The Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae is a fun and indulgent summer dessert, born from spontaneous creativity in the kitchen. It brings together the warm, caramelized flavor of grilled bananas with the richness of fudgy brownies and the cool creaminess of ice cream. It’s messy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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Bananas, halved lengthwise
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Brownies, baked and cut into squares
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Butter (for grilling bananas)
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Vanilla ice cream
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Chocolate syrup
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Whipped cream
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Chopped nuts (optional)
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Maraschino cherries (optional)
Note: The exact quantities are flexible depending on servings.
Directions
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Preheat a grill to medium heat.
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Lightly butter the cut side of each banana half.
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Place bananas cut-side down on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes until caramelized and grill marks appear.
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While the bananas grill, warm brownies slightly if desired.
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To serve, place a brownie square on a plate or bowl, top with a grilled banana half, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
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Finish with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top, if using.
Nutrients (Estimated Per Serving)
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Calories: ~420 kcal
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Protein: ~5 g
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Fat: ~20 g
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Carbohydrates: ~60 g
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Fiber: ~3 g
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Sugar: ~35 g
The Ultimate Combination of Flavor and Texture
What makes the Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae so special is its genius layering of contrasting elements. Each bite delivers a harmonious mix of warm and cold, soft and crunchy, rich and fruity. The grilled banana, slightly caramelized and smoky from the grill, offers a deep, sweet complexity. Its softness melts effortlessly into the dense, fudgy brownie base, while the cold vanilla ice cream balances the warmth with its smooth, refreshing creaminess.
The toppings elevate it even more. Drizzles of chocolate syrup add a rich, bittersweet note, while whipped cream brings airiness and volume. Chopped nuts, if used, introduce a welcome crunch, and a maraschino cherry on top gives it that classic sundae look and a final burst of color and flavor.
Grilling Bananas for Depth and Drama
Grilling bananas is an underrated culinary move that transforms a simple fruit into something spectacular. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness and creating golden grill marks that add visual appeal. The smoky essence from the grill imparts a subtle depth, elevating the banana from a snack to a gourmet dessert component.
This small yet powerful step is what makes the sundae stand out from a traditional brownie-and-ice-cream pairing. It adds an element of the unexpected—a twist that delights guests and keeps them talking about dessert long after the meal is over.
A Dessert That Invites Creativity
One of the best things about the Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae is its flexibility. It’s easy to customize based on personal preferences or what’s available in your kitchen. Use your favorite type of brownie—whether homemade, from a mix, or store-bought. You can opt for classic vanilla ice cream or mix it up with caramel swirl, peanut butter, or even a dairy-free alternative.
The toppings are just as versatile. Swap out chocolate syrup for caramel or butterscotch sauce. Add crushed cookies, candy pieces, or fresh berries. Go heavy on the whipped cream or keep it simple with just the essentials. The sundae becomes a canvas for flavor experimentation, making it perfect for kids’ dessert bars, family night treats, or backyard BBQ finales.
Perfect for Summer Gatherings
This dessert was made for summer. Not only does it involve grilling—a quintessential warm-weather activity—but it also uses ingredients that are easy to prep in advance and assemble quickly. You can grill the bananas outdoors alongside burgers and corn, then shift the focus to dessert without missing a beat.
It’s ideal for hosting because it requires minimal effort while still delivering maximum impact. Warm the brownies ahead of time, keep the ice cream chilled, and set up a toppings station so guests can build their own sundaes. It becomes part of the entertainment, engaging everyone in a fun, hands-on experience.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
The Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae is a dessert that delights both children and adults alike. Kids love the fun of assembling their own creations and piling on the toppings, while adults appreciate the balance of nostalgic sweetness and culinary flair. It’s interactive, Instagram-worthy, and guaranteed to bring out smiles all around.
Because the base ingredients are familiar and beloved—bananas, brownies, and ice cream—it’s a safe bet for picky eaters or guests with varied tastes. Even those who claim not to have a sweet tooth may find themselves digging in for seconds once they take that first bite.
A Balanced Indulgence
Despite its decadent appearance, this dessert can be a surprisingly balanced indulgence. Bananas bring natural sweetness and a dose of potassium and fiber. Brownies provide comforting richness and energy-boosting carbs. Ice cream adds a creamy finish, while the optional toppings let you control how over-the-top or light you want your treat to be.
With an estimated 420 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying treat that can fit into a balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully. It’s not about restriction—it’s about celebrating food that brings joy, even if it’s a little messy and a lot indulgent.
Quick and Easy for Spontaneous Cravings
Sometimes the best desserts are born from spontaneous inspiration, and this one is no exception. All it takes is a few ripe bananas, leftover brownies, and a scoop of ice cream to turn an ordinary evening into a deliciously memorable one. The quick cooking time and low-maintenance assembly make it ideal for last-minute dessert cravings or when unexpected company stops by.
You don’t need a fancy grill setup or hours of prep. A simple stovetop grill pan or cast-iron skillet will do the trick. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a warm, caramelized base for a sundae that feels gourmet without the hassle.
Takes the Classic Brownie Sundae to the Next Level
Brownie sundaes are already a classic dessert, but grilling the bananas adds a grown-up twist that takes this favorite to a whole new level. The added warmth and depth of flavor from the caramelization makes this version feel more curated and intentional, like something you’d order from a dessert menu at a trendy bistro.
It’s proof that with just a small tweak—a banana on the grill—you can elevate a familiar favorite into something entirely new and unforgettable. This kind of culinary creativity is what makes home cooking so rewarding.
Presentation That Wows
Aesthetically, the Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae is a stunner. The glossy chocolate syrup, the soft swirl of whipped cream, and the golden banana slices contrast beautifully with the deep, rich tones of the brownie and the creamy pale ice cream. Garnish it with a bright red cherry, a sprinkle of nuts, and perhaps a mint leaf, and you’ve got a picture-perfect dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Serve it in bowls, dessert glasses, or even small mason jars for a fun, rustic presentation. No matter how you plate it, this dessert will be the visual highlight of any table.
Conclusion
The Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae is a joyful, flavor-packed dessert that turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat. It’s the perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, texture, and temperature—all brought together in a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re grilling out with friends, planning a special family dinner, or just looking for a creative way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this sundae delivers on all fronts.
It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. From the caramelized bananas to the fudgy brownie base and that melting scoop of ice cream on top, every bite is pure satisfaction. So next time you’re craving something a little different but totally delicious, fire up the grill and build yourself a Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae. It’s dessert, reimagined—and it might just become your new favorite.