Banana Split Cake

JUMP TO RECIPE

This Banana Split Cake is the best way to celebrate summer with the same flavors of a banana split in an easy to serve no-bake cake form! It’s quick to assemble and prepare before a party, making entertaining simple and easy.

Whenever I’m looking for a fun dessert for a warm weather party with kids and adults, this Banana Split Cake (also known as Banana Split Delight) is one of my favorites! It’s cool and refreshing with banana, chocolate, and strawberry flavors plus whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top!

Save The Recipe!

Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox+ you’ll receive all our newest recipes!

It’s a dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face when it comes to the table. And if you’re not a baker, don’t worry, it’s a recipe that doesn’t even use the oven. Just mix, layer, and chill and before you know it, dessert is ready to serve! If you love a no-bake treat, also try our No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies and Strawberry Delight.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe

Fun for the whole family! This is a treat that kids love to help make too. Have them mix, layer, and decorate with you.
Easy to transport to a party. The next time you need to bring dessert, make this Banana Split Delight! It keeps easily in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
Customize with your favorite sundae toppings. It’s easy to make this cake your own. Add other candies, sprinkles, and sauces that you would classically add to your banana split.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Crust Layer:

Graham cracker crumbs: Finely ground to make a crust.
Salted butter: Binds the crust together.
Granulated sugar: Lightly sweetens the crust.

Cream Cheese Layer:

Cream cheese: Adds rich and creamy flavor.
Powdered sugar: Lightly sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
Vanilla extract: Always use pure vanilla extract for a rich flavor.

Fruit Layers:

Bananas: Ripe is best for a nice fruity flavor.
Crushed pineapple: Adds a light tropical note to compliment the banana.
Fresh strawberries: A pop of bright red color and berry sweetness.

Garnishes:

Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream: Either use Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream perfect for topping.
Hot fudge, chocolate syrup, or chocolate sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for a nice cocoa flavor.
Chopped peanuts: Nutty in flavor and texture.
Maraschino cherries: A sweet and bright red finish on top.
Rainbow sprinkles: The best colorful garnish for any ice cream-themed treat!

Tools You’ll Need

How to make banana split cake

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together until combined. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set.

In another bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy and well combined. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.

In a medium bowl, toss the banana slices in 2 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice. Fold the crushed pineapple into the banana slices.

Spread the banana pineapple mixture in a single evenly over the cream cheese mixture. If desired for visual purposes, line banana slices along the edge of the pan.
Arrange the sliced strawberries in an even layer over the banana pineapple mixture.

Laying the strawberries and bananas on top.

Spread Cool Whip evenly all the way to the edges.
Drizzle with chocolate of choice and sprinkle with chopped peanuts, and sprinkles. Lastly, add the cherries on top. Chill until ready to serve.

Expert Tips

Make sure your ingredients are the correct temperature. You’ll want the cream cheese to be softened and the Cool Whip thawed to it’s correct consistency.
Don’t build the cake unless the graham cracker crust is set. This will help to make clean slices once it’s time to serve.
Drain the crushed pineapple very well. We don’t want the banana split cake to be watery, so it’s crucial to drain it through a fine mesh sieve or blot well with paper towels.
If you are serving the cake more than 4 hours after assembling, I recommend adding the whipped cream and garnishes right before serving so it doesn’t deflate.
Cool Whip Substitute: Fresh whipped cream can be used instead of Cool Whip. In a large bowl on high speed, blend together 3 cups heaving whipping cream or heavy cream, 1/2 cup powered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes. Do not add to the dessert until ready to serve within 2-4 hours.

Storage

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don’t freeze this cake because it will change texture and could become runny once it thaws.

It’s perfect to make this in advance, it’s one of my biggest recommendations for any backyard barbecue or picnic prep! Just add the whipped cream and decorate right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are variations of banana split cake?

You can easily make this your own with all different fruit, candy, nuts, and toppings.

How do you get clean slice of banana split cake?

Make sure the cake is fully chilled and then dip your chef’s knife into hot water, wipe it dry, and slice the cake. Repeat this for every slice.

How do you prevent the banana slices from browning?

Make sure to toss them in the reserved pineapple juice and crushed pineapple and ensure they are fully covered with the toppings so they aren’t exposed to air.

More easy dessert recipes

Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe

No ratings yet