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Banana Split Cake Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Banana Split Cake is a delightful dessert inspired by the classic banana split, featuring moist vanilla cake layers filled and topped with fresh bananas, strawberries, cherries, pineapple, and raspberries. The cake is adorned with rich homemade chocolate ganache, whipped cream swirls, and drizzles of hot fudge, offering a perfect balance of fruity freshness and decadent chocolate flavor. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a nostalgic treat with a sophisticated twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

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

Fruit Filling and Garnishes

  • 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup raspberries or mixed berries
  • Whole maraschino cherries (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chunks (for garnish)

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for piping)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Chocolate Ganache and Drizzle

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Make the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cake.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid overmixing.
  6. Divide Batter: Pour and evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops.
  7. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
  8. Cool Cake Layers: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pans before removing to avoid breakage during assembly.
  9. Prepare Ganache: Heat the 1/4 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly so it thickens for pouring.
  10. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag for decorating.
  11. Assemble the Cake – Layer 1: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Evenly spread a layer of sliced bananas, strawberries, cherries, and raspberries on top. Drizzle with some hot fudge sauce for that classic banana split flavor.
  12. Layer 2 and Ganache: Place the second cake layer over the fruit. Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides beautifully for an elegant look.
  13. Decorate: Pipe swirls of whipped cream on top of the cake. Garnish generously with additional sliced bananas, strawberries, whole maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, and sprinkle with chocolate chunks. Finish with another drizzle of hot fudge sauce to enhance the decadent feel.
  14. Serve: Slice and enjoy this luscious banana split-inspired cake, a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and chocolatey indulgence!

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are ripe but not overly mushy for best texture and sweetness.
  • Use fresh fruit when possible for vibrant flavor and presentation.
  • Allow cake layers to cool completely to prevent melting the whipped cream or ganache during assembly.
  • The ganache can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator; warm slightly before using to restore pourable consistency.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream by varying the powdered sugar to your taste.
  • For easier slicing, chill the assembled cake for 30 minutes to set the ganache and whipped cream.
  • Substitute dairy or nondairy alternatives if needed, but note this will alter texture and taste slightly.

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Find it online: https://flavorfuldailymeals.com/banana-split-cake-recipe/