An Actual Banana Split Cake Recipe

How to Make An Actual Banana Split Cake

1. **Banana Cake Layers:**
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. In a separate bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas. Add 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed bananas.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, beating on medium speed for 3 minutes until just combined.
6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. Once completely cool, use a long serrated knife to carefully slice each cake layer in half horizontally, creating four layers per cake.
10. **Sweetened Whipped Cream:**
11. In a chilled bowl, beat 2 cups heavy cream and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar with chilled beaters on medium speed until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat.
12. Divide whipped cream in half. Gently fold 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries into one half and 1 cup drained crushed pineapple into the other half.
13. **Assembly:**
14. Place the first cake layer on a serving platter. Spread half of the strawberry whipped cream evenly over the top.
15. Top with the second cake layer. Spread 1/2 cup of melted fudge sauce over the top, allowing some to drizzle down the sides.
16. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped peanuts.
17. Repeat layers 3 & 4: Add the third cake layer, top with the pineapple whipped cream, then add the fourth cake layer.
18. Spread the remaining fudge sauce over the top layer, letting it drizzle down the sides.
19. Sprinkle with the remaining peanuts.
20. Garnish with sliced bananas.
21. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Enjoy!