Forktionary

Banana Split Refrigerator Cake Recipe

This isn't your grandma's banana split! Get ready for a ridiculously delicious poke cake with a creamy, dreamy topping that's surprisingly easy to make. This unique twist on a classic dessert features a moist cake base infused with vibrant jelly and topped with a fluffy, irresistible frosting. Prepare for a flavor explosion that's perfect for potlucks, parties, or a sweet treat any day of the week!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 58.2 kcal
Protein 2g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Banana Split Refrigerator Cake 14

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Banana Split Refrigerator Cake

  • 1 (18.25 ounce) package Banana Cake Mix
  • 1 (3 ounce) package Strawberry Jell-O Gelatin Dessert
  • 2.5 cups Water (2 cups boiling, 1/2 cup cold)
  • 1 (8 ounce) container Whipped Topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
  • 1 (5.9 ounce) package Chocolate Instant Pudding mix
  • 3 cups Milk
  • 2 Bananas, sliced
  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed Pineapple, drained well
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar Maraschino Cherries, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped Pecans or Walnuts, optional
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted Butter
  • 3 cups (360g) Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • Fresh Strawberry Slices (optional)

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Banana Split Refrigerator Cake? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Banana Split Refrigerator Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, dissolve 3 oz (85g) of strawberry Jell-O in ¾ cup (177ml) of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add ½ cup (118ml) of cold water and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare your favorite 13x9 inch boxed cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan.
  4. Bake for the time specified on the cake mix box. Let the cake cool in the pan for 20-25 minutes.
  5. Once the cake is warm, use a meat fork or skewer to poke deep holes about 1 inch apart across the entire surface of the cake.
  6. Slowly pour the cooled Jell-O mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
  7. Refrigerate the cake while you prepare the topping.
  8. In a chilled bowl, beat together 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter, 3 cups (360g) of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ cup (60ml) of milk until light, fluffy, and stiff peaks form (about 4-8 minutes using an electric mixer).
  9. Immediately frost the chilled cake with the prepared topping.
  10. Garnish with fresh strawberry and banana slices (optional).
  11. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  12. Store leftover cake in the refrigerator. Can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

5 g

Sugar

31g

Fat

2g

Carbs

3g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion For Large Groups Desserts Fruit Oven Refrigerator Potluck Picnic Summer Cakes Chocolate Seasonal Comfort Food Berries Strawberries Taste Mood Sweet To Go Equipment Number Of Servings Presentation Served Cold