Banana Split Sheet Cake

Banana Split Sheet Cake took center stage during a birthday picnic planned in the park with my sister, two neighbors, and a group of kids running around the picnic tables. A cooler full of lemonade sat beside baskets of fruit, and someone brought a stack of paper plates decorated with bright colors. The theme quickly became playful and nostalgic, inspired by classic ice cream shop desserts.

While everyone unpacked picnic blankets, I sliced ripe bananas at the kitchen counter earlier that morning, thinking about how to turn a banana split into a shareable cake. The mixer hummed softly as butter whipped into a fluffy cloud for frosting. Strawberry powder tinted one bowl a soft pink while banana buttercream glowed pale yellow in another. Chocolate ganache waited in a squeeze bottle like a finishing touch ready for drizzle.

Later in the afternoon, the finished cake arrived at the park crowned with sprinkles and cherries. Kids gathered around the table before the candles were even lit. Banana Split Sheet Cake created laughter, sticky fingers, and bright smiles as slices were passed around.

Short Description

Banana Split Sheet Cake is a moist banana cake topped with banana buttercream, strawberry buttercream, chocolate ganache, sprinkles, and cherries inspired by the classic dessert.

Key Ingredients

Banana Cake

• 4 egg whites
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon banana extract
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 1 box white cake mix

Banana Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• ½ teaspoon banana extract
• ⅛ cup heavy cream
• 4 to 5 cups powdered sugar
• Yellow gel coloring

Strawberry Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter

Pinch of salt

• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon strawberry emulsion
• ½ cup freeze dried strawberry powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 4 to 5 cups powdered sugar

Ganache

• 1 cup chocolate candy melts
• ½ cup heavy cream

Extras

• 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
• 1 cup maraschino cherries

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 baking pan
• Offset spatula
• Piping bag with 1M tip
• Cake scraper
• Squeeze bottle

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake batter
Preheat oven to 325°F convection. Whisk egg whites, buttermilk, sour cream, vanilla, banana extract, oil, and mashed bananas. Sift in cake mix and gently stir until combined.

Step 2: Bake the sheet cake
Pour batter into prepared 9×13 pan and bake 25 to 27 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 3: Make banana buttercream
Whip butter until fluffy, add salt, vanilla, banana extract, and cream. Add powdered sugar and whip 2 minutes until smooth and airy. Tint with yellow coloring.

Step 4: Make strawberry buttercream
Whip butter until fluffy, add salt, vanilla, strawberry emulsion, strawberry powder, and cream. Add powdered sugar and whip until light and smooth.

Step 5: Prepare chocolate ganache
Microwave chocolate and cream in intervals until melted and smooth. Transfer to squeeze bottle.

Step 6: Frost and decorate cake
Spread banana buttercream over cake and create texture with scraper. Drizzle ganache, add sprinkles around edges, pipe strawberry buttercream swirls, and top with cherries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist banana flavor

Fun nostalgic dessert

Perfect for parties

Colorful and festive

Easy sheet cake format

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing cake batter
Too much mixing makes cake dense.
Solution: Stir until just combined.

Warm cake before frosting
Buttercream melts quickly.
Solution: Cool cake completely before decorating.

Runny ganache
Incorrect chocolate ratio causes thin ganache.
Solution: Use equal heating intervals and stir well.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled for clean slices

Pair with lemonade or iced coffee

Serve buffet style at parties

Cut into small squares for gatherings

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days

Bring to room temperature before serving

Keep cake in airtight container

Do not freeze fully decorated cake

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of powder?
Freeze dried powder provides strong flavor without moisture.

2. Can I make this cake ahead?
Bake cake one day early and frost next day.

3. Can I use boxed frosting?
Homemade buttercream provides better flavor and texture.

4. Can I skip banana extract?
Yes, mashed bananas provide flavor.

5. Can I freeze the cake layers?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cake for up to one month.

Tips & Tricks

Use ripe bananas for best flavor

Chill cake before slicing

Pipe buttercream evenly for neat presentation

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Banana Split Cake
Add cocoa powder to cake batter for chocolate version.

Pineapple Banana Split Cake
Add crushed pineapple between frosting layers.

Nutty Banana Split Cake
Sprinkle chopped peanuts or walnuts on top.

Final Thoughts

Banana Split Sheet Cake brings childhood dessert memories into a shareable celebration cake. The combination of banana cake, colorful buttercream, and chocolate drizzle creates a joyful dessert perfect for gatherings.

Serving this cake at a picnic filled the afternoon with laughter and bright colors. Desserts that encourage sharing always bring extra happiness to the table.