Old-Fashioned Banana Marlow is a charming no-churn frozen dessert that dates back to the 1930s—a time when iceboxes were the height of modern convenience. Made with simple pantry staples like marshmallows, mashed ripe bananas, and whipped cream, this nostalgic treat is sweet, fruity, and delightfully creamy without the need for an ice cream maker. The addition of maraschino cherries gives it a pop of color and retro flair, making it perfect for vintage-themed parties or a whimsical summer dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Marlow is a delightful blend of old-fashioned comfort and creamy texture. The marshmallows melt into the milk to form a fluffy, sweet base that blends beautifully with ripe bananas and lemon juice for freshness. Whipped cream adds richness and lightness, while maraschino cherries bring both flavor and charm. It’s easy to prepare, requires no special equipment, and delivers a scoopable frozen treat with a soft, mousse-like consistency.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

regular marshmallows (or mini marshmallows)
whole milk
juice of 1 lemon
ripe mashed bananas
vanilla extract
heavy cream (cold)
maraschino cherries, chopped

Directions

Melt the Marshmallows:

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the marshmallows and milk.
Stir gently and continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Add Fruit and Flavor:
4. Stir in the lemon juice, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.

Whip the Cream:
6. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
7. Be careful not to overwhip; it should be firm yet fluffy.

Fold Together:
8. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled banana-marshmallow base in 2–3 batches to retain the airy texture.
9. Add the chopped maraschino cherries and fold them in evenly.

Freeze the Marlow:
10. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch shallow casserole dish.
11. Cover tightly and place in the freezer for at least 3 hours or until firm.

Optional Stirring During Freezing:
12. For a smoother consistency, every 40 minutes during the first 2–3 hours of freezing, use a fork or spatula to gently stir the mixture, pulling in the frozen edges.

Serve:
13. Before serving, let the Banana Marlow sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften slightly.
14. Scoop into bowls or vintage dessert glasses and serve with extra cherries on top if desired.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freezing Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: About 1¼ quarts (serves 6–8)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 196 kcal

Variations

Rum-Kissed Marlow: Add ¼ teaspoon of rum extract for a tropical depth of flavor.
Nutty Delight: Fold in ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Tropical Twist: Replace half the banana with crushed pineapple for a fruitier variation.
Chocolate Chip Marlow: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a kid-friendly version.
Berry Swap: Substitute cherries with chopped strawberries or raspberries for a berry-forward variation.

storage/reheating

Store Banana Marlow in a freezer-safe container, covered tightly, for up to 1 week.
Let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before scooping to soften slightly.
Do not microwave or reheat. This dessert is meant to be served chilled or semi-frozen.

FAQs

What is Banana Marlow?

Banana Marlow is a classic no-churn frozen dessert made with marshmallows, whipped cream, mashed bananas, and flavorings. It originated in the early 20th century and was often served as a frozen mousse or molded treat.

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of regular?

Yes, mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly. Use 4 cups to replace 32 standard marshmallows.

Is this recipe egg-free?

Yes, there are no eggs in this version, making it suitable for those with egg sensitivities.

Do I need an ice cream maker?

No, this is a no-churn recipe. Freezing in a shallow dish with occasional stirring creates a creamy texture without special equipment.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw frozen bananas completely and mash them before using. Be sure to drain excess liquid for best consistency.

Can I use another fruit besides banana?

Yes, but the texture and sweetness may vary. Peaches or mangoes can work, but banana provides the best creaminess and natural sweetness.

Can I skip the cherries?

Yes, but they add a classic visual and flavor element. You can also replace them with another mix-in like chocolate chips or dried fruit.

How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?

Cover tightly and stir the mixture occasionally during the initial freezing stage to improve texture and minimize crystallization.

Can I mold this into shapes?

Yes, pour into a silicone mold or lined loaf pan for a vintage presentation. Unmold after freezing and slice to serve.

Is this a good make-ahead dessert?

Absolutely. Banana Marlow can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the freezer until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Banana Marlow is a throwback to a simpler time, where creativity in the kitchen led to desserts that were both easy and memorable. With its dreamy texture, nostalgic flavor, and retro charm, this 1930s icebox favorite is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a special family dessert. Serve it in vintage glassware with a cherry on top and savor a scoop of the past.

Old-Fashioned Banana Marlow (1930s Ice Cream Classic)

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A nostalgic, no-churn frozen dessert from the 1930s made with marshmallows, ripe bananas, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries—creamy, fruity, and bursting with vintage charm.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 3 hours (including freezing)
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 1¼ quarts 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

32 regular marshmallows or 4 cups mini marshmallows
¾ cup whole milk
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup mashed bananas (ripe)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups heavy cream (cold)
½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped

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Instructions

In a saucepan over low heat, combine the marshmallows and milk. Stir occasionally until smooth and fully melted.
Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Do not overwhip.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled banana-marshmallow mixture in 3 batches, maintaining a light, airy texture.
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch shallow casserole dish, cover, and freeze.
Optional: Every 40 minutes for the first 2–3 hours, gently stir the mixture to incorporate frozen edges and ensure a creamy texture.
Before serving, let the Banana Marlow sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften for easy scooping.

Notes

Use fully ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
A dash of rum extract or chopped toasted walnuts adds a delicious twist.
Serve in vintage dessert cups topped with an extra cherry for authentic 1930s presentation.
Stirring during the initial freeze helps avoid icy texture and keeps the dessert smooth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 23 g
Sodium: 40 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg