When you combine the joy of a banana split with the ease of a dump cake, the result is this irresistibly gooey, sweet, and nostalgic dessert: the Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe. With layers of fruit, cake mix, chocolate, and creamy toppings, every spoonful tastes like a trip to your favorite ice cream parlor.

This dessert is the epitome of “easy and impressive.” It comes together with minimal prep—just dump the ingredients into a pan, bake, and dig in. No complicated techniques. No mixing bowls. Just classic banana split flavors transformed into a warm, comforting treat that everyone will love.

Ready to make the easiest dessert of your life? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Split Dump Cake

Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or a cozy family night, this banana split dump cake delivers. It has the perfect balance of textures and flavors—sweet fruit, melty chocolate, a buttery golden topping, and all the banana split vibes you crave.

Here’s why this cake will be your new go-to:

So simple: No mixing. Just layer and bake.
One pan: Less cleanup and less stress.
Classic flavors: Bananas, cherries, pineapple, and chocolate—yes, please!
Customizable: Add nuts, drizzle with fudge, top with whipped cream—the possibilities are endless.
Perfect for crowds: Feeds 10+ and is always a hit.

It’s the best way to turn banana split flavors into a warm, oven-baked comfort dessert.

What Is a Dump Cake (and Why This One’s the Best)?

A dump cake is a no-fuss dessert where all the ingredients are layered into a baking dish—no stirring, no mixers, no fancy prep. The magic happens in the oven: the fruit bubbles up, the cake mix bakes into a soft topping, and everything melds into a rich, spoonable delight.

This banana split version is the best because:

It brings a nostalgic twist to the traditional dump cake
It uses canned and fresh fruits for flavor and texture
It includes chocolate chips for melty goodness
It bakes into a warm dessert that’s begging for a scoop of ice cream

The result? A decadent banana split in casserole form.

Ingredients for Banana Split Dump Cake

Here’s what you need to create this deliciously layered dessert:

2 ripe bananas, sliced
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Optional toppings (after baking):

Whipped cream
Maraschino cherries
Chocolate or caramel drizzle
Vanilla ice cream
Sprinkles

Each layer brings something special. The bananas and pineapple create moisture, the cherries add sweetness, and the cake mix forms a golden topping with buttery, crispy edges.

Essential Kitchen Tools for the Perfect Dump Cake

Making a dump cake is all about keeping it simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

9×13 inch baking dish
Can opener
Knife and cutting board (for bananas)
Measuring cups
Spatula or spoon (for spreading)
Oven mitts
Ice cream scoop (optional, but highly recommended)

No electric mixers, no bowls—just your baking dish and a few basics.

How to Make Banana Split Dump Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2 – Add the fruit layers
Evenly layer the sliced bananas at the bottom of the dish. Spoon the crushed pineapple over the bananas, then spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.

Step 3 – Add cake mix and toppings
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit. Do not stir! Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of it as possible. Then sprinkle the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts over the top.

Step 4 – Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Some areas may still look soft—that’s okay! The gooey parts are the best part of a dump cake.

Step 5 – Cool and serve
Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and your favorite banana split toppings.

Topping Ideas and Banana Split-Inspired Variations

Once your cake is out of the oven, you can take it to the next level with toppings:

Whipped cream + maraschino cherries: Classic and beautiful
Chocolate or caramel drizzle: Adds richness and flavor contrast
Chopped peanuts or almonds: For crunch and saltiness
Shredded coconut: A tropical twist
Rainbow sprinkles: Fun for birthdays or celebrations

Want to switch it up? Try these variations:

Use strawberry pie filling instead of cherry
Add sliced strawberries or raspberries for fresh berry flavor
Use devil’s food cake mix for a chocolatey twist
Top with sliced fresh bananas before serving for a cool contrast

This banana split dump cake recipe is super versatile—play with it and make it your own.

Pro Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor

Use ripe bananas: They should be yellow with brown spots—soft and sweet.
Drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture.
Don’t stir the layers—just dump and spread. Stirring changes the texture.
Drizzle butter evenly: Try to cover all the cake mix for even browning.
Let it rest after baking: This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Follow these tips and your dump cake will have the perfect gooey-fruity-cakey texture every time.

Serving Suggestions: How to Plate Banana Split Dump Cake

This cake is rich and sweet—so a little goes a long way. Try these serving ideas:

Scoop warm cake into bowls and top with ice cream and whipped cream
Serve in parfait glasses layered with ice cream and whipped topping
Cut into squares after cooling for a more structured presentation
Add toppings at a dessert bar and let guests customize their own banana split dump cake bowls

It’s a showstopper dessert for parties, holidays, or even casual weeknight dinners.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To store:
Let the cake cool completely. Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds until warm. You can also reheat the entire pan in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.

The leftovers taste just as delicious (and maybe even better) the next day.

Can You Freeze Banana Split Dump Cake?

Yes! This dump cake freezes well and is great for make-ahead planning.

To freeze:
Cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices straight from frozen.

This makes it a perfect option for prepping in advance for holidays or events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Dump Cakes

Using unripe bananas: They won’t caramelize or add sweetness.
Not spreading the cake mix evenly: This can cause dry patches.
Skipping the butter: The butter is essential to bake the cake mix properly.
Stirring the layers: Keep the layers separate for that classic dump cake texture.
Overbaking: This can dry out the cake and make the fruit tough.

Avoid these mistakes for a moist, flavorful dessert every time.

FAQ: Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe

Can I use fresh cherries or pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Just make sure the fruit is juicy and sweet. You may need to add a bit of sugar or syrup if they’re not canned in juice.

What’s the best cake mix to use?
Yellow cake mix gives the most classic flavor, but white or chocolate cake mix works too.

Do I have to use nuts?
Not at all. They add crunch, but you can skip them for a nut-free version.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer everything the same way and cook on high for 2–3 hours, or low for 4 hours.

What kind of bananas are best?
Ripe bananas with brown spots—they’re soft, sweet, and bake beautifully.

Final Thoughts: Your Go-To Fun and Easy Dessert Recipe

This Banana Split Dump Cake Recipe is everything you want in a dessert—fun, nostalgic, easy to make, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner, a birthday party, or just because you’re craving something warm and gooey, this cake delivers every single time.

With fruity layers, melty chocolate, and a golden topping, it’s got that indulgent banana split flavor—but baked into a crowd-pleasing casserole. Plus, it’s completely customizable to suit your tastes and toppings.