If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that captures the joy of a classic ice cream parlor treat in a ridiculously simple homemade form, you’re going to adore this Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe. This dessert takes the nostalgic flavors of bananas, pineapple, and strawberries, layers them with a buttery cake topping, and finishes with fluffy whipped cream, creating a luscious, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s everything you love about a banana split, but in a cozy, easy-to-make cake that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and softness, to the pineapple and strawberries adding bright, juicy freshness. The cake mix and butter form a golden, crisp topping that contrasts the tender fruit underneath, while the whipped cream rounds everything out with creamy richness.
- 4 medium ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are perfectly ripe for maximum sweetness and smooth texture.
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple: Adds a tangy, tropical burst of flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries: Provides vibrant color and a juicy tartness that balances the sweetness.
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix: Creates the buttery, crumbly topping that makes this a true dump cake delight.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled on top, it gives a crisp, golden finish and rich flavor.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: For making fresh whipped cream that adds a light, airy complement to each serving.
How to Make Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready to give the cake topping a perfect golden crust. While it heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray—this prevents sticking and helps with even browning on the edges.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit Base
Slice the ripe bananas and evenly spread them across the bottom of the baking dish. Top the bananas with the crushed pineapple, draining some juice if you prefer it less watery, followed by fresh sliced strawberries. This fruity foundation creates the luscious, flavorful core of the dessert.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the layered fruit without stirring. This layer is key—it will bake into a crispy, sweet crust that perfectly contrasts with the juicy fruit layer underneath, giving the dessert that signature dump cake texture.
Step 4: Drizzle Melted Butter
Melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the dry cake mix layer. This step ensures the cake topping crisps up beautifully and gains that rich golden color during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 40 minutes. The top should turn a gorgeous golden brown and the fruit beneath bubbles invitingly. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the inviting fragrance of tropical fruit and warm cake—almost impossible to resist!
Step 6: Prepare the Whipped Cream
While the cake cools slightly, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This fresh whipped cream is the perfect topping to add a cloud-like lightness to this decadent dessert.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Spoon generous portions of the Banana Split Dump Cake onto plates or bowls, and top each serving with a dollop of the whipped cream. The warm fruit and crispy cake meld deliciously with the cool cream, offering a comforting yet refreshing finish.
How to Serve Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For the ultimate presentation, add a few fresh slices of banana and strawberry on top along with a maraschino cherry for that classic banana split vibe. A sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds a nostalgic crunch that’s hard to beat.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to amplify its banana split roots. For a lighter option, a fresh fruit salad on the side can complement the richness of the cake perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming, single-serve option that’s perfect for parties. Layer with whipped cream in between slices for a parfait-style dessert that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover banana split dump cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it airtight to preserve the freshness of the fruit and the crispness of the topping as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your cake, place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes to revive the crispy topping without drying out the fruit. Avoid microwaving for long, as it can make the topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid making the cake too watery. Bananas should be fresh for the best texture.
Is it okay to use canned pineapple with juice?
You can use canned pineapple with juice, but draining some or most of the juice helps prevent sogginess in the cake, keeping the topping crispier.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the cake mix for a gluten-free yellow or white cake mix, and double-check your other ingredients for gluten-free labeling.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be ripe but not overly mushy. Aim for ones with a bright yellow peel and maybe a few brown spots for natural sweetness and softness without turning into mush.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
The fruit layering and topping can be assembled a few hours before baking, then covered and refrigerated. Bake fresh before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe is one of those rare treasures that combines ease with incredible flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a good homemade dessert. Whether for a casual family treat or a festive gathering, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and seconds. So don’t hesitate—grab those bananas and give this vibrant, comforting cake a whirl. You’ll be handing out recipes before you know it!
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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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Split Dump Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that layers ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and fresh strawberries topped with yellow cake mix and melted butter, baked to golden perfection. Finished with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, it captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic banana split in a simple, crowd-pleasing cake form, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 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 ideal baking temperature before assembling the cake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer Fruit: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly across the bottom of the dish, then spread the drained crushed pineapple over the bananas, followed by an even layer of sliced strawberries on top.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow or white cake mix evenly over the layered fruit, taking care not to stir; this forms the cake’s topping.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the entire cake mix layer, which will help create a golden and crispy crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cake topping turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: While the cake cools slightly after baking, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form; this will be served as a creamy topping.
- Serve: Serve the banana split dump cake warm, topped with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and additional fresh fruit if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen berries for fresh strawberries if fresh aren’t available; just thaw and drain excess liquid.
- For a lighter whipped cream, try folding in some powdered sugar or vanilla extract for added flavor.
- This dessert can be prepared ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and better texture.
- To reduce richness, use light butter and whip cream alternatives.
