Description
Fun and easy fruit skewers drizzled with hot fudge, topped with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry. A perfect party treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe but firm bananas, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (or quartered if large)
- 1 pint fresh pineapple chunks, about 1-inch size
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1 (12-ounce) jar hot fudge sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
- Wooden skewers (approximately 6-8 inches long)
- Optional: Mini marshmallows
- Optional: Other fruits like kiwi, raspberries, or grapes
Instructions
- Wash and Prepare the Fruit: Thoroughly wash all the fresh fruit. Hull the strawberries and cut them in half or quarters depending on their size. Peel and chop the bananas into 1-inch chunks. Ensure the pineapple is cut into similar-sized chunks.
- Banana Prep Tip: To prevent the banana pieces from browning too quickly, you can lightly toss them with a little lemon juice. Just a teaspoon or two will do the trick! This is especially helpful if you’re preparing the kabobs ahead of time.
- Arrange the Fruit: Have all your fruit prepared and ready to go in separate bowls. This will make the assembly process much smoother and faster.
- Thread the Fruit: Begin threading the fruit onto the wooden skewers. Alternate the different fruits to create a colorful and appealing pattern. I like to start with a strawberry, then a banana, followed by a pineapple chunk, and then some blueberries. Repeat this pattern, or create your own unique sequence!
- Vary the Order: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the order of the fruit. You can even add mini marshmallows for a sweeter treat. Just make sure each skewer has a good variety of colors and textures.
- Fill the Skewer: Fill each skewer with fruit, leaving a small space at the end for easy handling. Be careful not to overcrowd the skewer, as this can make it difficult to eat.
- Repeat: Continue threading the fruit onto the skewers until all the fruit is used up. You should have a beautiful array of banana split kabobs ready for the next step.
- Warm the Hot Fudge: Gently warm the hot fudge sauce in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and pourable. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can burn easily. If using the stovetop, heat over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Prepare the Whipped Topping: If you’re using store-bought whipped topping, simply have it ready to go. If you’re making your own, prepare it according to your favorite recipe. Homemade whipped cream adds a special touch!
- Chop the Nuts: If you haven’t already, chop the walnuts or pecans into small pieces. You can use a knife or a food processor for this.
- Gather the Garnishes: Have the maraschino cherries ready for garnish. You can leave them whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.
- Arrange the Kabobs: Arrange the banana split kabobs on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Drizzle with Hot Fudge: Drizzle the warm hot fudge sauce generously over the kabobs. Make sure to get some on each piece of fruit.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spoon or pipe whipped topping onto the kabobs. You can use a piping bag for a more elegant presentation.
- Sprinkle with Nuts: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the whipped topping.
- Garnish with Cherries: Top each kabob with a maraschino cherry.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the banana split kabobs immediately for the best taste and texture. The bananas can soften if left out for too long.
- Optional: Add Sprinkles! For an extra touch of fun, you can sprinkle the kabobs with colorful sprinkles.
- Serving Suggestion: These kabobs are perfect for parties, barbecues, or any special occasion. They’re also a fun and healthy dessert option for kids and adults alike.
Notes
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to use any of your favorite fruits in these kabobs. Kiwi, raspberries, grapes, and melon are all great options.
- Chocolate Options: Instead of hot fudge, you can use melted chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate).
- Nut Butter Drizzle: For a different flavor profile, try drizzling the kabobs with peanut butter or almond butter.
- Yogurt Dip: Serve the kabobs with a side of Greek yogurt for a healthier option. You can add a touch of honey or vanilla extract to the yogurt for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the fruit and assemble the kabobs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. However, it’s best to add the toppings just before serving to prevent the bananas from browning and the whipped topping from melting.
- Freezing: While not ideal, you *can* freeze these kabobs. The texture of the fruit will change slightly, but they’ll still be enjoyable. Wrap each kabob individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Note: the toppings should be added *after* thawing.
- Kid-Friendly: These kabobs are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Let them help wash and chop the fruit, and then let them assemble their own kabobs.
- Adult-Friendly: For an adult twist, you can drizzle the kabobs with a little bit of rum or bourbon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes