Name: Banana Split Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced; 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice; 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling or 2 cups fresh sliced strawberries; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, sliced into thin pats; 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); Maraschino cherries (optional, for topping); Whipped cream or ice cream (optional, for serving)

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Banana split dump cake is a fun, fruity twist on the classic ice cream parlor treat—but made even easier by turning it into a one-pan dessert. With layers of bananas, pineapple, strawberries, chocolate, and cake mix, it delivers all the flavors of a banana split in warm, gooey, baked form.

Banana Split Dump Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe captures everything I enjoy about a banana split but skips the need for assembly or scooping. It’s a no-fuss dessert that I can throw together in minutes—just “dump” everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. The mix of fresh fruit, sweet cake, and melted chocolate makes every bite feel like a celebration. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or when I just want something comforting and nostalgic.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sliced bananas
Crushed pineapple (with juice)
Strawberry pie filling or fresh sliced strawberries
Yellow or white cake mix
Butter, sliced into thin pats
Chocolate chips or chunks
Chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans work great)
Maraschino cherries (optional, for topping after baking)
Whipped cream or ice cream (optional, for serving)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
I layer sliced bananas evenly on the bottom of the dish.
Next, I spoon on the crushed pineapple (juice and all), followed by the strawberry pie filling or fresh strawberries.
I sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the fruit layers—no mixing needed.
I lay thin slices of butter all over the surface of the cake mix, trying to cover as much as possible for even browning.
I scatter chocolate chips and nuts across the top.
I bake the dump cake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
I let it cool slightly before serving, then top it with whipped cream, ice cream, and maraschino cherries if I want the full banana split experience.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 45–50 minutes to bake, so I usually have dessert ready in about an hour from start to finish.

Variations

I like swapping out the strawberry pie filling for cherry pie filling when I want a more classic banana split flavor. I’ve also used chocolate cake mix for a double chocolate version, or added a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top before baking. When I want to skip the nuts, I just leave them out or substitute with crushed graham crackers for crunch.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. If I’m reheating a larger portion, I pop it back in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. It tastes great warm or even chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, I’ve used fresh strawberries and fresh pineapple. I just make sure to add a bit of juice or syrup so the cake mix stays moist while baking.

Do I need to mix the ingredients before baking?

Nope! That’s the beauty of a dump cake. I simply layer everything in the order listed and let the oven handle the rest.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I just use a gluten-free cake mix and check that the pie filling and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What kind of cake mix works best?

I usually go with yellow or white cake mix for a classic flavor, but chocolate or even strawberry cake mix gives it a fun twist.

Is it best served hot or cold?

I personally love it warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream. But it’s still delicious chilled or at room temperature—great either way.

Conclusion

Banana split dump cake is one of the easiest desserts I’ve ever made, and it never fails to impress. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect when I want something sweet, comforting, and just a little nostalgic. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or treating myself, this dessert is always a hit.