If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats that bring a carnival of flavors in every bite, then you’re in for a real treat with the Banana Split Dump Cake: 7 Layers of Pure Delight Recipe. This dessert effortlessly layers bananas, pineapple, chocolate, nuts, and cherries beneath a golden, buttery cake topping, creating a luscious and comforting dish that captures the spirit of a classic banana split in cake form. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or craving something sweet and satisfying, this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that work in harmony to deliver a complex flavor and texture profile. Each one adds its own magic — from the natural sweetness and creaminess of the bananas to the rich crunch of nuts and the melty pockets of chocolate chips.
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced: Make sure they’re perfectly ripe for maximum sweetness and softness.
- 1 can of crushed pineapple, drained: Adds a tropical zing and juicy texture without extra moisture.
- 1 box of yellow cake mix: Provides the buttery, golden crumb that ties the layers together.
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted: Essential for richness and helping the cake mix bake to a beautiful crust.
- 1 cup of chocolate chips: Melt into gooey pockets of chocolate bliss throughout the cake.
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Bring crunch and a subtle earthiness that balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup of maraschino cherries: These bright red gems pop with color and a classic banana split vibe.
- 1 cup of whipped cream for serving: A light, airy topper that cools down the warm cake perfectly.
How to Make Banana Split Dump Cake: 7 Layers of Pure Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish generously — this will make sure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out in perfect slices.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit Base
Arrange the sliced bananas evenly at the bottom of your dish, then layer the drained crushed pineapple on top. This fresh fruit foundation is what makes this dump cake stand out with its juicy, tropical flavors.
Step 3: Add the Dry Cake Mix
Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over your fruit. Don’t be concerned about covering the fruit perfectly; the magic happens when the cake mix bakes into a crusty topping.
Step 4: Drizzle Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter slowly all over the cake mix. This step ensures the cake bakes up golden and crispy, and it adds that buttery richness that’s absolutely divine.
Step 5: Top With Chocolate, Nuts, and Cherries
Scatter the chocolate chips, nuts, and maraschino cherries over the top. These toppings add delightful textures and keep the classic banana split spirit alive in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top has turned a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with fruit juices.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the cake rest for a few minutes once out of the oven. This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to serve without losing that gorgeous gooey layer of delight beneath the crust.
How to Serve Banana Split Dump Cake: 7 Layers of Pure Delight Recipe
Garnishes
While this cake is a showstopper on its own, topping each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream adds that classic dessert finish. For a final touch, sprinkle some extra chopped nuts or a few maraschino cherries on top to keep the festive, colorful look.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake alongside simple vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to complement the sweet and fruity layers. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk also pairs beautifully, enhancing the indulgent flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
You can make individual servings in small ramekins for a cozy presentation or scoop the warm cake over ice cream in dessert bowls to melt the chocolate chips blissfully. Another fun idea is to serve it layered in a trifle dish, showing off all seven layers in a beautiful transparent glass.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day, though the crunchy top softens a bit.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes well. After baking and cooling to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
To revive the freshness, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven covered with foil until heated through. Adding a fresh dollop of whipped cream brings it back to life wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Absolutely! Fresh crushed pineapple can add a nice texture, but be sure to drain it well to avoid extra moisture that could make the cake soggy.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans are traditional choices because they offer great crunch and flavor, but feel free to experiment with almonds or even macadamia nuts to switch things up.
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Banana Split Dump Cake: 7 Layers of Pure Delight Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it does not contain any meat or gelatin ingredients.
Can I make this dump cake dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Just keep in mind it might slightly change the flavor but still remain delicious.
How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?
Look for a golden brown crust on top and bubbling edges. You can also insert a toothpick near the center; while it won’t come out completely clean because of the fruit, it shouldn’t be wet with raw batter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Banana Split Dump Cake: 7 Layers of Pure Delight Recipe that brings a joyful and nostalgic experience straight to your dessert table. Its effortless assembly and incredible flavor layers make it a go-to recipe whenever you want to impress without stress. So go ahead, make it for your next celebration or simply because you deserve a scoop of happiness on your plate.
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Banana Split Dump Cake: 7 Layers of Pure Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Anana Split Dump Cake is a simple and delightful dessert that layers the classic flavors of a banana split into a moist, baked cake. Combining ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, chocolate chips, nuts, and cherries with a yellow cake mix, this easy-to-make treat delivers seven layers of flavor and texture, finished with a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 can of crushed pineapple, drained
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Toppings
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup maraschino cherries
- 1 cup whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dump cake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Layer Fruit: Evenly spread the sliced bananas and drained crushed pineapple at the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layer to create the next layer.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the dry cake mix to moisten it and help it bake into a golden crust.
- Top with Mix-ins: Sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries over the buttered cake mix, adding texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let it set.
- Serve: Spoon portions onto plates and top with whipped cream for a classic banana split finish.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the cake fresh.
- Customize the cake with your favorite toppings such as different nuts or flavored chips.
- This dump cake can be served warm or cold depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
