Description
This Banana Split Smores Dip is a delightful fusion of two classic American desserts: the Banana Split and S’mores. Made in a cast iron skillet, it layers crushed graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, semi-sweet chocolate chips, sliced bananas, fresh strawberries, and chopped pecans, then broiled to golden perfection. Perfect for indoor oven baking or outdoor campfire cooking, this warm, melty dessert dip pairs wonderfully with graham crackers or cookies for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 4 graham cracker sheets, crushed into crumbs
Chocolate & Marshmallows
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus 1 tablespoon divided
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Fruit & Nuts
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 large banana, sliced (or 1/2 cup banana chips)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Equipment
- 10”-12” cast iron skillet (or oven-proof skillet)
Instructions
- Prepare Graham Cracker Crust: Crush about 4 graham cracker sheets into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zipper storage bag and pounding with a rolling pin. Lightly grease a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet and sprinkle the crushed graham crackers evenly across the bottom.
- Layer Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the graham cracker crumbs to create a sweet, melty base layer.
- Add Marshmallows: Cover the chocolate layer entirely with 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows, spreading them evenly to prepare for melting.
- Add Fruit and Nuts: Arrange sliced bananas and strawberries over the marshmallows. Then sprinkle the chopped pecans and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips on top to add texture and flavor.
- Broil the Dip Indoors: Place the cast iron skillet in the oven and broil on high for 3-4 minutes or until the marshmallows puff up and begin to brown lightly. Keep a close watch to avoid burning. Remove the skillet carefully from the oven.
- Let Cool: Allow the dip to cool for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and make it easier to scoop and enjoy.
- Outdoor Cooking Alternative: If cooking outdoors, follow steps 1-4 indoors, then place the skillet on a grill grate over indirect heat of a fire or campfire. Heat just until the marshmallows melt, taking care not to burn the chocolate. Remove and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the warm, gooey dip with graham cracker squares, sticks, vanilla wafers, cookies, or pretzels for a delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- You can customize by adding pineapple chunks or maraschino cherries (stem removed and chopped) for a tropical or traditional banana split flair.
- Use chocolate bars broken into pieces instead of chocolate chips if preferred.
- If using regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini, cut them into halves or quarters for even melting.
- Any chopped nuts such as peanuts or walnuts can be substituted for pecans based on preference or availability.
- A smaller skillet (6-8 inches) can be used but will require adjusting ingredient quantities accordingly.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of marshmallows, chocolate, or fruit to customize the dip to your liking.
- A cast iron skillet is recommended, especially for outdoor cooking, for even heat distribution and durability.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana split, s'mores dip, dessert dip, campfire dessert, cast iron skillet dessert, banana split recipe, s'mores recipe, indoor oven dessert, outdoor campfire dessert
