Coconut & Caramelized Banana Split (Dairy-Free)

HomeClinics & ProgramsELLICSR KitchenCoconut & Caramelized Banana Split (Dairy-Free)

Skill Level	Intermediate

Preparation Time	15 minutes	Total Time	45 minutes
Servings	4	Cost Per Serving	$0.88

Banana Coconut Split

5	Very Ripe Bananas (peel and freeze 3)
1/4 cup + 2 tsp	Maple Syrup
1/2 tsp	Cinnamon
2 tbsp	Dried Coconut Flakes, toasted
1/2 cup	Coconut Milk (light or regular)

Chocolate Fudge Sauce (adapted from vegansparkles.com)

3/4 cup	Coconut Milk (light or regular)
6	Pitted Dates
2 tbsp	Dark Baking Chocolate (at least 65%) or Cocoa Powder
Pinch	Sea Salt

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Carefully cut a slit down the middle of each of the unfrozen bananas, making sure not to cut through to the other side. Pour a little bit of maple syrup (roughly 1 tsp per banana) and cinnamon into the slits.
Place bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 15 minutes.
For the chocolate fudge sauce, combine coconut milk and dates in a small sauce pot. Bring to a simmer and add the dark chocolate or cocoa powder. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Allow to cool.
For the coconut banana ice cream, thaw out the frozen bananas at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Add to a food processor with ¼ cup maple syrup, ½ cup coconut milk and coconut flakes and blend until smooth. Freeze until ready to use.
Combine half a caramelized banana with a scoop of the coconut banana ice cream and drizzle with the chocolate fudge sauce. Top with some fresh berries and enjoy!

PDF link to nutrition facts for Coconut & Caramelized Banana Split (Dairy-Free)

Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, a mineral and electrolyte. Electrolytes like potassium and sodium carry an electrical charge like a battery. These electrical charges are important for many functions, such as muscle control, nerve function and maintaining a normal blood pressure. Diets rich in potassium and low in sodium are associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure and stroke. If you have lost fluids from sweating, diarrhea or vomiting, potassium-rich foods such as bananas can help you replace some of the electrolytes you have lost.
Bananas are easy to digest and are one of the few fruits recommended to try if you have diarrhea. Although bananas are a good source of fibre, this fibre is in the form of pectin, a soluble fibre that helps slow down the movement of food through your digestive system.
Bananas may help to soothe stomach aches by causing the stomach lining to produce more mucus, which helps protect the lining against stomach acid. Animal studies suggest that bananas may prevent ulcers by fighting off the bacteria that causes them.