If you’re not linked up with us on Facebook, you may not have heard all the crazy, exciting goings-on with Sara and I right now! First and foremost, Sara had her baby on Friday–a healthy, ADORABLE, chubby and round baby boy. They’re both doing great.
The other exciting thing that’s going on with us right now is that we were invited to NYC to attend an event with Kelly Ripa and the people from Serendipity 3 to raise awareness for ovarian cancer research. Sara couldn’t go because of this whole baby business, but how in the world could I say no?? So this morning, my kids and I are jet-setting off to The Big Apple for a whirlwind couple of days. Don’t worry–I’ll blog all about it with lots of pictures when I get back! If you email us or ask questions in the comment section and we’re slow to respond, we’re not ignoring you! 🙂 You can expect me to be back in the saddle by about Thursday.
At this event, we’re going to be making Serendipity banana splits. I know, right? Well, to celebrate that and the fact that the 4th of July is just around the corner and that you might be looking for a potluck dessert, I thought I’d post this Paula Deen-inspired recipe. It’s like a banana split casserole (only it tastes WAY yummier than it sounds by that description…)
You start out with all the traditional banana split stuff–ice cream (only we’re using ice cream sandwiches here), bananas, hot fudge, caramel, maraschino cherries (or strawberries. Or both.), whipped cream, pineapple, and something crunchy to go on top.
First, you layer the ice cream sandwiches on the bottom of the pan, cutting some of them to fit if necessary.
Then you add a layer of bananas,
then hot fudge and caramel, then strawberries or maraschino cherries.
Then I combined the whipped topping with a can of crushed pineapple and spread it on top of everything and added some crushed Butterfingers, although you could also use toffee bits (or crushed toffee bars) or any kind of chopped nuts.
Then you pop this bad boy in the freezer for at least 4 hours so it can set up. When it’s frozen, cut into 12 pieces and serve immediately.
It’s super easy and fun way to cool off this summer!
Frozen Banana Split Squares
Recipe adapted from Paula Deen
Ingredients:
Â
12 3.5 oz. ice cream sandwiches
3-4 medium bananas
1/2-1 c. hot fudge sauce
1/2-1 c. caramel sauce
1 c. chopped maraschino cherries or sliced strawberries (more or less depending on personal taste)
8 oz. frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 small can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 Butterfinger bars, crushed (or 1/2 c. chocolate-covered toffee bits, nuts, etc.)
Instructions:
Line the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish with the ice cream sandwiches, cutting them to fit as necessary. Slice the bananas into pieces about 1/4″ thick and arrange over the sandwiches. Spread the hot fudge and caramel sauces over the bananas. Sprinkle with cherries or strawberries (or both, if desired). Combine the thawed frozen whipped topping with the can of undrained pineapple and spread over everything. Sprinkle with crushed candy bars and freeze for at least 4 hours. When ready to serve, cut into 12 pieces and serve immediately, freezing any leftovers.
I just tried making it and I thought I would save some time by doing it all the night before and letting it freeze over night. DON’T DO IT!! My strawberries were fresh when I started but by the next night, they were frozen solid. ROCK SOLID!! and I couldn’t wait for it to defrost because then the ice cream would melt. We just ate around the fruit. So please don’t make the same mistake I did, and don’t do it too far before.
Ok my NEW favorite dessert! Made this last night for a friend BBQ. They were a huge hit. Genuis Idea by the way and so fun to make. Thanks!
oh man, this looks good! Might have to eat the whole pan!
I. Want. Some. Now. This looks totally fun! I checked out the original recipe, yours sounds way better! I’m not surprised, everything OBB is out-of-this-world!
I made this on Sunday and my husband and friends loved it. I posted pictures like you of the process…thanks for sharing this super fun and easy recipe.
Made this last night, it was amazing, got tons of positive comments. Will make it again for sure! Thanks for the recipe!
This was so yummy but the bananas and strawberries were frozen solid and took my guests awhile to eat lol. But sooo yummy!
I tried this tonight and blogged about it. Fabulous! So easy to make and it is delicious!
– Suzanne
Just Another Hang Up
Love this! I linked in my Friday Favorites this week!
http://www.laniejandco.com/2010/07/friday-favorites-7210.html
This looks so delicious, can't wait for my next gathering to try it out!
This recipe looks ah-mazing! I was going to make the mini pies for 4th of July, but now I will have to make both!
You girls are awesome. I've tried many of your recipes and they have all turned out excellent. I'm excited about cooking again! Thanks, and keep up the great work.
What a wonderful easy and scrumptious lookin' dessert! I want to try this soon. 🙂
I started a diet this morning and I think I'm doomed. This looks too fabulous for words!
Well I just love you guys 10 times more now for supporting ovarian cancer research- thank you! What a great opportunity too! And congrats, Sara!!
You are kidding me, right? This looks amazing!
I know what I'm making for when all my Visiting Teaching gals come over tomorrow night! Thanks a million! 🙂
Congratulation are in order: to Sarah and sweet Baby Boy – congratulations; to the both of you for being invited to NYC to share your amazing recipes – congratulations; to you, Kate, for this amazing ice cream "casserole" – congratulations.
You girls are killing me. More goodies. I'm gonna gain back every single pound. Every one.
ohhh my GOSH! yummmmy!
thanks again for being awesome girls!! 🙂
sara
This is the best cooking blog ever! I'm mildly obsessed!
Everyday I'm on here looking for new recipes and I make your recipes several times a week.
I'm definitely making this for fourth of July!
Great idea and soo easy!
I just made oreo chocolate pudding pops from your site! yum! my kids can't wait for them to freeze up.
Have fun on your trip.
These look yummy and delicious.Enjoy the trip .
Congratulations on the new baby and the awesome invitation!
This dessert looks delicious and so easy! I'm going to have to give it a go soon…thanks for sharing!
Oh my heavens, I MUST have that!
This will be perfect for the 4th! Thanks.
Wow, that might be the best looking thing I've ever seen! I will be trying this recipe soon.
Congrats on the new baby, Sara, and the fabulous invitation for both of you! How exciting!!!
And there goes the diet.
Well if that isn't the cat's pajamas! What a wonderful way to dress up the old stand by – the ice cream sandwich!
OMG!
Seriously?!??! You guys rock!!!!