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What is a Banana Flip?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A banana flip is a dessert item which comes in a number of different styles, all characterized by blending bananas and cream for a rich and sometimes frothy mouthfeel. The most famous example may be the banana flip made by the Hostess company, which specializes in making an array of snack cakes and related products. People can also make banana flips at home, with recipes which can vary considerably in sophistication and complexity.

The name may be a reference to a family of drinks known as “flips” which historically included egg and cream and were known for being rich and frothy. The modern flip is usually made with egg alone, although this is not necessarily always the case, and many people still associate flips with cream.

Banana flips contain bananas and cream.
Banana flips contain bananas and cream.

The Hostess banana flip, which has inspired many imitators, is made with a piece of banana cake which is folded in half and filled with creamy filling. The dessert is similar in design to the Twinkie, another famous Hostess product. However, historically banana flips were larger, and sold one to a package. The ratio of cake to cream was also slightly different. Hostess continues to make this product, although it is not as widely distributed as some of its other snack cakes.

A banana flip is made by blending together the fruit with cream.
A banana flip is made by blending together the fruit with cream.

Other versions of the banana flip include banana flip pies, made with a creamy vanilla and banana filling, banana flip cookie sandwiches which feature banana cookies and cream filling, banana flip bars which include cream and banana, and cream-filled banana cakes. Some people also refer to banana smoothies and drinks as banana flips if they contain cream. In all cases, the defining characteristics are banana and cream.

In some regions, the flip must contain actual banana to be a banana flip. In other areas, people will use banana flavoring and they may also cover the food so that it will appear creamy to yellow. People can also blend real banana and banana flavorings if they want the flavor to be especially intense. One thing to watch out for when making a banana flip with real banana is the chunky nature of fresh banana; unless one is using slices, the banana should be thoroughly pureed so that it will be even and smooth.

It is possible to make vegan versions of banana flips, using vegan “cream” products which have the flavor and mouthfeel of cream. Creamy vegan puddings with vanilla and banana are often a good way to approximate the flavor.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

alex94

I read this in a cooking magazine and I had to share it with you all! Sorry for the length.

Ode to a Banana Flip

You are fluffy and creamy,

Your sponge cake so fine.

You make me dreamy

Wish you'd be mine.

Alas, you have left me

At 7-11 forlorn.

Please return and surprise me

On some fortunate morn.

Why did your fine maker

Cease crafting your kind?

I'd love to again eat you

Snack food so refined!

Oh! the banana

On the tongue gentle.

Without your light sweetness,

I've gone nearly mental.

You may not be trendy,

You may not be hip,

But I love you, I miss you

Come back 'nana Flip!

I promise to love you

Again, it is true.

So please come and meet me,

7-11, aisle 2.

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    • Banana flips contain bananas and cream.
      By: Tim UR
      Banana flips contain bananas and cream.
    • A banana flip is made by blending together the fruit with cream.
      By: v_blinov
      A banana flip is made by blending together the fruit with cream.