Yields Serves 4 Prep Time 1 hr Freeze Time 3 hrs Total Time 4 hrs
AuthorIvy Manning,
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

Directions

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.

Hot Date Ice Cream Sundaes

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