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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
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Banana Split Cake is a deliciously decadent dessert inspired by the classic banana split sundae. It features moist layers of vanilla cake studded with ripe bananas and mixed berries, topped with whipped cream, rich chocolate ganache, and a medley of fresh fruit and chocolate garnishes, making it a perfect treat for any celebration or sweet craving.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 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
  • 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced

Fruit and Garnishes

  • 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 and Ganache

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


Instructions

  1. Make the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to ensure proper emulsification, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Prepare to Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
  7. Bake the Cakes: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully cooked.
  8. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks before moving on to assembly.
  9. Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for one minute, then stir gently until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  10. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream along with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Transfer this whipped cream to a piping bag for decorating.
  11. Assemble the Cake – First Layer: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of sliced bananas, strawberries, maraschino cherries, and raspberries evenly over the cake, then drizzle some hot fudge sauce on top for a rich flavor contrast.
  12. Add Second Layer and Ganache: Place the second cake layer on top of the fruit-covered first layer. Pour the cooled ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides elegantly.
  13. Decorate the Cake: Pipe whipped cream swirls around the top surface. Garnish with additional sliced bananas, strawberries, whole maraschino cherries, and pineapple chunks. Sprinkle chocolate chunks over the top and drizzle with extra hot fudge for a festive finish.
  14. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake using a sharp knife and serve this luscious banana split-inspired dessert immediately to delight your guests.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas used in the cake are ripe for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender and soft.
  • The whipped cream can be stabilized with a teaspoon of gelatin if you want it to hold longer for serving.
  • Use fresh berries that are firm to avoid excess moisture on the cake layers.
  • Ganache should be slightly cooled before pouring to prevent it from melting the whipped cream decorations.
  • This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, but add fresh garnishes just before serving.