With summer just around the corner, ice cream lovers are looking for new ways to upgrade their favorite frozen treats. One trending topping is taking social media by storm—and it only requires a few simple ingredients to turn any pint into a gourmet dessert.
Content creator Carina Wolff (@carina.wolff) recently went viral on TikTok for her unique and delicious ice cream topping made with caramelized bananas, buttery dates, olive oil, and flaky sea salt.
Her creation has quickly earned fans online. One commenter said, “I tried this on Greek yogurt and it is DELICIOUS!” Another called it simply, “elite.”
How to Make the Viral Topping
To recreate this dessert at home, follow these easy steps:
- Take your ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften slightly at room temperature.
- In a skillet, melt about two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter stops foaming, add one sliced banana and three halved, pitted Medjool dates.
- Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon for added flavor.
- Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the bananas are golden brown and the dates are soft.
Medjool dates are preferred for this recipe because they are larger, softer, and naturally sweeter than other types, like Deglet Noor. Unpitted dates also tend to have better texture and flavor, though they require a bit more prep.
Once your fruit is caramelized, spoon it over a few scoops of ice cream. Finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt for a sweet-salty balance.
Creative Variations
If you’re not a fan of bananas or can’t eat them, many users are making the same topping using ripe plantains instead. Just make sure the plantains are brown and soft, as they bring a similar sweetness and texture.
Looking for a healthier option? Some fans serve the topping over Greek yogurt instead of ice cream for a protein-packed treat that works as breakfast or dessert.
This simple topping is a versatile way to elevate your ice cream and impress guests this summer—no fancy equipment or ingredients required.
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