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Home » Breakfast

Breakfast Banana Split Parfaits with Cool Whip Ice Cream

Published: Jul 10, 2023 by Ash, The Grocery Addict · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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If the idea of dessert for breakfast entices you, you’ve gotta try my delectable Banana Split Parfait with Cool Whip “Ice Cream.” Packed with creamy yogurt, crunchy cereal, salty nuts, tons of fruit, a big scoop of frozen whipped topping as your low-cal ice cream, and Fruity Pebbles for sprinkles, this loaded breakfast banana split bowl is a gee-dang party for your mouth!

colorful hero shot of breakfast banana split parfait in a round white pasta bowl.

When it comes to breakfast, I’m all for make-ahead meals or recipes that take 10 minutes (or less!). TBH, I generally don’t eat my first meal until well into the afternoon (restaurant habits die HARD, y’all). So, if there’s even a chance that I’ll have a nibble with my coffee, it better be EASY.

I also sport a pretty hefty sweet tooth, which doesn’t always align with my intentions for healthy living. The solution? All 👏 the 👏 fruit! Seriously, y’all. This banana and Greek yogurt banana split is so dadgum tasty and indulgent that it often shows up as Joe and my dessert during the week. 

Between protein-packed Greek yogurt and nuts plus 3-4 kinds of in-season fruit, the base of this healthy* banana split is both filling and nutritious. By the time you add your pretend Cool Whip “ice cream” and the fun sugary cereal (hellooooo Honey Grahams and Fruity Pebbles!), there’s already so much goodness on your plate you don’t even have to feel bad about it.

*Healthy is one of those subjective terms that means all kinds of things to all kinds of people. I’m not a nutritional professional, so please don’t take what I think as gospel! But, for the record, I’m of the belief that both fruit and yogurt are two of the best kinds of fuel for my body. And, even sugary cereal has some redeeming properties.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make A Breakfast Banana Split With Yogurt & Cool Whip Ice Cream
  • Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Healthy Banana Breakfast Ideas
  • Healthy-ish Breakfast Banana Split Bowls
  • 💬 Reviews
45 degree angle closeup shot of breakfast banana split parfait with cool whip ice cream in a white pasta bowl with a silver spoon.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Split Breakfast Recipe

If merely saying “banana split yogurt cereal dessert” isn’t enough to get you running to the kitchen to make one, you should also know that this recipe is:

  • Quick & Easy - All you have to do is slice your fruit and pile everything in a bowl. Making this breakfast banana split takes just 5 minutes or less!
  • Customizable - Between peaches & berries in the summer, citrus, pomegranates, & persimmons in the winter, plus all the year-round bananas and frozen fruits, there are tons of naturally sweet, actually good-for-you ways to scratch that sugar itch. There are also about a gazillion types of cereals and yogurt flavors to choose from, so you can easily make this yogurt banana split exactly to spec.
  • Versatile - While it’s definitely nutritious enough for me to chow down at breakfast, this banana split with yogurt is also sweet enough to enjoy as dessert (try my lemon blueberry dessert parfait, too!). I’ve also consumed it for dinner on a few occasions when Joe is out of town — because dessert for dinner may be one of my favorite kinds of self-care. 😂
  • Hearty & Filling - This banana split parfait is certain to crush even the gnarliest hunger. We’re talking 4 servings of fruit plus yogurt and cereal, all loaded into one bowl. This is a MEAL, people. But, since everything is nice and cold, it’s also super refreshing so it’s perfect for warm weather.
hyper closeup shot of breakfast banana split sprinkled with cinnamon and fruity pebbles.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Before you go balking at the long ingredient list, note that literally ANY of the ingredients below can be omitted or swapped out for something else. There’s no cooking going on here, just adding tasty things to a bowl, so there are no “must haves” to make this banana split parfait.

Here's what to grab:

ingredients needed to make breakfast banana split bowls measured out on a white table.
  • Greek Yogurt - I like to use plain because everything else is sweet enough, but feel free to swap in the flavor of your choice! Regular, non-Greek yogurt works too.
  • Cereal of Choice - My faves include Honey Grahams, Cinnamon Life, or Bran Flakes, but literally anything in your pantry will do. I often mix and match depending on what we have open!
  • Banana - Okay, if anything were to be considered essential to a banana split, the banana is definitely it lol. I personally like to cut mine into quarter-sized rounds for easier scoop-ability, but you can also go traditional and split it lengthwise instead.
  • Blueberries, Strawberries, & Peaches - Our farmer’s market has been poppin’ with some seriously crave-worthy fruit. Feel free to swap in any of your favorites to equal about 1 ½ cups of fruit. You’re welcome to use fresh, frozen, or even canned fruit that’s been packed in juice.
  • Kosher Salt & Cinnamon - Weirdly enough, both of these ingredients make sweet things taste sweeter. A touch of kosher salt on your fruit is about to blow your mind!
  • Frozen Whipped Topping - This is your "ice cream," so make it a big scoop! Two tablespoons is just 20 calories, so I typically go for about ⅓ of a cup. Also, don’t feel like you have to use Cool Whip brand. 
  • Squirtable Whipped Cream - This is another way to introduce some of that fun dessert for breakfast vibe without totally killing your calorie count. (2 tablespoons is just 15 calories, so I usually use 3 tablespoons total.) Feel free to omit it if you prefer.
  • Grape Nuts - Call me weird if you wanna, but Joe and I are obsessed with the crunchy, nutty-tasting, fiber-packed yumminess of Grape Nuts. Feel free to swap in granola for a sweeter option, or omit it.
  • Peanuts - For added crunch and saltiness, plus extra protein. Feel free to swap in the nuts or seeds of your choice, or omit them altogether.
  • Fruity Pebbles - Y’all, I have an undying love of these cheerful little rice flakes. I know they’re fake AF. I don’t care. They make perfect sprinkles on this fruit yogurt bowl, and are probably a little better for you than actual sprinkles, too.
closeup overhead shot of an assembled banana split parfait with cereal, fruit, greek yogurt, and cool whip ice cream.

How To Make A Breakfast Banana Split With Yogurt & Cool Whip Ice Cream

Y’all can assemble your yogurt fruit bowl however you like. Below is how I typically make mine, but you can also neatly line up the fruits in ROYGBIV order (like the photos), or stir everything together into a mess. All that matters is you get all that good-good in the bowl. 🤤

Step 1: Swirl the yogurt over the bottom of a shallow pasta bowl using the back of a spoon.

Greek yogurt smooshed into the bottom of a shallow pasta bowl.

Step 2: Crunch up your cereal of choice and scatter it over the yogurt.

crunched up cereal added on top of the yogurt.

Step 3: Add fruit. Top the cereal with thin slices of banana. Scatter the remaining fruit around.

sliced bananas, strawberries, peaches, and blueberries added to the bowl.

Step 4: Sprinkle on the Grape Nuts & peanuts. Sprinkle the bowl with salt and cinnamon.

Step 5: Top the fruit with a scoop or two of whipped topping. Squirt the whipped cream decoratively around.

cool whip ice cream scoop added, plus 3 squirts of canned whipped cream.

Step 6: Garnish. Use the Fruity Pebbles as your "sprinkles." Dig in!

fruity pebble sprinkles and granola added to the banana split bowl.

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

The great thing about making these healthy-ish banana split bowls for breakfast is you can basically take them in any direction you like. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

  • Dairy-Free/Vegan - Simply swap in the plant-based yogurt and whipped toppings of your choice. Double check the labels on your cereal, too. 
  • Gluten-Free - Use all gluten-free cereal to make this safe for celiacs. In case you didn’t know, Fruity Pebbles make the cut!
  • Banana Split Trifle - Rather than using cereal as a layer, try using chunks of your favorite quick-breads, muffins, pancakes, or even some of my protein donuts. Also, layer everything in a clear glass for the true trifle effect.
  • Swap Your Fruits & Cereals - Don’t like peaches? Swap them in for kiwi or pineapple or any other fruit you prefer. Not a fan of berries? Weird, but okay! Use whatever fruits you DO like. You can also experiment with as many types of breakfast cereal as you like. I, for one, always have 3-4 types of cereal on hand at any given time, so you’ll hear no judgement from me!
  • Use Real Ice Cream - Obviously this will make things more caloric by adding extra fat and sugar to the mix, but if you’re eating it for dessert anyway, why the heck not?!? 
45 degree angle shot of breakfast banana split parfait showing all 4 types of fruit, both kinds of cereal, cool whip ice cream, greek yogurt and fruity pebble sprinkles.

Expert Tips

  • Salt from about 12-18 inches above your plate. This helps for more even distribution of the salt crystals, so every bit of fruit gets a little extra pop of flavor. 😉
  • If you prefer your cereal to be less crunchy, I suggest placing it directly on top of the yogurt, then topping it with your fruit. The moisture will help to soften it up a bit!
  • Save your fruit scraps like strawberry hulls and clingstone peach pits to make a pitcher of free fruit-infused water. You can also turn the banana peel into pulled pork!
  • Go generic for cereals, yogurts, and whipped topping to save a few bucks.
  • If fresh fruit options are sparse, turn to frozen fruit or canned fruit packed in juice!
hero shot of breakfast banana split bowl with a bowl of fruity pebbles and a bowl of blueberries on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I eat this sliced banana split parfait with a spoon or a fork?

I say split the difference and use a spork!

Is this breakfast banana split healthy?

I’m not a certified nutrition professional, so I’m not really qualified to deem something healthy or not. What I WILL say is this breakfast banana split is loaded with 4 (!!!) servings of fruit and a serving of yogurt, so I personally consider it to be both nutritious and satisfying!

overhead hero shot of breakfast banana split with yogurt and cool whip ice cream topped with fruity pebbles.

More Healthy Banana Breakfast Ideas

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hand grabbing a spoonful of the strawberry, yogurt, and banana portion of my breakfast banana split parfait.

If you tried this recipe and loved it, be sure to rate and review it below! For more inexpensive and delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow me on Pinterest. You can also get all of my newest content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for my email newsletter!

hero shot of breakfast banana split bowl with a bowl of fruity pebbles and a bowl of blueberries on the table.

Healthy-ish Breakfast Banana Split Bowls

If the idea of dessert for breakfast entices you, you’ve gotta try my delectable Banana Split Parfait with Cool Whip “Ice Cream.” Packed with creamy yogurt, crunchy cereal, salty nuts, tons of fruit, a big scoop of frozen whipped topping as your low-cal ice cream, and Fruity Pebbles for sprinkles, this loaded breakfast banana split is a gee-dang party for your mouth!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 -2
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ C Greek Yogurt I use plain because everything else is sweet enough, but feel free to swap in the flavor of your choice! Regular yogurt works too.
  • ½ C Cereal of Choice, lightly crushed between your hands My faves include Honey Grahams, Cinnamon Life, or Bran Flakes
  • 1 Banana
  • ½ C Blueberries or swap in another fruit of choice
  • ½ C Strawberries cut into bite-sized pieces, or swap in another fruit of choice
  • 1 Peach cut into bite-sized pieces, or swap in another ½ cup fruit of choice
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ¼ - ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 scoop Frozen Whipped Topping this is your "ice cream," so make it a big scoop!
  • 3 squirts Squirtable Whipped Cream
  • 2 tablespoon Grape Nuts or granola, or any other crunchy, fiber-filled cereal.
  • 2 tablespoon Roasted, Salted Peanuts chopped. (Optional)
  • ¼ C Fruity Pebbles

Instructions
 

  • Swirl the yogurt over the bottom of a shallow pasta bowl using the back of a spoon.
  • Crunch up your cereal of choice and scatter it over the yogurt.
  • Top the cereal with thin slices of banana. Scatter the remaining fruit around.
  • Sprinkle on the Grape Nuts.
  • Sprinkle the fruit with salt and cinnamon.
  • Top the fruit with a scoop or two of whipped topping. Squirt the whipped cream decoratively around.
  • Use the Fruity Pebbles as your "sprinkles." Dig in!

Notes

The great thing about making these healthy-ish banana split bowls for breakfast is you can basically take them in any direction you like. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
  • Dairy-Free/Vegan - Simply swap in the plant-based yogurt and whipped toppings of your choice. Double check the labels on your cereal, too. 
  • Gluten-Free - Use all gluten-free cereal to make this safe for celiacs. In case you didn’t know, Fruity Pebbles make the cut!
  • Banana Split Trifle - Rather than using cereal as a layer, try using chunks of your favorite quick-breads, muffins, pancakes, or even some of my protein donuts. Also, layer everything in a clear glass for the true trifle effect.
  • Swap Your Fruits & Cereals - Don’t like peaches? Swap them in for kiwi or pineapple. Not a fan of berries? Weird, but okay! Use whatever fruits you DO like. You can also experiment with as many types of breakfast cereal as you like. I, for one, always have 3-4 types of cereal on hand at any given time, so you’ll hear no judgement from me!
  • Use Real Ice Cream - Obviously this will make things more caloric by adding extra fat and sugar to the mix, but if you’re eating it for dessert anyway, why the heck not?!? 
Expert Tips:
Salt from about 12-18 inches above your plate. This helps for more even distribution of the salt crystals, so every bit of fruit gets a little extra pop of flavor. 😉
If you prefer your cereal to be less crunchy, I suggest placing it directly on top of the yogurt, then topping it with your fruit. The moisture will help to soften it up a bit!
Save your fruit scraps like strawberry hulls and clingstone peach pits to make a pitcher of free fruit-infused water. You can also turn the banana peel into pulled pork!
Go generic for cereals, yogurts, and whipped topping to save a few bucks.
If fresh fruit options are sparse, turn to frozen fruit or canned fruit packed in juice!

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 111gProtein: 20gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 940mgPotassium: 1149mgFiber: 16gSugar: 51gVitamin A: 1937IUVitamin C: 68mgCalcium: 168mgIron: 16mg
Keyword Cheap, Dessert, Easy, Fast, Fruit, Gluten Free
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Hey y'all! My name is Ashley, and I'm the Grocery Addict. I'm here to share my best time saving tips, money saving tricks and store bought grocery hacks to make being the CFO (Chief Food Officer) of your family a little easier. All of my recipes are designed for real, busy people - like you! - who want to eat healthy, homemade food on a tight budget. I can't wait to see you in the kitchen!

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