If you adore the nostalgic flavors of a classic banana split, then you’re in for a real treat with this Banana Split Cake Recipe. It masterfully combines moist, buttery cake layers with ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, maraschino cherries, and luscious whipped cream, all topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. Each bite bursts with the refreshing, sweet, and creamy elements that make banana splits so beloved, but in a wonderful cake form that’s perfect for celebrations or an indulgent everyday dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each playing a key role in building the rich flavors, perfect texture, and vibrant appearance of the Banana Split Cake Recipe. From the tender cake base to the fresh fruits and silky ganache, every item is essential to achieve that iconic banana split experience.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and moistness to the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the fruit flavors.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and support the cake’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic note that complements the banana flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the cake extra soft.
- Bananas, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pineapple: The star fresh toppings that bring the iconic banana split taste and colorful appeal.
- Heavy whipping cream & powdered sugar: For the fluffy, sweet whipped cream swirls that top the cake.
- Hot fudge sauce and chocolate chunks: Create the indulgent chocolate elements that make this cake truly irresistible.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream: Whipped into a smooth ganache to drizzle over the cake for that professional finish.
How to Make Banana Split Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans with flour to prevent sticking. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even leavening and seasoning throughout. Then, beat unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for a tender cake. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, followed by vanilla extract for a subtle fragrant lift. Alternate folding in the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, which keeps your cake moist and tender.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, giving each a gentle tap to release any trapped air bubbles. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures your cake layers are perfectly baked through without drying out. Once done, allow them to cool completely on wire racks — this step is crucial for easy assembly and prevents the frosting from melting.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
While the cakes are cooling, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it simmers. Pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate. Stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Set it aside to cool slightly; this silky ganache will drip beautifully over your assembled cake for that classic, luscious chocolate finish.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a clean bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This fluffy whipped cream is essential for piping elegant swirls on the cake and adding a cloud-like texture against the rich cake and fruit layers.
Step 5: Assemble the Banana Split Cake Recipe
Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Layer on a generous spread of fresh bananas, strawberries, cherries, and raspberries, then drizzle with hot fudge sauce to mimic that irresistible classic sundae goodness. Top with the second cake layer. Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top, letting it drip irresistibly down the sides. It’s both beautiful and decadent.
Step 6: Decorate the Cake
Pipe swirls of that freshly whipped cream atop the cake. Add more sliced bananas, strawberries, maraschino cherries, and pineapple chunks for vibrant bursts of color and flavor. Scatter chocolate chunks over the top and drizzle extra hot fudge sauce for the ultimate finishing touch. The presentation is as joyful and inviting as the taste.
How to Serve Banana Split Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh fruit garnishes are the simplest way to elevate this cake. Use extra banana slices, strawberries, and whole maraschino cherries to mirror the classic banana split while adding a fresh, juicy bite to each slice. Sprinkle some chocolate chunks or shavings for an elegant, slightly crunchy contrast. These garnishes make every serving feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing berry sorbet to complement the fruitiness and chocolate richness. A simple cup of black coffee or a lightly sweetened iced tea also balances the sweetness, making your dessert moment even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, consider serving the Banana Split Cake Recipe on a decorative cake stand adorned with fresh flowers or edible gold leaf. Individual portions can be plated with a drizzle of extra hot fudge and a dollop of whipped cream alongside slices of fruits for a striking presentation. You could even turn this cake into cupcake-sized treats for a fun twist at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Banana Split Cake Recipe is best stored covered in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness of the fruits and whipped cream. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. Enjoy within three days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save your cake for longer, freeze individual uncut slices wrapped in plastic and foil. The whipped cream and fresh fruits make freezing tricky, but it’s still doable for up to one month. Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture as much as possible.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature due to the whipped cream and fresh fruit toppings, reheating is not recommended. Instead, let the refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh in this Banana Split Cake Recipe?
Fresh fruits are ideal to maintain the texture and vibrant colors of the cake, but you can use frozen fruit if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the cake soggy.
What if I don’t have buttermilk for the cake batter?
No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using to mimic the tangy characteristic of buttermilk.
How long can I keep the cake before serving?
The Banana Split Cake Recipe is best served the same day it’s assembled for the freshest taste, but it holds reasonably well for up to two days refrigerated. Just keep it covered to preserve the whipped cream and fruit.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine, use plant-based milk with lemon juice as a buttermilk replacement, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream to whip. Keep in mind the flavors and textures may vary slightly.
Is this Banana Split Cake Recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Its festive layers of colorful fresh fruit, moist cake, and luxurious chocolate ganache make it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to impress and delight your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Split Cake Recipe is truly a joyful way to celebrate one of the most beloved desserts of all time in a cake format that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. With its perfect blend of fruity freshness, creamy sweetness, and rich chocolate, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Go ahead and whip up this slice of happiness—you deserve it!
Print
Banana Split Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Split Cake brings the classic ice cream sundae dessert to a delightful cake form. Layers of moist vanilla cake are filled and topped with fresh bananas, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and pineapple, complemented by a luscious chocolate ganache drip, whipped cream swirls, and drizzles of hot fudge sauce, creating a vibrant and indulgent treat perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
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
Fruit and Filling
- 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
Ganache and Decoration
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for piping)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chunks (for garnish)
- Whole maraschino cherries (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
Instructions
- Make the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prepare for the batter.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract for aroma and flavor.
- Combine Batter: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the wet mix, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Divide Batter: Evenly distribute the cake batter into the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Place pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cakes: Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling the cake.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat 1/4 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for a minute and stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip Cream: In a large bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Transfer whipped cream to a piping bag for decorating.
- Assemble Cake Layers: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Arrange sliced bananas, strawberries, maraschino cherries, and raspberries evenly over the cake, then drizzle some hot fudge sauce on top.
- Add Second Cake Layer: Place the second cake layer over the fruit and fudge layer, then pour the cooled ganache over the top, letting it drip down the cake sides beautifully.
- Decorate Cake: Pipe whipped cream swirls atop the cake, garnish with additional sliced bananas, strawberries, whole maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, and sprinkle chocolate chunks over the top. Finish by drizzling more hot fudge sauce.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve this decadent banana split-inspired dessert to enjoy a harmonious blend of fruit, chocolate, and creamy sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the whipped cream and fruit from melting.
- Use ripe bananas and fresh berries for the best flavor and texture contrast.
- The ganache can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before use.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter, cream, and milk with appropriate plant-based alternatives.
- Chilling the cake for 30 minutes after assembly can help set the ganache and whipped cream.
