An Actual Banana Split Cake Recipe

Indulge in this decadent four-layer banana cake, a spectacular twist on the classic banana split! Each layer is a moist, homemade banana cake, generously layered with fresh strawberries, creamy sweetened whipped cream, juicy pineapple, crunchy peanuts, and rich fudge ice cream topping. A show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly easier to make than it looks!

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 90 mins
Calories 734.8 kcal
Protein 21g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
An Actual Banana Split Cake

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for An Actual Banana Split Cake

  • All Purpose Flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 banana, sliced for garnish
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Crushed Pineapple
  • Chocolate Fudge Topping
  • 1 cup chopped peanuts

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!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

21 g

Sugar

242g

Fat

63g

Carbs

33g