How to Make Banana Split Cake: A Decadent Dessert for All Occasions

Banana Split Cake is a delightful twist on the classic banana split ice cream sundae, transformed into a scrumptious layered cake that’s perfect for any celebration or a casual family treat. This dessert brings together the flavors of bananas, chocolate, and whipped cream into a single, mouthwatering cake. With its layers of moist cake, creamy filling, and luscious toppings, Banana Split Cake is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Here’s how you can make this delectable dessert from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Banana Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sliced ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

For the Toppings:

• Maraschino cherries
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chopped nuts (optional)
• Additional banana slices (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine bananas and buttermilk: Mix the mashed bananas with the buttermilk.
6. Combine ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the banana-buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Cream Filling

1. Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold in fruit: Gently fold the sliced bananas and crushed pineapple into the whipped cream until evenly distributed. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Add chocolate chips: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Let them sit for a minute to soften, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Cool slightly: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature before using. It should thicken slightly as it cools.

Step 4: Assemble the Banana Split Cake

1. Level the cakes: If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife to ensure even layers.
2. Layer the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the banana cream filling over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
3. Add the ganache: Pour the cooled chocolate ganache over the top layer of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed.
4. Decorate: Garnish the top of the cake with maraschino cherries, additional banana slices, chopped nuts, and whipped cream if desired.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Chill the cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the ganache to set properly.
2. Serve: Slice and serve the cake chilled. Enjoy the layers of moist cake, creamy banana filling, and rich chocolate ganache in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Banana Split Cake

• Use ripe bananas: Ensure your bananas are ripe for maximum flavor and sweetness in both the cake and the filling.
• Drain the pineapple thoroughly: To avoid excess moisture in the filling, make sure the crushed pineapple is well-drained.
• Cool ganache before pouring: Let the ganache cool slightly to prevent it from melting the whipped cream filling or sliding off the cake.
• Customize toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Add crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Banana Split Cake is a fun and festive dessert that combines the best elements of a classic banana split into a beautiful cake form. With its moist layers, creamy banana filling, and rich chocolate ganache, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this cake is a delicious choice that brings a touch of nostalgia and a lot of flavor to the table. Enjoy baking and savor every slice of this delectable creation!