Grilled Banana Splits

Grilled Banana Splits are easy summer desserts made with bananas grilled in their peels, melted semisweet chocolate, and vanilla ice cream, ready in 20 minutes. That makes them a quick cookout or 4th of July party treat, since the grill does the cooking while you set out the toppings.

The key move is slicing the banana lengthwise and grilling it in foil, so the fruit softens and the chocolate melts without a mess. That foil packet traps the heat and turns a raw banana into a warm, gooey base for cold ice cream.

What sets this version apart is how simple it stays, with no peeling, no pan, and no oven involved at any point. Most banana splits use raw fruit and cold toppings, but grilling first adds a caramelized, smoky sweetness you cannot get otherwise.

FAQs

What kind of bananas work best for grilling?

Use bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots, since they hold their shape on the grill while still tasting sweet. Overripe bananas turn to mush inside the foil and fall apart when you try to add toppings. Underripe green bananas stay starchy and firm, so they will not soften enough in six to eight minutes of grilling.

How do I prep the banana before wrapping it in foil?

Cut a thin slice off the curved bottom of each banana so it sits flat on the grill without rolling. Then make one deep slit lengthwise through the peel and into the fruit, stopping short of cutting all the way through. Open the slit wide enough to brush with butter and stuff with chocolate before wrapping in foil.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

You can swap the semisweet chocolate for milk chocolate, dark chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips depending on what you like. White chocolate works too, though it melts faster and can scorch if the grill runs hot. Use about one ounce per banana so the fruit does not drown in melted chocolate.

How long do the foil packets need on the grill?

Grill the foil packets over high heat for six to eight minutes, and do not worry if the peel turns black. The peel acts as a natural shield that protects the fruit from direct flame while trapping steam inside. Check one packet after six minutes to see if the chocolate has fully melted before pulling the rest.

Can I let guests choose their own toppings?

Let each person pick their own toppings once the bananas come off the grill, since that is half the fun. Set out bowls of ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, nuts, caramel sauce, and cherries so everyone builds their own. The warm banana and melted chocolate contrast with cold ice cream, which is what makes this dessert work.