The Big Vegan Banana Split

Some days or weeks are imprinted in my memory forever and this was certainly one for me. Wednesday evening I received a call from my editor. I assumed that the call was simply to talk over the logistics of my upcoming radio tour, but it was much more than that.

“Angela, we just found out that you made the NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller List!!!!”

She put me on speakerphone and the whole team was gathered in the room cheering about the exciting news. It was a moment I will never forget. I still can’t believe it!

After the call, I “casually” walked downstairs trying to keep my cool so I could surprise Eric with the news. I had a funny grin on my face (you know when you are half-smiling, but on the verge of bursting into tears?) and he knew something was up. I started to speak, but the tears just welled up in my eyes and my voice couldn’t get anything out. Typical pregnant lady, I am! Poor Eric was worried that something horrible just happened until I was finally able to tell him the news. Immediately after, I called my mom and she started to cry too which then made the pregnant lady tear up again! Oh boy. I guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree…

None of this would even be remotely possible without your support. Thank you for telling others about the cookbook, sharing pictures on social media, posting reviews, and believing that vegan recipes are something to be excited about! Many of you have told me that you gifted copies to family and friends and that couldn’t be more exciting to hear as an author. I feel so inspired to keep creating and I have so many fun ideas spinning in my mind for the future.

Anyway, the NYT list will appear in the Sunday April 6th paper. I’m going to try to locate a copy somewhere in the GTA!

I couldn’t think of a better time to indulge in a pregnancy craving! As if I needed an excuse. To be honest, I’ve been all about the savoury/salty cravings lately (such as my Lightened Up Crispy Baked Fries), but when I saw Cara‘s banana split recipe I made a mental note to make one as soon as possible. I think I even had a dream about it!

We each grabbed a spoon and devoured this heavenly treat in a flash. [Strangely enough, Eric has been getting “pregnancy cravings” too. I think they are contagious…you were warned.]

Vegan, gluten-free, no bake/raw, oil-free

By Angela Liddon

This vegan banana split is a lovely special dessert for two. One dish, two spoons...what could be better? Feel free to change up the toppings as you see fit. I’ve included what I used below, but I didn’t bother putting specific amounts so just add as much as you’d like. The chocolate date sauce is not to be missed. Even if you just make one thing out of this recipe, make the chocolate sauce. It’s amazing on ice cream or just by the spoonful. I expect it would be great on top of brownies too. The banana split is inspired by Forks and Beans and the chocolate sauce is adapted from Southern In Law.

Yield

serves 2

Soak time

30 minutes

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook time

0 Minutes

Total Time

20 Minutes

Ingredients:

for the chocolate date sauce (adapted from Southern In Law):

• 1 (15-oz) can full-fat coconut milk


• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder


• 1/2 cup tightly packed pitted Medjool dates (110 grams)


• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


• pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt or fine grain sea salt, to taste

for the banana split:

• 1 large Banana, sliced in half lengthwise


• 2 small scoops vegan ice cream (I used Coconut Bliss Cherry Amaretto)


• Chocolate date sauce (recipe above)


• Strawberry Chia Seed Jam (from The OSG cookbook)


• Toasted sliced almonds


• Non-dairy chocolate chips or raw cacao nibs


• Coconut whipped cream (link below)


• All-natural sprinkles


• All-natural maraschino cherries or fresh pitted cherries


• Ultimate Nutty Granola Clusters (from The OSG cookbook)

Directions:

For the chocolate date sauce:

1. Soak the pitted dates in a bowl of water for 30 minutes, or until super soft. Drain. You can probably skip this step if you have a Vitamix and are using soft dates to begin with (I did).


2. Add all the sauce ingredients into a high speed blender (including the entire can of coconut milk). Blend on high until super smooth. Adjust to taste, if desired. If it's not sweet enough you can always add more pitted dates.


3. Refrigerate until ready to use. It will firm up in the fridge a bit so you can melt it over low heat on the stove top if desired or just enjoy as is. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

For the banana split:

1. Prep all of your desired toppings in advance.


2. Place the sliced banana in a large oblong bowl (or simply any old bowl will do!).


3. Add a couple scoops of ice cream and a dollop of coconut whipped cream.


4. Add the rest of your desired toppings and enjoy immediately!

I have some new Oh She Glows Virtual Cookbook Tour posts to share:

Note: If you’ve posted a review be sure to tweet me the link and I will add it to my list!

Emily @ The Kitchn

Ellie @ Homemade Hearts

The Queen Latifa Show

Ricki @ Rickiheller.com

Jayne @ Miss Jayne Becca

Last but not least, thank you for your comments on this week’s baby news post and for making a special time even more exciting for us! I was especially happy to read that many of you are also expecting a baby this year (and some close to my own due date). Congrats to all the mama-to-be’s!