and Crema Venchi. Drizzle melted chocolate over the gelato using a spoon to create decorative lines. Pipe the whipped cream on top using a piping bag, or create quenelles with two spoons if you prefer. Finish with crushed hazelnuts and crown each swirl with a glacé cherry. Serving tip: If you’d like a lighter after-dinner version, slice the banana into rounds and serve in smaller dessert bowls with mini scoops of gelato—it may not be the purist’s banana split, but it’s just as delicious! Gourmet Banana Split (Without Gelato) For a modern twist—perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack—swap the gelato for thick Greek yogurt and a spoonful of berry compote. Finish with a drizzle of extra-dark melted chocolate for an elegant flavour contrast that will win you over instantly.
