Irresistible 15-Minute Banana Split Dessert Cups You’ll Crave

Oh my gosh, you have to try these Banana Split Dessert Cups! They’re my go-to when I need something sweet in a hurry but still want that “wow” factor. I first made these for my niece’s birthday party when I realized I’d forgotten to bake cupcakes, total panic moment! But guess what? The kids went crazy for these little layered treats, and the adults kept sneaking seconds too. The best part? No oven required, just layer, drizzle, and devour. It’s all the fun of a classic banana split without the mess of a sundae dish. Trust me, once you see how easy these are, you’ll be making them all summer long!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Split Dessert Cups

Let me tell you why these little cups are about to become your dessert bestie:

• They come together in 15 minutes flat, perfect for when that sweet tooth hits hard
• Zero baking required (no heating up the kitchen!)
• Totally customizable, swap toppings based on what you’ve got
• Individual servings mean no fighting over who gets the cherry (though I always sneak an extra one)

Seriously, they’re foolproof and always disappear first at parties!

Banana Split Dessert Cups

A simple and fun dessert that layers banana, whipped cream, and chocolate in individual cups.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 cups

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dessert

• 2 bananas sliced
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts optional
• 4 maraschino cherries

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• whisk
• Serving cups

Method

 

1. Slice the bananas into thin rounds.
2. Layer the banana slices in the bottom of each serving cup.
3. Add a layer of whipped cream over the bananas.
4. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream.
5. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
6. Top each cup with a maraschino cherry.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes

For a richer version, use vanilla ice cream instead of whipped cream.

Ingredients for Banana Split Dessert Cups

Here’s what you’ll need to make these adorable little treats (and trust me, you probably have most of this already!):

• 2 medium bananas, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (not too thin, not too thick, just right!)
• 1 cup whipped cream (the real deal or homemade is best, but I won’t judge if you use the canned stuff in a pinch)
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (or more, I always sneak an extra drizzle)
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (totally optional, but walnuts or pecans add great crunch)
• 4 maraschino cherries (the classic red ones with stems, they make everything more festive!)

That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s get layering.

Equipment You’ll Need

Grab these basics from your kitchen:

• A mixing bowl (any size will do)
• A whisk or fork for fluffing the whipped cream
• 4 small serving cups (I use cute glass ones, but mason jars work great too!)

That’s seriously all you need, no fancy gadgets required!

How to Make Banana Split Dessert Cups

Okay, let’s get to the fun part, building these little masterpieces! I promise it’s easier than tying your shoes (and way more delicious). Here’s exactly how I layer them up perfectly every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

First, peel those bananas and slice ’em about 1/4-inch thick on a slight angle, this isn’t just for looks (though it is pretty), but the slightly thicker slices hold up better under all that creamy goodness. Pro tip: squeeze a tiny bit of lemon juice over them if you’re not serving right away to keep them from browning!

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Now the magic begins! Grab your cups and start with a layer of banana slices, arrange them like little sunbursts at the bottom. Spoon on a generous dollop of whipped cream next (I use about 2 tablespoons per cup). Gently spread it to cover the bananas completely, this is your fluffy cloud foundation!

Step 3: Add Toppings

Here’s where you get creative! Drizzle that chocolate syrup in zigzags over the cream, don’t be shy! If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on now (about 1/2 tablespoon per cup). Finish with the cherry on top, press it gently into the cream so it stays put. And voila! You’ve just made restaurant-worthy desserts in minutes!

Tips for Perfect Banana Split Dessert Cups

Listen, I’ve made these more times than I can count, and here are my can’t-miss secrets:

• Chill those cups first! Pop ’em in the freezer for 10 minutes, the whipped cream stays fluffier longer when it hits a cold surface.
• Whip it good, fresh whipped cream (just cream + sugar beaten to soft peaks) makes ALL the difference in texture over the canned stuff.
• Drizzle with abandon, start with 1/2 tablespoon syrup per cup, then taste and add more. The bananas can handle it!

Follow these, and you’ll get perfect little cups every single time, promise!

Variations for Banana Split Dessert Cups

Oh, the possibilities! Here’s where you can really play with this recipe to make it your own:

• Ice cream swap: Replace the whipped cream with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultra-decadent version (just layer quickly before it melts!)
• Sauce switch-up: Swap chocolate syrup for strawberry or caramel, or do a drizzle of each for that classic banana split look
• Crunch factor: Instead of nuts, try crushed graham crackers or toffee bits for different textures
• Berry twist: Add a few fresh raspberries or strawberries between layers for a fruity punch

See? Endless ways to make these cups your signature dessert! If you like no-bake layered desserts, you might enjoy these strawberry icebox bars.

Serving and Storage

Here’s the deal, these banana split cups are absolute perfection served immediately while everything’s fresh and crisp! If you must wait, pop them in the fridge for up to 2 hours max, any longer and those bananas start getting sad and soggy (trust me, I learned this the hard way). The whipped cream holds up fine, but bananas? They don’t play the waiting game well. So gather your crew and dig in while the chocolate’s still glossy and the cherries are perky! For more quick dessert inspiration, check out Recipes Loop.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these Banana Split Dessert Cups are definitely a treat, but hey, everything in moderation, right? The nutritional values are estimates based on the standard recipe and can change depending on your ingredient choices (like if you go wild with extra chocolate syrup or skip the nuts). I use this recipe when I want something sweet but not overly heavy, it’s got fruit, a little protein from the nuts, and just enough indulgence to satisfy that dessert craving without going overboard. Remember, homemade whipped cream will have different numbers than the canned stuff, and every banana varies in size. So take the numbers with a grain of salt (but maybe not literally, that would be weird on dessert)!

FAQ About Banana Split Dessert Cups

I get asked these questions all the time about my banana split cups, so let me save you some trouble:

Can I make these ahead? Absolutely! They’ll hold up in the fridge for 1-2 hours max, just wait to add the cherry until serving so it stays perky.

Vegan options? Easy! Swap in coconut whipped cream and dairy-free chocolate syrup. The bananas are already plant-based superstars.

Nut allergies? No problem, just skip the nuts entirely or use sunflower seeds for crunch. The chocolate and cherry still make it feel special!

Now go make these and tell me in the comments, what’s your favorite twist on this recipe? If you enjoy layered, no-bake desserts, you might also like these chocolate icebox bars.