Hot Date Ice Cream Sundaes

This is our banana-enriched version of the Hot Date sundae, served at Poppy restaurant in Seattle. Add a shot of rum to make this even more provocative.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Purée 2 bananas, 2 tsp. sugar, and the lemon juice in a food processor. In a large bowl, fold purée into ice cream, leaving streaks. Freeze until firm, 3 hours.
Step 2
2
Melt butter, brown sugar, and salt in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Add dates and 1/2 cup water and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
3
Whisk cream with remaining 1 1/2 tsp. sugar and the vanilla in a bowl until soft peaks form.
Step 4
4
Divide bread among 4 bowls. Slice remaining banana. Scoop ice cream into bowls and top with banana, dates and sauce, whipped cream, and nuts.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, peeled
3 1/2 teaspoons sugar, divided
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups (10 oz.) Medjool dates, halved and pitted
1/4 cup cold whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces moist, dark store-bought or homemade banana bread, cut into 1-in. cubes (about 5 cups)
1/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts