A banana split is an ice cream-based dessert. In its classic form it is served in a long dish called a "boat". A banana is cut in two lengthwise (hence the split) and laid in the dish. Variations abound, but the classic banana split is made with scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream served in a row between the split banana. Pineapple topping is spooned over the vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup over the chocolate, and strawberry topping over the strawberry. It is garnished with crushed nuts, whipped cream and maraschino cherries. In South America, some of the ice cream flavors might be replaced with Dulce de leche. In Australia banana splits often do not contain Ice Cream, but are made with lemon juice, icing sugar and multi-coloured sprinkles known as "hundreds and thousands".
