If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a nostalgic trip to the ice cream parlor but without all the fuss, the Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This dessert takes the classic banana split flavors—ripe bananas, juicy pineapple, and fresh strawberries—and magically transforms them into a warm, comforting cake topped with a golden crust and luscious whipped cream. It’s incredibly simple to throw together yet so impressive in taste, making it a perfect treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Once you try this Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe, it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a special role: bananas bring natural sweetness and creaminess, pineapple adds a tropical tang, strawberries offer a burst of vibrant color and freshness, cake mix provides that irresistible crumbly topping, butter creates a golden crust, and whipped cream finishes everything with airy richness.
- 4 medium ripe bananas: Opt for bananas that have some sweet spots to maximize flavor and creaminess in the base layer.
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple: Adds juicy moisture and a pleasant tartness to balance the sweetness of the fruit and cake.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries: Fresh, sliced strawberries inject a lovely pop of color and fresh berry flavor.
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix: The dry mix forms a sweet, biscuit-like topping that bakes to a beautiful golden crust.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Melted butter drizzled over the cake mix gives a rich, buttery finish that crisps up perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection, this crowns the dessert with creamy decadence.
How to Make Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This ensures the cake won’t stick and helps you get lovely, clean slices when serving.
Step 2: Layer the Fresh Fruits
Slice your ripe bananas and evenly spread them over the bottom of the baking dish. Follow this with a generous layer of the crushed pineapple, spreading it out to cover the bananas. Finally, add the fresh sliced strawberries on top. This fresh fruit trio is the heart of the Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe, delivering that classic banana split flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix Layer
Sprinkle the dry yellow or white cake mix evenly over the fruit layers. The key here is not to stir or mix it in. This dry topping will bake into a crunchy, golden crust that perfectly complements the juicy fruit beneath.
Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly across the entire surface of the cake mix. This step is what transforms the dry cake mix into a crisp, buttery topping that bakes into a delicate crust. Be sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible for even browning.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. Keep an eye out for the top to turn a gorgeous golden brown—this signals that the cake is beautifully baked and ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Prepare the Whipped Cream
While the cake cools slightly, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This freshly whipped cream is the perfect homemade finishing touch to bring lightness and creamy texture to the warm, fruity cake.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon warm portions onto plates and add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. If you want, sprinkle some extra fresh fruit for added brightness. Your Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe from delicious to show-stopping. Fresh slices of banana, halved strawberries, or a few maraschino cherries make charming, colorful toppings. You can also drizzle a little chocolate sauce or sprinkle chopped nuts for some extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy fruit sorbet. A simple glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee can also complement the sweet richness and enhance the overall experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars. Layering whipped cream between cake scoops and fresh fruit creates a beautiful parfait effect. You could also turn it into mini trifles, adding your favorite toppings to match your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten Banana Split Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help keep the fruit fresh and the topping crisp enough. For best texture, allow it to come to room temperature before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze this dessert, though the texture of the fresh fruit might change slightly upon thawing. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh the whipped cream before serving.
Reheating
To bring back the warm, melty delight of this cake, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This softens the cake mixture and revives the experience as if it were freshly baked. Avoid reheating too long to keep the fruit from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh strawberries?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work fine; just thaw and drain them well before layering to avoid excess moisture making the cake soggy.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dessert more precisely, but if you only have salted butter, it’s okay—just skip adding extra salt elsewhere.
Can I substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free option?
Yes! Using a gluten-free cake mix is a great option for those with sensitivities. Just make sure the mix doesn’t already have added flavors that might clash with the fruit.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Choose bananas that are ripe with some brown spots but not overly mushy. They provide natural sweetness and hold their shape better during baking.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
With a few swaps like non-dairy butter and coconut whipped cream, plus a vegan cake mix, you can absolutely recreate this Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe in a vegan-friendly way.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe is proof that incredible desserts don’t have to be complicated. It’s a heartwarming, colorful, and utterly scrumptious way to enjoy all the best flavors of a banana split in cake form. Whether for a casual dessert or a special occasion, it’s bound to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly this cake becomes a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Split Dump Cake recipe captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic banana split in an easy-to-make dump cake format. Layers of fresh bananas, crushed pineapple, and strawberries are topped with yellow cake mix and melted butter, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with homemade whipped cream, this dessert combines fruity freshness and creamy indulgence with minimal effort, making it perfect for gatherings or a sweet family treat.
Ingredients
Fruit Layers
- 4 medium ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the dump cake evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and allow easy serving.
- Layer Fruit: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly at the bottom of the dish, then spread the crushed pineapple on top, followed by the sliced strawberries, making sure the layers are even.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow or white cake mix evenly over the layered fruit without stirring or mixing it into the fruit.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the dry cake mix to moisten it, which will help it bake into a crisp, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: While the cake is baking or cooling slightly, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form to serve as a topping.
- Serve: Serve the banana split dump cake warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream and additional fresh fruit if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh are not available; just thaw and drain excess liquid.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the whipped cream before whipping.
- This dessert is best served warm but can also be enjoyed chilled.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
