Banana Split Milkshakes

Banana Split Milkshakes

This recipe makes two large, indulgent milkshakes.

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Milkshake Base:
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or your preferred milk)
  • 4 scoops (about 1 cup) good quality strawberry ice cream
  • 4 scoops (about 1 cup) good quality vanilla ice cream
  • 1 ripe banana, cut into chunks (plus extra for garnish)
• For the Toppings & Garnish:
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2-4 tablespoons chocolate syrup (for drizzle)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts or granola (optional, for crunch)
  • Extra banana slices and whole raspberries for the top
  • Small pieces of milk chocolate for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Blender
• Two tall milkshake glasses
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Glasses (Optional but Recommended):

   • Before blending, you can drizzle some chocolate syrup down the inside of your milkshake glasses for an appealing visual effect. Tilt the glass and rotate it as you drizzle to get a nice swirl. Place them in the freezer to chill while you prepare the milkshake.

2. Make the Milkshake Base:

   • In your blender, combine the milk, strawberry ice cream, vanilla ice cream, and the banana chunks.
   • Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (1 tablespoon at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. You want it thick enough to hold toppings but still drinkable.

3. Layer the Milkshakes (Assembly):

   • Pour about half of the blended milkshake mixture into each of your prepared glasses.
   • Gently push some of the sliced fresh strawberries and a few raspberries against the inside of the glass, letting them stick to the milkshake mixture. You can also drop some into the center of the milkshake.

4. Add More Milkshake:

   • Pour the remaining milkshake mixture into the glasses, filling them almost to the top.

5. Decorate and Garnish:

   • Whipped Cream: Generously pipe or spoon a mound of whipped cream on top of each milkshake.
   • Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle more chocolate syrup generously over the whipped cream.
   • Fruit Toppings: Arrange fresh strawberry slices, banana slices, and whole raspberries artfully on top of the whipped cream.
   • Crunch (Optional): Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or granola over the top for added texture.
   • Final Touches: Add a few extra whole raspberries and perhaps a small piece of chocolate on the side for a complete look, mimicking the image.

6. Serve Immediately:

   • Serve your decadent banana split milkshakes immediately with a straw and a long spoon. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Cold Ingredients: Ensure your ice cream is well-frozen and your milk is cold for the best, thickest milkshake.
• Ripe Bananas: Use ripe (but not overripe) bananas for optimal flavor and sweetness.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the milkshake before adding all the toppings. If you prefer it sweeter, you could add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of maple syrup to the blender.
• Customize: Feel free to swap out the fruits for your favorites (e.g., blueberries, kiwi) or add other toppings like mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a different syrup (caramel!).
• Presentation is Key: The visual appeal is a big part of these milkshakes! Take your time with the layering and garnishing.