Southern Banana Split Cake

Are you craving a decadent dessert that captures the essence of a classic banana split? Look no further than our Southern Banana Split Cake recipe! This delightful treat combines all the flavors of a traditional banana split into a heavenly cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of graham cracker crust, creamy filling, ripe bananas, and sweet pineapple, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this irresistible Southern delight!

Ingredients:

• 9 Honey Graham Crackers, crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 packages (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, drained
• 6 bananas, divided
• 2 packages (3.4 oz. each) Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
• 2 cups cold milk
• 2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided
• Jar cherries
• 1 cup chopped Pecans

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
   • In a bowl, combine the crushed honey graham crackers, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and remaining 3/4 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
3. Layer the Pineapple and Bananas:
   • Evenly spread the drained crushed pineapple over the cream cheese layer. Slice 4 bananas and arrange them over the pineapple layer.
4. Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Layer:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Pour the pudding mixture over the banana layer, spreading it evenly.
5. Top with Whipped Topping:
   • Spread one cup of thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping over the pudding layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
6. Garnish and Chill:
   • Slice the remaining bananas and arrange them decoratively over the whipped topping layer. Garnish with jar cherries and chopped pecans.
7. Chill Before Serving:
   • Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
   • Once chilled, slice the Southern Banana Split Cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the heavenly combination of flavors with each delightful bite!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Crust Variation: For a twist on the classic graham cracker crust, try using chocolate or vanilla wafer cookies instead.
• Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, or mango to add a fresh and colorful twist to your cake.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the chopped pecans for a nut-free version of this dessert, or substitute with shredded coconut for added texture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Substitute the graham cracker crust with a low-carb almond flour crust to reduce the carb content.
• Use a sugar-free instant pudding mix and whipped topping to make the dessert keto-friendly.

Low-Carb Version:

• Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese layer or use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia.
• Opt for a low-carb fruit option such as berries instead of bananas and pineapple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned crushed pineapple. Simply chop the fresh pineapple into small pieces and drain any excess juice before layering it onto the cake.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the Southern Banana Split Cake up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of COOL WHIP? A: Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for COOL WHIP. Simply whip heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread it over the cake.

Q: Can I freeze leftover cake? A: While this cake can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the bananas and whipped topping.

Indulge your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of our Southern Banana Split Cake. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this delightful dessert is sure to impress. With its layers of creamy filling, juicy pineapple, and ripe bananas, every bite is a taste of pure bliss. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this delectable Southern classic today!