Banana Split Kabobs (Easy No Bake Party Dessert)
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Banana split kabobs are an easy no bake dessert that puts all the best banana split flavors on a stick. Loaded with fresh strawberries, bananas, pineapple chunks, and brownie bites, then drizzled with melted chocolate and topped with chopped peanuts, these banana split skewers are perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, and parties.
I love a classic banana split, but let’s be real, they’re messy and kind of a production. These banana split skewers give you all the same flavors in a grab and go format that’s way easier to serve and eat. No bowls, no melting ice cream, no stress. Plus, they look absolutely adorable on a dessert table.
Ingredients for Banana Split Kabobs
Here’s what you’ll need to make these banana split kabobs. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
Fresh strawberries – Wash and remove the tops. You want firm, ripe berries that will hold up on the skewer.
Ripe bananas – Cut into 1 inch rounds. You want them ripe but still firm enough to thread onto the skewer without falling apart.
Pineapple chunks – Canned pineapple chunks work great here and save you from having to cut up a whole pineapple. Just make sure you drain them well.
Brownies – Cut into 1 inch cubes. Homemade or store bought both work. Fudgy brownies hold together best on the skewer.
Mini chocolate chips – Used for the chocolate drizzle. Melted right in a resealable bag for easy drizzling with zero mess.
Finely chopped peanuts – The salty crunch balances all the sweetness, just like a real banana split.
Bamboo skewers – Standard bamboo skewers work perfectly. I use diagonal cutters to trim them shorter after threading the food on so they’re not awkwardly long.
This recipe makes about 12 full skewers depending on how tightly you thread the fruit.
How to Make Banana Split Kabobs
These come together so fast. You can honestly have a whole platter ready in about 15 minutes.
- Prep your workspace. Line a baking sheet or cutting board with wax paper and set aside.
- Thread the skewers. Thread one brownie cube, banana slice, pineapple chunk, and strawberry onto a bamboo skewer. Repeat to create a second set on the same skewer. Place onto the prepared wax paper. Continue until all fruit and brownies are used.
- Melt the chocolate. Place mini chocolate chips in a resealable sandwich bag and microwave on 50 percent power for 1 minute. Flip the bag over and microwave again for 1 minute on 50 percent power. Knead the bag until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. If needed, return to the microwave at 100 percent power for 10 seconds until fully melted.
- Drizzle and top. Snip the corner of the bag and drizzle melted chocolate over the skewers. Immediately sprinkle with chopped peanuts before the chocolate sets.
- Let set and serve. Let kabobs stand until the chocolate is firm, or pop them in the refrigerator to speed things up. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Why brownies and not angel food cake? I actually tested these with angel food cake first since that’s what most recipes use. The cake absorbed pineapple juice and started sliding around on the skewer. Brownies held their shape much better and gave a richer bite that paired perfectly with the chocolate drizzle.
Tips for Perfect Banana Split Kabobs
Trim the skewers after assembly. I use diagonal cutters to cut my bamboo skewers shorter after threading the food on. It makes them way more manageable to eat and looks cleaner on the platter.
Drain the pineapple well. Excess liquid from canned pineapple can make the brownies soggy. Give them a good drain and even pat them with a paper towel.
Don’t skip the bag method for chocolate. Melting the chocolate chips right in a resealable bag means no extra dishes and the drizzle is easy to control. Just snip a tiny corner.
Sprinkle peanuts immediately. The peanuts need to stick to the chocolate while it’s still wet. Once it sets, they’ll just fall right off.
How to Keep Bananas from Turning Brown
Bananas will naturally brown over time once sliced. If you’re prepping these ahead, you have a few option that have worked for me in other recipes.
You can lightly brush the banana slices with lemon, lime, or orange juice before assembling. It won’t affect the flavor much but helps slow oxidation due to the acid. You can also try a citric spray.
For best results, assemble these just a few hours before serving and keep them tightly covered in the refrigerator until ready to set out.
Can You Make Banana Split Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes, but they’re best made the same day you plan to serve them. You can assemble and refrigerate them a few hours ahead of your event. Because of the bananas, they do not hold as well overnight.
If you need to prep earlier, you can cut brownies and prep strawberries in advance, then assemble closer to serving time.
Variations for Banana Split Kabobs
The beauty of banana split kabobs is that they’re totally flexible. Here are some easy swaps and add ons:
Swap the brownies for pound cake, angel food cake, homemade fudge, or even rice krispie treat squares.
Add marshmallows between the fruit for an extra sweet, s’mores inspired twist.
Use white chocolate or caramel sauce instead of or in addition to the chocolate drizzle.
Swap peanuts for crushed almonds, sprinkles, or toasted coconut flakes.
Add maraschino cherries to the skewer for the full banana split experience.
If you want to skip the drizzle and go all in on dipping, try serving these with our chocolate dip on the side for a fondue-style experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes. Fresh pineapple works great. Just cut into firm chunks and pat dry before threading so excess juice doesn’t soak into the brownies.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Frozen fruit is not recommended. Once thawed, it releases too much moisture and can make the skewers watery.
How long can these sit out at a party?
Because of the fruit, it’s best not to leave them out longer than 1 to 2 hours, especially in hot weather. Keep refrigerated until serving.
Need more no cook ideas for your next party? Browse our favorite cold appetizer recipes and summer cookout sides for a full spread that won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen. Save this recipe on Pinterest so you have it ready for your next gathering.
Banana Split Kabobs
Equipment
- 12 Bamboo Skewers
Ingredients
- 12 fresh strawberries tops removed
- 3 ripe bananas cut into 1 inch rounds
- 1 can pineapple chunks drained well
- 12 brownie cubes cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup finely chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or large cutting board with wax paper and set aside.
- Make sure pineapple chunks are well drained and lightly patted dry to prevent excess moisture from soaking into the brownies.
- If desired, lightly brush banana slices with lemon juice (or a citrus of some kind) to help slow browning, especially if prepping ahead.
- Thread one brownie cube, one banana slice, one pineapple chunk, and one strawberry onto a bamboo skewer. Repeat to create a second set on the same skewer. Place onto the prepared wax paper. Continue until all ingredients are used.
- Place mini chocolate chips into a resealable sandwich bag. Microwave on 50 percent power for 1 minute. Flip the bag over and microwave again on 50 percent power for 1 minute. Knead the bag until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If needed, microwave at 100 percent power for 10 seconds at a time until completely melted.
- Snip a very small corner off the bag and drizzle melted chocolate evenly over each skewer. Immediately sprinkle chopped peanuts over the chocolate before it sets so they adhere properly. Let the kabobs stand at room temperature until the chocolate firms up, or refrigerate briefly to speed up setting.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours until ready to serve. These are best enjoyed the same day they are made.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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