Banana Split Ice Cream Cake

Today's reason to celebrate - National Ice Cream Day.  Go eat some ice cream!  It's your civic duty!  President Ronald Reagan declared July to be National Ice Cream Month and the 3rd Sunday of the month to be set aside for the eating of creamy frozen treats.

Sprinkles or Jimmies?  What do you call those little confections on top of Banana Splits?  I call them Jimmies.  I put the whipped cream, jimmies and a cherry "on the side" of this delicious ice cream cake.  The chocolate sauce is amazing!

You will need:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted plus 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 4-5 medium bananas, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
• 1-1/2 quarts strawberry ice cream, softened (your choice of ice cream of course)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 8-ounce container whipped topping

In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and the melted butter.  Set aside 1/4 cup of the mixture, then press the remainder into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan.

Place the bananas in a single layer over the crust.

Spread the softened ice cream on top and smooth.  Sprinkle the nuts on the ice cream, then cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup butter and stir until smooth.  Add the confectioner's sugar and evaporated milk.  Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat until slightly thickened and smooth, about 8 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in vanilla.  Cool the mixture, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Pour the mixture over the ice cream and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

Spread the whipped topping over the chocolate layer and sprinkle with reserved crumbs.  Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Remove from freezer about 20 minutes before slicing.  Serves 18
Sharing this recipe with  A Musing Potpourri Ice Cream Social
                                     Kitchen Boquet Ice Cream Social
                                     Little Rays of Sunshine - So Sweet Sunday
                                     Melt in your Mouth Monday
~Adapted from Disney Family Fun

Banana Split Sundae Ice Cream Cake