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This Banana Split Cake starts with a graham cracker crust, topped with a creamy layer bananas, pineapple, strawberries, whipped cream, nuts, chocolate & a cherry on top! been a family favorite for years. A delicious ice box cake that is an easy summertime treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Today’s recipes is another one of those oldies but goodies. Â I have had it in my recipe file for over 30 years and it originally belonged to my mother.
One of the best things about this dessert, other than it is delicious, is that it is no bake! Â No oven or stovetop required so it’s perfect for summer.
What is an Icebox Cake?
There are lots of different variations of an icebox cake but it is traditionally made with either chocolate wafers or graham crackers. I used graham crackers for this one but it would also be delicious with chocolate wafers. There is also a layer of whipped cream (I used Cool Whip) and pudding. It is kept in the refrigerator overnight which helps the crust to soften up and allowing it to be sliced easily. The Americanized version often has bananas and or pineapple in between the layers. I used both and added in some strawberries!
Ingredients Needed
- Butter
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
- Eggs
- Powdered Sugar
- Fruit. Bananas, strawberries and crushed pineapple.
- Cool Whip. Could also substitute with sweetened whipped cream.
- Chocolate syrup or Hot Fudge. To drizzle on top.
Note: The original recipe uses raw eggs. If you prefer not to use raw eggs you will also need cream cheese and twice the amount of Cool Whip (see recipe card below)
How to Make Banana Split Cake
- Mix together 1/2 C butter melted and 1 C graham cracker crumbs
- Press into bottom of 9 x 12 pan.
- Mix together eggs, 1 C butter and powdered sugar and beat for 15 minutes (this is important!). If you want to avoid the raw eggs, see instructions in the FAQ section.
- Spread mixture over crust.
- Top with sliced bananas, strawberries and drained crushed pineapple.
- Spread Cool Whip or sweetened whipped cream over top of fruit.
- Garnish top with more sliced strawberries.
- Drizzle it with chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce.
Tips
- If making ahead, Cool Whip will hold up better than whipped cream.
- Add chopped nuts and a maraschino cherry if desired.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t want to use raw eggs?
This is an old recipe, it was my mom’s is over 40 years old. Raw eggs in a “vintage” recipe is not unusual. If you prefer not to consume raw eggs here is an alternative.
Replace the cream layer with this:
Beat together 12 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar and 8 oz. of Cool Whip. (Use this in place of the eggs, powdered sugar and butter.)
How far ahead can I make Banana Split Cake?
If using Cool Whip, you make it the day ahead. Leftovers will last for 2-3 days refrigerated. If using fresh whipped cream it should be made the day it is to be served as the whipping cream breaks down and doesn’t hold up well.
For other yummy desserts, try these:
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No Bake Banana Split Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 bananas sliced
- 1 1/2 pints strawberries sliced
- 12 oz. Cool Whip
- 20 oz. crushed pineapple drained
- chocolate syrup to drizzle
- If not using raw eggs you will also need:
- 12 oz. cream cheese
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz. Cool Whip in addition to Cool Whip above.
Instructions
- Note: If raw eggs are a concern for you they can be left out of the second layer.
Layer One:
- Mix together 1/2 C butter melted and 1 C graham cracker crumbs
- Press into bottom of 9 x 12 pan.
Second Layer:
- Mix together eggs, 1 C butter and powdered sugar and beat for 15 minutes (this is important!)
- Spread over graham cracker layer
Second Layer Option:
- In a medium bowl, mix together 12 oz, cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the 8 oz. Cool Whip until thoroughly combined.
Third Layer:
- Slice bananas and cover over second layer
Fourth Layer:
- Cover over bananas with 1 pint sliced strawberries
Fifth Layer:
- Cover with pineapple
Sixth Layer:
- Cover with Cool Whip
Seventh Layer:
- Sprinkle with remaining strawberries and drizzle with chocolate syrup
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Facts:
Ellie says
Do need a mixer for the powdered sugar mixture to get it whipped?
Leigh Anne says
Ellie, To get it nice and fluffy you really need a mixer but you could do it by hand. It just wouldn’t be as fluffy.
Crystal says
I would not recommend sliced strawberries if you foresee leftovers. Inside or as a garnish they turn runny and soggy after a day. Use marachino cherries instead and as a garnish only. Drizzle with a ganache not a chocolate syrup!!! It will liquefy and be very unpleasant to look upon.
Oh, and sprinkle with black walnuts (I dispise black walnuts) it creates a new enhanced flavor that can’t be created without them, and it’s fabulous!!
I’ve had this recipe for over 27 years and it is still my go to recipe. Everyone loves it!
Even if you make this “your way” you should give it a try, you won’t regret it!
dawn says
Is there something that cab be substituted for the Cool Whip?
Leigh Anne says
You could use real whip cream
Dawn says
I whipped up 1 cup of whipping cream, 1 T icing sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla and it worked well.
Sharon says
Just made this and it has become my husbands favorite. Wants it all times of the day. Thanks
Leigh Anne says
Yeah! I am so glad. thanks for letting me know.
Kathy says
I have made this for years minus the eggs. I just use softened cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar in layer over crust. Also, instead of strawberries, I place marachino cherries over cool whip and sprinkle finely chopped nuts. Delicious!
Kelly Blechertas says
How much cream cheese do you include? Pregnant here…soooo…no raw eggs. Just butter/sugar seems like it would lack creaminess.
Leigh Anne says
Kathy, How much cream cheese did you use?
Dawn says
I made it recently and used 8oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup sugar instead of the eggs.