Banana Split Cake Recipe

If you’re craving the nostalgic delight of a classic ice cream treat, the Banana Split Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This cake beautifully combines moist, fluffy layers with the fruity freshness of bananas, strawberries, cherries, pineapple, and raspberries, all wrapped in luscious whipped cream and decadent chocolate ganache. It’s an irresistible celebration of the beloved banana split flavors, transformed into an elegant and playful dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Banana Split Cake Recipe is surprisingly straightforward with these simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the flour and leavening agents create the soft cake base, the fruits add vibrant color and natural sweetness, and the chocolate and cream bring that indulgent finish you won’t forget.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake’s light, tender crumb.
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Adds a touch of lift and balances acidity for a perfect texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances richness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings moistness and a buttery depth to every bite.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering those natural fruit notes.
• 3 large eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Contributes a slight tang and moist, tender crumb.
• 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced: The star fruit that brings classic banana split flavor and creaminess.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced: Adds bright juiciness and color.
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained: Offers sweet, nostalgic pops of color and flavor.
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained: Introduces tropical sweetness and moisture.
• 1/2 cup raspberries or mixed berries: Provides a tart contrast and beautiful hues.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for piping): Whipped to fluffy clouds to top and adorn the cake.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream delicately without graininess.
• 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce (for drizzling): A rich, melty chocolate drizzle that amps up the dessert factor.
• 1/4 cup chocolate chunks (for garnish): Adds texture and decadent chocolate bites.
• Whole maraschino cherries (for garnish): The classic finale for that perfect banana split look.
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For making a silky, dreamy ganache.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream: Creates the perfect smooth ganache texture.

How to Make Banana Split Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring two 8-inch round cake pans. This little prep step prevents sticking and ensures your cakes come out perfectly shaped every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients are the backbone of your cake’s structure, so getting them mixed well will help guarantee a uniform rise and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which makes the cake tender and airy — trust me, you do not want to skip this step!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, add in the eggs, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to give your cake that warm, inviting aroma and flavor that makes everything taste homemade.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep your cake moist and tender—overmixing can make the crumb tough, and no one wants that!

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before moving forward.

Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour this hot cream over your semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl, let sit for a moment, then stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare other components.

Step 8: Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream together with the powdered sugar until you get stiff peaks. This whipped cream will add a luscious lightness, perfect for piping gorgeous swirls and adding that dreamy finish.

Step 9: Assemble the Banana Split Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of sliced bananas, strawberries, maraschino cherries, and raspberries on top, then drizzle with some hot fudge sauce. Top with the second cake layer.

Step 10: Add Ganache and Decorate

Pour the ganache over the top, letting the chocolate drip down the sides. Pipe whipped cream swirls on the top surface, then carefully arrange more fresh fruit, maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, and sprinkle chocolate chunks. A final drizzle of hot fudge adds that irresistible touch.

How to Serve Banana Split Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Freshness and visual appeal are everything here. Use bright slices of bananas, strawberries, and whole maraschino cherries to create a colorful, inviting top layer. The chocolate chunks add a little crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft cake and creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake packs a flavorful punch on its own, but if you want to get fancy, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple dollop of whipped cream. A small fruit salad or berries tossed in a touch of lemon juice can provide a zesty complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Banana Split Cake Recipe in individual clear glass trifle cups where layers of cake, fruit, whipped cream, and ganache are visible and inviting. You could also turn it into cupcakes or a sheet cake for easy sharing at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Banana Split Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days, and all the flavors will continue to meld and deepen, making each slice even more delightful.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers unassembled for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling to enjoy that fresh-baked taste anytime you want a sweet escape.

Reheating

Since this is a cream and fruit-laden cake, reheating is not recommended. Serve slices cold or at room temperature for the best experience—the textures and flavors shine brightest this way.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for this Banana Split Cake Recipe?

Frozen fruit can work if you thaw and drain it well before using to avoid extra moisture sogginess. However, fresh fruit typically gives the best texture and flavor for this recipe.

Is it okay to use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it to mimic buttermilk’s tanginess, which helps tenderize the cake crumb beautifully.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?

You can use fresh cherries or even substitute with dried cherries or extra strawberries. The maraschino cherries add classic sweetness and color but aren’t absolutely essential.

How do I prevent the ganache from being too runny?

Make sure to let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. If it’s too warm, it will run off too quickly instead of creating those beautiful drips.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream for whipping. Just check that your chocolates are dairy-free to keep the ganache suitable for your needs.

Final Thoughts

The Banana Split Cake Recipe is a celebration of childhood memories and sophisticated flavors all in one amazing dessert. It’s perfect for impressing friends or just indulging yourself on a special day. Once you try this cake, it’s going to become a favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again—each exciting slice a little party of its own.

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