Banana Split Dump Cake (Printable Version)

Banana split-style dump cake with bananas, pineapple, cherries and chocolate chips, baked until golden and served with whipped cream.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruits

01 - 2 ripe bananas, sliced
02 - 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
03 - 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved, plus extra for garnish

→ Cake & Toppings

04 - 1 box (about 15 oz) yellow cake mix
05 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips
06 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Garnish (optional)

08 - Whipped cream
09 - Extra maraschino cherries
10 - Chocolate syrup

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
02 - Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
03 - Spoon the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the banana layer.
04 - Spread the halved maraschino cherries over the pineapple.
05 - Sprinkle the entire dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, leaving the mix undisturbed.
06 - Scatter the chocolate chips and nuts, if using, evenly over the surface.
07 - Drizzle the melted butter uniformly over all of the layers to moisten the cake mix.
08 - Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
09 - Allow the dessert to cool slightly before serving. Top each portion with whipped cream, additional cherries, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It truly tastes like a banana split sundae in every spoonful, with barely any work or cleanup.
  • The simplicity makes it perfect for gatherings or a comfort dessert—there’s no easier way to impress a crowd.
02 -
  • Spreading the cake mix too thick in one spot leaves dry patches—be sure to scatter gently and check the corners.
  • I once forgot to thoroughly drain the pineapple, resulting in a runny center—take those extra seconds with the strainer.
03 -
  • The corners of the cake brown fastest—if you notice over-browning, tent foil loosely on those spots the last 10 minutes.
  • Use the syrup from your maraschino cherries as a quick glaze over finished portions for extra flair.