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Home » Breakfast » Kid-Approved Breakfast Banana Split

Kid-Approved Breakfast Banana Split

Published March 5, 2021 | Updated Mar 05, 2021 by Robin Deem 6 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

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Banana splits for breakfast? With these healthy swaps, it can easily be done – and your kids will love you forever!Two breakfast banana splits on blue napkins.

 

Table of contents

  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • FAQs
  • More Kid-Friendly Recipes

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.

First few ingredients needed for a Breakfast Banana Split.

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.

Toppings needed for a Breakfast Banana Split.

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.

  1. 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!
Six steps of putting together a breakfast banana split.

2. & 3. Add your sauces.

4. Sprinkle on the nuts and pineapple.

5. Add the coconut flakes.

6. Top with cherries!

Close-up of a breakfast banana split in a white dish.

FAQs

What substitutions can I make in this recipe?

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!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just choose your favorite dairy-free yogurt.

What nutrients should I be sure to include to make the banana split a healthy breakfast?

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.

Overhead shot of two breakfast banana splits surrounded by blue napkins.

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

Fresh Raspberry Mint Limeade

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 | CaliGirlCooking.com

Breakfast Banana Split

Banana splits for breakfast? With these healthy swaps, it can easily be done – and your kids will love you forever!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 622kcal
Author: CaliGirl Cooking

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

  1. 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. 
  2. You can also purchase date caramel here.
  3. Feel free to substitute other nuts, fruits or toppings to your liking.

Nutrition

Calories: 622kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 958mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 215mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CaliGirlCooking or tag #CaliGirlCooking!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Meagan

    January 23, 2017 at 7:33 am

    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.

    Reply
    • [email protected]

      January 23, 2017 at 12:36 pm

      Hi Meagan! Yay! I’m so glad you’re going to give this a shot. You’ll love it!

      Reply
  2. Karly

    January 24, 2017 at 10:38 am

    How fun is this!? Love the concept of dessert for breakfast, without actually eating dessert for breakfast. That’s only for the weekends 😉

    Reply
    • [email protected]

      January 24, 2017 at 2:27 pm

      Haha right??? Now we can have “dessert” for breakfast all week long!!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Robin! I'm a busy mom, food blogger and online educator empowering other mamas to find their very own recipe for a balanced life through meal planning, easy recipes and organizational techniques. I look forward to getting to know you and teaching you my tried and true tricks!

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