Freeze-Dried Banana Split Recipe

Looking for a fun, unique gift idea that’s both delicious and creative? A freeze-dried banana split is a fantastic way to combine the joys of freeze-dried fruit and ice cream in an exciting, non-melting form. These freeze-dried treats make perfect holiday gifts, and they are a fun snack to enjoy at any time. Here’s how you can make your own freeze-dried banana split, using simple ingredients and colorful stand-up pouches from PackFreshUSA.

Ingredients:

1. Freeze-dried Bananas – Easy to make by slicing fresh bananas and freeze-drying them.
2. Freeze-dried Strawberries – Make sure to allow extra drying time to ensure they are fully dehydrated.
3. Freeze-dried Ice Cream – Use small scoops, such as melon ballers or a cookie scoop, to keep portions manageable.
4. Dehydrated Marshmallows – Mini-marshmallows work best for a fun texture.
5. Stand-Up Pouches – Beautiful packaging from PackFreshUSA in gold/clear or silver/clear.

Instructions:

1. Freeze-Dry Bananas:

• Slice fresh bananas into thin pieces.
• Optional: Dip the banana slices in lemon water to prevent browning.
• Arrange the banana slices on freeze-drying trays and freeze them.
• Once frozen, run the freeze-dryer until the bananas are completely dry and crispy.

2. Freeze-Dry Strawberries:

• Slice the strawberries into slices.
• Freeze-dry them as you would with the bananas but add an extra 12 hours of drying time. This ensures all moisture is removed, especially from the seeds.

3. Freeze-Dry Ice Cream:

• Use a melon baller or small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon size) to create small balls of ice cream. This helps control expansion during the freeze-drying process.
• Place the ice cream scoops on trays, freeze them, and then freeze-dry until completely dry.

4. Freeze-Dry Marshmallows:

• Place mini marshmallows directly on freeze-drying trays.
• Freeze (optional) and then freeze-dry until they’re completely crispy.

5. Packaging the Freeze-Dried Banana Split:

• Once all the components are freeze-dried, you can mix them together in any combination you like.
• For a beautifully presented gift, fill the large size Stand Up Pouches from PackFreshUSA with the freeze-dried fruits, ice cream scoops, and marshmallows. You have a variety of colors to choose from, I am using the silver/clear large. 
• These Stand Up Pouches keep your banana split ingredients safe and preserved for a long time, while also making the gift visually appealing.
• Adding an oxygen absorber Oxygen Absorbers will keep your treats fresher longer. 
• Make labels you can place on the front of the Stand-up Pouch, or you can easily create a tag with ribbon, card stock and a sticker to and from to give it the holiday flair. 

Creating a festive holiday freeze-dried banana split is an enjoyable and practical way to make unique holiday gifts or snacks. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s also fun to share. The best part is that freeze-dried treats don’t melt, so you can eat them at any time without worrying about spoiling! The bright colors of the PackFreshUSA Stand-up Pouches only add to the charm of these freeze-dried treats, making them perfect for gifting or snacking on the go.

Happy Holidays!

Ola D Griffin

Long-term Food Storage Expert

Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA

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