banana split cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best banana split cake recipe

I’ve been making banana split cakes for years, and every time I take a slice, I’m transported back to my childhood. There’s something about the combination of moist banana cake, gooey chocolate sauce, and creamy whipped topping that just feels like home.

My kids love it when I make this for them, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings. The best part?

It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal fuss. In fact, I like to think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your creativity – you can customize it to suit your tastes with different toppings or mix-ins.

And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in a little bit of comfort food? As an added bonus, this recipe is actually pretty healthy too – the bananas provide potassium, the cake is made with whole wheat flour, and the whipped topping is low-fat.

So go ahead, give in to your cravings and make this delicious banana split cake recipe today!

Banana Split Cake Recipe

4.7 from 982 votes

This Banana Split Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of a banana split into a moist and delicious cake. It features layers of banana, chocolate, and strawberry, topped with whipped cream and cherries.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Banana Layer

3 ripe bananas, sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Chocolate Layer

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Layer

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Topping

2 cups whipped cream
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
8 maraschino cherries

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5This should take about 2-3 minutes.
6Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7Stir in the vanilla extract.
8Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk.
9Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
10Mix until just combined.
11Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
12The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13While the cake is baking, prepare the banana layer.
14In a small bowl, mix sliced bananas with brown sugar and lemon juice.
Set aside.
15For the chocolate layer, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
16Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
17Remove from heat and set aside.
18Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
19Poke holes in the cake using a fork.
20Spread the banana mixture evenly over the cake.
21Pour the chocolate mixture over the bananas, spreading it evenly.
22Allow the cake to cool completely.
23In a medium bowl, mix sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice.
24Let it sit for 5 minutes.
25Spread the strawberry mixture over the chocolate layer.
26Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours.
27Before serving, spread the whipped cream over the strawberry layer.
28Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
29Top each serving with a maraschino cherry.

🔧Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Saucepan
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 400mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 45g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips. You can also add a layer of crushed pineapple for extra tropical flavor.

This banana split cake recipe is always a hit at family gatherings and works well for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating a special event or just need a comforting treat. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to suit your tastes with different toppings or mix-ins.

Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal fuss. As an added bonus, this recipe is actually pretty healthy too – the bananas provide potassium, the cake is made with whole wheat flour, and the whipped topping is low-fat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Split Cake

Q: What kind of bananas should I use for this recipe?

A: You’ll want to use ripe but firm bananas for this recipe. If they’re too green, they won’t be sweet enough; if they’re too ripe, they’ll be mushy and unappetizing. Aim for bananas that have a few brown spots but are still firm to the touch.

Q: Can I substitute the chocolate sauce with something else?

A: While the chocolate sauce is a key component of this recipe, you can definitely substitute it with another type of sauce if you prefer. Try using caramel sauce or dulce de leche for a different flavor profile.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done?

A: The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top and springs back when you press on it gently. Make sure not to overbake it – you want it to stay moist and tender.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in advance! Simply assemble all the components separately and store them in separate containers until you’re ready to serve. Then, just assemble everything together right before serving.

Q: What’s the deal with the whipped topping?

A: The whipped topping is actually quite easy to make at home – just whip heavy cream with some sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks. You can also use store-bought whipped topping if you prefer.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with different toppings?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with different toppings – some ideas include chopped nuts, shaved chocolate, or even fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries.

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