I love making these Banana Split Dessert Kabobs because they’re a fun, colorful twist on the classic banana split. Layered with fresh fruit, sweet marshmallows, chocolate, and nuts, they’re perfect for a casual party or a quick dessert fix that feels festive without much fuss.

Ingredients

3–4 bananas, cut into thick slices

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

1 cup strawberries, hulled

1 cup marshmallows (optional for extra sweetness)

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts, almonds, or pecans)

Whipped cream, for topping

Chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce, for drizzling

Caramel sauce (optional, for extra richness)

Maraschino cherries, for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Ingredients:

Slice the bananas into thick, bite-sized pieces. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into chunks. Hull and halve the strawberries.

Assemble the Kabobs:

Thread the banana slices, pineapple chunks, strawberries, and marshmallows (if using) onto wooden or metal skewers. I like to alternate the ingredients to create a colorful pattern, but it’s fun to mix it up randomly too.

Add the Toppings:

Drizzle the kabobs with chocolate syrup and caramel sauce (if using). Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the skewers for a nice crunch and extra sweetness.

Serve:

Top each kabob with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a maraschino cherry. Serve them as they are or offer extra sauce and whipped cream on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 kabobs, depending on how many pieces you thread onto each skewer. Preparation takes roughly 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and easy dessert option for gatherings or a simple treat at home.

Variations

Add Ice Cream: Serve the kabobs alongside scoops of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream for a more indulgent banana split experience.

Healthier Twist: Swap the chocolate syrup and caramel for honey or agave syrup, and use dark chocolate chips to reduce sugar content.

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free whipped cream, vegan chocolate chips, and replace the caramel and chocolate syrup with maple or fruit syrups.

Fruit Swaps: Try mango, kiwi, grapes, or blueberries instead of or alongside the pineapple and strawberries.

Extra Treats: Add brownie cubes, pound cake pieces, shortcake biscuits, or cookies on the skewers for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

These kabobs are best enjoyed fresh since the fruit can brown and the marshmallows can get sticky if stored for too long. If needed, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. I recommend assembling fresh when possible for the best texture and taste. Because this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended.

FAQs

How long can I store Banana Split Dessert Kabobs?

I usually keep them in the fridge for no more than one day. The bananas tend to brown and the marshmallows lose their texture if stored longer.

Can I make these kabobs ahead of time?

Yes, but I prefer prepping the fruit and toppings separately and assembling the kabobs just before serving to keep everything fresh.

What if I don’t have skewers?

You can serve the ingredients in bowls and let everyone build their own mini banana splits, or use toothpicks for smaller bites.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

I prefer fresh fruit for texture and flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch if thawed and drained well to avoid sogginess.

Are these kabobs kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the colorful presentation and fun mix of sweet and fresh flavors. Just keep an eye on the nuts if there are allergy concerns.

Conclusion

Banana Split Dessert Kabobs are one of those simple yet crowd-pleasing treats I always go back to. They’re quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and bring a nostalgic dessert into a fresh, fun format. Whether I’m hosting a party or just craving something sweet and fruity, these kabobs never disappoint.

Recipe:

Banana Split Dessert Kabobs

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6–8 kabobs
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A fun and colorful twist on the classic banana split, these dessert kabobs layer fresh fruit, marshmallows, chocolate, and nuts for a festive and easy-to-make treat perfect for parties or quick desserts.

Instructions

Slice the bananas into thick, bite-sized pieces. Cut pineapple into chunks if fresh. Hull and halve strawberries.
Thread banana slices, pineapple chunks, strawberries, and marshmallows (if using) onto skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful pattern.
Drizzle kabobs with chocolate syrup and caramel sauce (if using). Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the skewers.
Top each kabob with whipped cream and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Serve as is or offer extra sauce and whipped cream on the side for dipping.