Banana splits for breakfast? With these healthy swaps, it can easily be done – and your kids will love you forever!
Table of contents
There’s no doubt about it, kids will never turn down “dessert” for breakfast. These Breakfast Banana Splits are just that! By swapping out just a few basic sundae ingredients for healthier ones, your kids will get a nutritious, filling breakfast while still thinking they’re getting a special treat.
Why This Recipe Works
- Kids get a healthy breakfast while thinking they’re getting a special treat.
- There’s no cooking involved (unless you count using the microwave for a few seconds).
- You can mix-and-match different toppings.
- They’re easy enough to throw together on a busy weekday morning.
- You can even get the kids involved!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These are all the ingredients I used, but feel free to mix-and-match toppings however you like. There are endless possibilities.
Banana – Use a large banana that’s as perfectly ripe as possible for ease of slicing lengthwise. If it’s not ripe enough it will break apart, if it’s too ripe it will just turn mushy.
Greek yogurt – I prefer plain. You could also use a flavored yogurt, but the other toppings already provide quite a bit of sweetness so you don’t want to overdo it.
Pineapple – A classic banana split topping, but you could also substitute another type of fruit like chopped strawberries, blueberries or even sautéed apples.
Chopped walnuts – Another classic banana split topping, but feel free to substitute another type of nut. Pecans, peanuts or even macadamia nuts would all be great.
Strawberry jam – You can use whatever type of jam or jelly you want. This is the one ingredient you’ll microwave to melt a little bit before putting it on your split.
Toasted coconut flakes – I like the wider flakes for this, but you could also use shredded. Again, try to go for unsweetened as there is plenty of sweetness from other ingredients here. If you can’t find toasted flakes, you can buy them untoasted and toast them in a small skillet for 6-8 minutes on medium heat or until light brown and fragrant.
Cacao nibs – These add some of that yummy chocolate flavor without adding too much extra sweetness (this is breakfast, after all!)
Maraschino cherries – You can’t have a banana split without some cherries on top! You can always use regular cherries (pitted) if you don’t like maraschino.
Date caramel – This is a fun, healthy way to add some “caramel” to your split. You can either make some yourself by using the recipe I share here (sub water for the rum) or purchase some here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The great thing about this recipe is, there’s no cooking involved! It couldn’t be easier to put this Breakfast Banana Split together.
- First, you’ll want to slice your banana in half lengthwise. This is where it’s important to use one that’s not too under- or overripe. But, if it breaks while you’re cutting it, just cover it up with some of the delicious toppings!
2. & 3. Add your sauces.
4. Sprinkle on the nuts and pineapple.
5. Add the coconut flakes.
6. Top with cherries!
FAQs
You can substitute just about anything! The important thing to take away here is the concept. Feel free to use different fruit, different nuts and/or other healthy toppings. Anything that’s great as a topping for a smoothie bowl would also be good here!
Yes, just choose your favorite dairy-free yogurt.
The main things you want to be sure you cover in your banana split are protein, fiber and carbohydrates. These are the key to a filling breakfast that will stick with your kiddos. In the recipe I provided, the yogurt and nuts provide the protein, while the fruit and coconut provide fiber and carbohydrates. There are also healthy fats in this recipe which are another great component of a nutritious, filling breakfast.
Find the web story for this recipe here.
More Kid-Friendly Recipes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars
28 High-Protein Vegetarian Recipes for Toddlers
Indulgent Smoked Salmon and Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Your Ultimate Guide to Baby- and Toddler-Friendly Finger Food Recipes
What to Cook with Your Kids When You’re All Stuck at Home
Turkey Cranberry Meatballs with Cranberry, Orange and Maple Glaze
For even more easy, kid-friendly recipes, check out my 30 Freezer-Friendly Recipes for Babies and Toddlers ebook!
Tried this recipe and loved it?? Be sure to leave a comment and five-star rating in the recipe card below!
Breakfast Banana Split
Ingredients
- 1 banana, peeled and split lengthwise
- 3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam, melted
- 1 tablespoon date caramel (see Recipe Notes)
- 1/4 cup chopped pineapple
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- 2 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Place banana halves on either side of a sundae dish or larger, shallow bowl. Scoop Greek yogurt in between banana halves and add toppings. Don’t forget the cherries on top!
Notes
- To make the Date Caramel (will make extra): Soak 20 pitted dates in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain and place in a food processor with 4 tablespoons water and 4 tablespoons unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Pulse until a smooth puree forms into a thick caramel consistency. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- You can also purchase date caramel here.
- Feel free to substitute other nuts, fruits or toppings to your liking.
This is such a creative idea! I especially love the yogurt in place of ice cream. I don’t like ice cream (I know, weird) or anything that tastes even remotely like milk but I love dairy free yogurts so I can’t wait to try this out.
Hi Meagan! Yay! I’m so glad you’re going to give this a shot. You’ll love it!
How fun is this!? Love the concept of dessert for breakfast, without actually eating dessert for breakfast. That’s only for the weekends 😉
Haha right??? Now we can have “dessert” for breakfast all week long!!