Banana Crunch Cake Recipe

Winner of the 1973 Pillsbury Bake-Off Grand Prize! This nostalgic Banana Crunch Cake is a delightful combination of moist banana cake and crunchy coconut-pecan topping. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, it's the perfect dessert for any occasion. Get ready for a taste of history!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 80 mins
Calories 364.2 kcal
Protein 10g
Rating 3.9 (7 Reviews)
Banana Crunch Cake

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Banana Crunch Cake

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • Yellow Cake Mix With Pudding

How to Make Banana Crunch Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup rolled oats, ¾ cup packed light brown sugar, and ½ cup chopped pecans.
  3. Mix well to combine.
  4. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Set aside.
  6. In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas. Add 1 cup sour cream and 2 large eggs.
  7. Blend until smooth.
  8. Add 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix.
  9. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes.
  10. Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared pan.
  11. Sprinkle with one-third of the coconut mixture.
  12. Repeat layers two more times, ending with the remaining coconut mixture on top.
  13. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  14. Let cool upright in the pan for 15 minutes.
  15. Remove from the pan and place on a serving plate, coconut side up.
  16. Let cool completely before serving.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

108g

Fat

45g

Carbs

15g