If you’re craving a nostalgic dessert that combines the fun of a classic banana split with the effortless charm of a dump cake, this Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine layers of sweet pineapple, luscious strawberry pie filling, and ripe banana slices, all topped with golden yellow cake mix, melted butter, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips and nuts. It’s an incredibly easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours creating a gourmet treat. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dessert is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature sweet, fruity, and rich flavor profile. Each one plays a crucial role—fruit for freshness and juiciness, cake mix for that irresistible crumbly crust, and butter to bring everything together with a luscious buttery finish.
- Crushed pineapple (20 oz, drained): Provides a juicy, tropical base with just the right tangy sweetness.
- Strawberry pie filling (21 oz, or cherry): Adds vibrant color and a syrupy sweetness that complements the pineapple.
- Ripe bananas (2-3, sliced): Offers creamy texture and classic banana split flavor to the dessert.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): The shortcut to a soft yet crisp topping that bakes to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): Melts over the cake mix to create a rich, moist crust.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): A melty chocolate surprise that takes the cake to the next level.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth (totally optional but highly recommended!).
- Whipped cream and maraschino cherries: Perfect for garnishing and capturing that iconic banana split vibe.
How to Make Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your cake doesn’t stick, and you get to serve it effortlessly. This is the easy foundation for the magic to come.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit
Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Next, spoon the strawberry (or cherry) pie filling on top in dollops—this gives bursts of sweet juiciness throughout your dessert. Finally, arrange the banana slices so every bite gets that luscious, creamy banana flavor reminiscent of a banana split.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over your layered fruit. Here’s the secret to a true dump cake: do not stir! That layer of cake mix will bake into a crunchy yet tender crust, soaking up the fruity juices beneath.
Step 4: Top with Butter, Chocolate, and Nuts
Dot the surface with thinly sliced butter, spacing it out so it melts evenly as the cake bakes. Then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts if you’re using them. These toppings add irresistible flavor and texture contrasts from gooey chocolate to crunchy nuts.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbling joyfully at the edges. This is the moment the kitchen smells heavenly, a perfect sign your Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe is close to being ready to devour.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Allow your dessert to cool just a bit—you want it warm enough to enjoy that melty, gooey goodness but not so hot it burns the tongue. Serve topped generously with whipped cream and maraschino cherries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic banana split experience.
How to Serve Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream and maraschino cherries are the quintessential banana split garnishes that make this dump cake festive and fun. You can also sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top while serving to keep the chocolatey vibe alive.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, which balances the fruity sweet cake with a creamy chill. For a refreshing contrast, serve a simple fruit salad or lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or clear glasses to showcase the colorful layers. Top each serving with a slice of fresh banana and a drizzle of chocolate syrup to amp up the classic banana split look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave it in the fridge overnight or gently warm in the microwave.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or reheat the entire cake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with fresh whipped cream or ice cream for that perfect treat.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple and strawberries?
Absolutely! Cherries, blueberries, or peaches work beautifully too. Just keep the balance of juicy and sweet to maintain the classic banana split flavor.
Do I have to use yellow cake mix?
Yellow cake mix is ideal because of its buttery, rich flavor, but you can experiment with white cake or even spice cake mixes for a different twist.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, and make sure your pie fillings and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.
Is it necessary to drain the crushed pineapple?
Draining is important to prevent the dump cake from becoming too soggy and to keep the texture balanced between moist and cakey.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about this Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe—how it brings together childhood memories and the ease of a dump cake format in one joyful, irresistible dessert. Whether it’s for a special celebration or a simple weeknight treat, I promise this cake will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and make some magic happen!
Print
Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Split Dump Cake is a nostalgic, easy-to-make dessert that layers crushed pineapple, strawberry pie filling, sliced bananas, and yellow cake mix to create a deliciously fruity and moist cake. Topped with butter, chocolate chips, and nuts, then baked to golden perfection, it captures the classic flavors of a banana split in a simple, comforting casserole style dessert. Serve warm with whipped cream and maraschino cherries for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling (or cherry pie filling)
- 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
Cake and Toppings
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Optional Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for layering the ingredients.
- Layer the Fruit: Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the strawberry or cherry pie filling over the pineapple, then arrange sliced bananas evenly on top.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the layered fruit. Important: Do not stir or mix the layers—just let the cake mix sit on top.
- Top with Butter and Toppings: Distribute thin slices of unsalted butter evenly over the surface of the cake mix. Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using, across the top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For the full banana split experience, serve warm with whipped cream and maraschino cherries on top, or add a scoop of ice cream.
Notes
- Do not stir after sprinkling the cake mix and butter on top to maintain the dump cake texture.
- Feel free to substitute cherry pie filling for the strawberry filling as desired.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Optional nuts add crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- Serve with ice cream for an indulgent dessert version.
