Hot summer days just seem to pair well with a delicious banana split. The problem is that if you want to feed a crowd, you’ll spend a lot of time assembling each dessert and have to serve them one at a time or risk all the ice cream melting.
This is why this Banana Split Cake is one of my favorite dessert recipes to make. You get all the same flavors of a decadent banana split, but in a large enough batch to feed a crowd with no worries about melting ingredients!
Boasting all the yummy elements of a traditional banana split, this cake is sure to remind you of backyard BBQs, pool parties and a whole lot of fun in the sun. The good news is that you don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy it. This delicious cake can be enjoyed all year round.
This is a generally simple dessert to make. It combines bananas, pineapples, strawberries, chocolate and heavy cream to create an amazing cake that is sure to please everyone. The multiple layers are what makes this so special. Whether you are serving it up for a birthday, or simply make it to indulge in by yourself at home, this is sure to become one of your newest favorite recipes.
Delicious and fun.
So, lets get started making this amazing Banana Split Cake.
What you Need to Make This Banana Split Cake
This is a layered cake so several of the ingredients are listed twice in the recipe card near the bottom of the post. Pay close attention to the instructions to make sure you’re using the correct amount for each layer.
Here is what you need:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Unsalted butter
- All purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla
- Crushed Oreo cookies
- Powdered sugar (Also known as confectioners’ sugar)
- Milk (Regular 2% milk works just fine)
- Bananas
- Canned pineapple chunks
- Strawberries
- Heavy cream
- Nuts
- Chocolate syrup
How to Make Banana Split Cake
Again, we’ll build the cake in layers so pay close attention to how much of each ingredient is called for in each layer.
Before you start assembling the cake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prepare your 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
First Layer
The first layer is a graham cracker crust. To make it, add 28 graham crackers to a food processor.
Process the crackers until they are crumbs.
Add the graham cracker crumbs to your 9×13 pan and melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to pour over the crumbs.
Press the butter into the crumbs and work the crumbs into a crust that covers the bottom of the pan.
Put the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove it to cool while you work on the second layer. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees.
Second Layer
For the second layer, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 egg, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Add all the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and blend until combined.
Add the crumble mixture to the pan.
Press the dough into the graham cracker layer, spreading out to each of the edges and corners of the pan.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. While it’s baking, you can begin assembling the third layer.
Third Layer
The third layer is an Oreo cookie crust. To make it, begin by adding 36 Oreo cookies to your food processor.
Combine the crushed Oreos with 2/3 cup melted unsalted butter.
Mix together until the butter is fully incorporated.
Add the Oreo mixture to the pan after the second layer has finished baking.
Once again, press the crumbs into the layer beneath, and spread it to the edges and corners of the pan.
Fourth Layer
Now we’re going to make a frosting for the fourth layer. In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup of unsalted butter with 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk.
Use a spatula to smooth it over the Oreo layer.
Fifth Layer
Our next layer is just bananas! Take 4 ripe bananas and slice them in half lenthwise.
Lay them in a single row on top of the frosting layer.
If you break one, don’t worry — we’re going to be covering up this layer and slicing the cake to serve anyway so it doesn’t matter.
Sixth Layer
Now, we’re going to cover up the bananas with pineapple. Drain a 20 ounce can of pineapple chunks and sprinkle the pieces evenly over the bananas.
Seventh Layer
The next layer is going to be strawberries. You’ll need 4 cups of berries — washed, stems removed, and sliced in half lengthwise.
Sprinkle the berries over the bananas in a single layer.
Eighth Layer
We’re almost done! For the next layer, we’re going to make whipped cream. In a medium sized bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.
Beat on high until the cream has thickened. Add it to a piping bag and pipe dollops of whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
Finishing Touches
Now we just need to add a few finishing touches. Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the whipped cream.
And drizzle chocolate syrup over the cake.
You’re done! Your Banana Split Cake is ready to slice and serve!
Banana Split Cake
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Second Layer
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Third Layer
- 36 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Top Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 3/4 cup powdered sugar, divided
- 2 Tbs milk
- 4 bananas, sliced lengthwise
- 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garnishes (optional)
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the first crust, pressing the graham crackers down on the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, and allow to cool while mixing the second crust layer. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees.
- Mix ingredients for the next crust in a large mixing bowl. Press this dough onto the first crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool while preparing the 3rd layer of crust. - For this crust, crush the Oreos. A food processor works great for this. Mix together with melted butter and then press the crushed oreo layer onto the previous layer.
- To make the filling mix the butter, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, and milk with a handheld mixer. Spread over the top of the crust.
- Add a layer of banana halves, cut side down. Top those with strawberries and pineapple chunks.
- Make the whipped cream by adding the heavy cream to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whip at high speed until the cream is thick. Add ¼ cup powdered sugar and fold in or mix in at low speed until just incorporated throughout.
- Top the cake with whipped cream, either by spreading over the top or by using a piping bag to make the whipped topping more decorative.
You May Also Like…
If you go bananas for bananas, you might enjoy some of these other recipes:
- Banana Apple Nachos — This is a tasty snack that’s easy to make!
- Banana Dipped Chocolate Cocktail — The perfect cocktail to wash down a slice of banana split cake.
- Banana Pudding Margarita — If you like margaritas, you’ll love this potassium-rich version.
Need to run to the store to get some ingredients first? Remember to pin the recipe so you can find it when you’re ready to make it!
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