Delicious Banana Split Cake Recipe
As the warm summer sun shines through the window, I think back to family gatherings and backyard barbecues. The banana split was always the star, with its sweet aroma and flavors. Now, with this amazing banana split cake recipe, you can bring those memories to life.
This cake combines classic banana split flavors into a delicious dessert. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer party or a family gathering.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- No-bake banana split cake with classic flavors
- Perfect for summer gatherings and parties
- Includes layers of graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, bananas, pineapple, and toppings
- Chills in the fridge for 2 hours before serving
- Can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days
What Makes This Banana Split Cake Special
This banana split dessert is a mix of classic banana split flavors in cake form. It’s made with a layered banana cake base. This makes it a hit for parties and gatherings of up to 20 people.
Classic Flavors in Cake Form
This no-bake dessert is inspired by Dairy Queen’s banana split boat. It has three layers: a graham cracker crust, a cream cheese filling, and a fruit topping. Each bite is a mix of strawberries, pineapple, and bananas, all in cake form.
Perfect for Gatherings and Parties
This banana split cake serves up to 20 people, making it great for parties. It’s no-bake, so you can make it ahead of time. This lets you enjoy the event with your guests.
No-Bake Convenience
This dessert is perfect for warm weather because it doesn’t need to be baked. Just put the layers together, chill, and serve. It’s designed to be ready the day before, making it easy and delicious.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
To make a tasty banana split cake, you need some key ingredients and tools. The main ingredient is ripe bananas, adding sweetness and texture. You’ll also need graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, cream cheese, powdered sugar, crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, Hershey’s syrup, maraschino cherries, and salted peanuts.
For making the cake, a 9×13-inch baking dish is crucial. You’ll also need a mixer to mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar layer. Basic measuring tools are also important. Using a food processor for the crust and disposable clear plastic cups for serving can make things easier.
| Ingredients | Kitchen Tools |
|---|---|
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With these banana split cake ingredients and kitchen tools, you’re set to make a delicious dessert. It’s perfect for any special event.
Step-by-Step Banana Split Cake Recipe
Enjoy the taste of a classic banana split with this simple banana split cake recipe. It has a graham cracker crust, a creamy cream cheese filling, and bananas. It’s topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, nuts, and cherries. This no-bake cake is perfect for parties and gatherings. It’s easy to make and will impress everyone.
Creating the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust
First, make the graham cracker crust. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press it into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. Let it cool before moving on.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer
Next, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until fluffy. Spread it over the cooled crust.
Adding Fruit and Toppings
Place sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer. Add crushed pineapple on top. Finish with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, nuts, and cherries.
Chill the layered banana cake in the fridge for 4 hours. Then, slice and serve the banana split cake recipe chilled. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Chilling Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours and 20 minutes |
| Servings | 12 |
| Calories per Serving | 507 kcal |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5g (84% of total fat) |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 44g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 13% of Daily Value |
| Sodium | 11% of Daily Value |
| Potassium | 10% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 11% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 6% of Daily Value |
Nutrition Facts and Serving Size
The banana split cake is a treat that’s both tasty and worth knowing about. It’s packed with flavor but also has its nutritional side. Let’s dive into the details.
A single serving of the banana split cake is about 228 grams. It has around 507 calories. You’ll find 31.2 grams of fat, 55 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of protein in it. This serving size is 48% of the daily fat, 18% of carbs, and 14% of protein you need.
This cake recipe makes about 20 slices. Each slice is a single serving. So, the whole cake can serve a lot of people at parties and gatherings.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (228g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 507 |
| Total Fat | 31.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 7g |
The banana split cake is a rich dessert. It’s best enjoyed in small amounts as part of a healthy diet. But, its convenience and appeal make it perfect for special events.
Tips for Perfect Banana Layering
When you’re making your banana split cake, pay close attention to how you layer the bananas. This not only makes the cake taste better but also looks great. Here are some tips to help you make a perfect banana cake:
Preventing Banana Browning
To stop your banana slices from turning brown, just dip them in pineapple juice first. This trick keeps your bananas looking fresh and bright.
Proper Fruit Distribution
For the best mix of fruit and cake, use 4-5 big bananas. Cut them into 96 rounds. Put 4 slices on the pineapple layer and another 4 on the pudding layer in each serving. Make sure the crushed pineapple is spread out evenly over the cream cheese layer for a balanced taste in every bite.
Layer Thickness Guidelines
When building your banana split cake, aim for layers that are about 1/2 inch thick. This balance of textures and flavors is key. Don’t make the layers too thick or too thin, as it can mess up the look and feel of the cake.
By following these tips, you’ll make a banana split cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the classic flavors in this easy-to-make dessert!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
The Banana Split Cake is a tasty treat for any event. But what if you have leftovers or want to make it ahead? We’ve got you covered with these dessert storage tips and make-ahead cake recipes.
To store leftover Banana Split Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before serving.
This cake can be made ahead and chilled for at least 4 hours. It’s perfect for parties or gatherings. Assemble the cake, chill it, and serve it fresh and delicious.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Graham Crackers | 2 cups, crushed |
| Cream Cheese | 1 (8-oz.) package, softened |
| Powdered Sugar | 2 1/2 cups |
| Crushed Pineapple | 1 (20-oz.) can, well-drained |
| Bananas | 4 medium (6 oz. each), sliced |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 2 cups |
| Chopped Toasted Pecans | 1/2 cup |
| Hot Fudge Topping | 1/3 cup |
| Maraschino Cherries | 1 (10-oz. jar), whole |
With these dessert storage tips and make-ahead cake recipes, enjoy Banana Split Cake anytime. It’s great for special occasions or spontaneous treats.
Creative Variations and Substitutions
The classic banana split cake is a treat that invites creativity. You can make it your own by trying new flavors or adjusting it for dietary needs. This versatile dessert is perfect for experimenting.
Dietary Modifications
If you have a nut allergy, try a gluten-free crust instead of graham crackers. Use gluten-free cookies or a pre-made pie crust for a safe base. For a dairy-free option, swap sour cream with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt in the cream cheese layer.
Flavor Alternatives
Try new fruit combinations to spice up the banana split cake variations. Swap pineapple for strawberries or blueberries for a fresh twist. Add toasted coconut, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts for unique tastes.
Presentation Ideas
Make the banana split cake portable by scooping it into mason jars or serving it in waffle cones. Turn it into cake pops by cutting it into squares and adding popsicle sticks. It’s a fun, easy treat.
There are countless ways to make the banana split cake your own. Use friendly ingredients, try new flavors, and get creative with how you present it. This timeless dessert is yours to customize.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips
Make your dessert presentation ideas shine with the no-bake Banana Split Cake. Serve it chilled for a cool and tasty treat.
For a fancy look, top each slice with whipped cream, a cherry, and nuts. Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a luxurious treat.
At parties, cut the cake ahead of time. Arrange the slices on a platter with bananas and cherries. It’s a stunning dessert that will wow your guests.
| Serving Suggestion | Description |
|---|---|
| Chilled Cake | Serve the cake chilled for the best flavor and texture. |
| Whipped Cream Garnish | Top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. |
| Maraschino Cherry | Add a vibrant maraschino cherry as a finishing touch. |
| Chopped Nuts | Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for a delightful crunch. |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | Serve the cake alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. |
| Decorative Platter | Arrange pre-sliced cake on a decorative platter with fresh banana slices and cherries. |
Follow these dessert presentation ideas and summer cake serving tips to make the Banana Split Cake a hit. It’s sure to impress your guests.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making the perfect no-bake banana split cake is fun, but you might face some problems. Don’t worry, we’ve got tips to help your dessert look great every time.
If the crust is too crumbly, add more melted butter. This will help the graham cracker crumbs stick together. For a firmer cream cheese layer, chill it longer. To stop bananas from browning, coat them in pineapple juice.
If the cake is too soft, freeze it for 30 minutes. This will firm it up. Also, drain the pineapple well before adding it to avoid a soggy crust. With these tips, you’ll make a banana split cake that everyone will enjoy.
