This Banana Split Trifle features layers of pineapple pound cake, vanilla cream, chocolate ganache, strawberries and pineapple are all crowned with whipped cream and maraschino cherries. It's a dish that dessert fans will line-up to eat.
Easy Banana Split Trifle Recipe
I have adored trifles from a very young age. Due to my love of layered desserts I've been nicknamed by friends the "queen" of trifles. It was only a matter of time until I would turn my passion for trifles into this outrageous banana split extravaganza. The first trifle I ever tried was a classic English trifle using sponge cake layered with vanilla custard and fruit. I took one look at it siting on the table and thought it was prettier than the floral centerpiece sitting nearby. A dessert trifle was also one of the very first desserts I can recall making as a young "tween" and I was pleased as punch with the results.
How to Make the Best Banana Split Trifle Recipe
Because of this trifle obsession, I have procured several trifle bowls through the years all slightly different in size. This particular bowl is quite large. This dessert allows you to serve banana splits to a crowd with the bonus of preparing it in advance. Win-win!
- Ingredients you'll need to make homemade Banana Split Trifle: Pineapple pound cake or a vanilla pound cake, (cubed) Whipped topping fresh strawberries plus strawberry pie filling, sliced bananas, toasted chopped pecans, chocolate chips, heavy cream, maraschino cherries with stems for the top, crushed pineapple, instant vanilla pudding mix (2 boxes) plus milk or half and half to make. To decorate as pictured, you'll also need a chocolate bar to grate for the topping.
- Kitchen gadgets you'll need: A large trifle bowl, sharp knife and cutting board, a hand mixer or a stand mixer, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an offset spatula or large spoon to spread the layers evenly and arrange the fruit.
- See my Pineapple Pound Cake recipe here.
- You can use fresh whipped cream in this recipe, if you prefer. Please note, it's not as table as Cool Whip so it needs to be assembled the day you plan on serving it.
- If you don't have a collection of trifle bowls, you can use a large see-through glass bowl and it will be equally as pretty. You'll need at least a 4 quart or larger to hold all of the ingredients.
- When adding bananas to the trifle, keep them completely covered on each layer so that they remain airtight to prevent browning.
- You can make this Banana Split Trifle one day in advance and chill covered in the refrigerated until serving.
- Store leftovers trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More Southern Style Trifle Desserts to Make
From the recipe index checkout these scrumptious all occasion trifle recipes:
- Berry filled Berry Trifle with White Chocolate Cream.
- A celebration of chocolate peanut butter is addictive in this Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle.
- Always a fan favorite Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle recipe.
- Addictive Red Velvet White Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is ideal for any special occasion.
- No worries about melting ice cream in this fruit filled Fruit Bowl Sundae.
- Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is a special dessert for a special occasion.
- Pina Colada Cake Trifle from Inside BruCrew life.
Thanks for visiting come back soon!
Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Pick-up your own copy of my best-selling cookbook here!
Helpful Kitchen Items:
Banana Split Trifle
Ingredients
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1 12 oz package milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cup whole milk or half & half
- 2 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided {Or, 4 cups fresh whipped cream)
- 1 Pineapple pound cake cubed (See Cook's note)
- 1 20 oz strawberry pie filling
- 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple in syrup
- 6 medium bananas sliced
- 2 tablespoon grated milk chocolate
- Maraschino cherries with stems
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the chopped nuts on a baking sheet. Roast for 6-8 minutes then set aside to cool completely.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Melt in 20-30 second increments stopping to stir each time. Repeat until completely melted then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium size mixing bowl using a mixer, whip together the pudding mix and cold milk. Whip for 2 minutes or until fully thickened. By hand fold in 1 container of whipped cream. (About 2 cups)
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sliced fresh strawberries and strawberry pie filling.
- To assemble in a large trifle bowl or glass bowl, layer ⅓ of the cubed pound cake, top with ½ of the strawberries, ½ of the crushed pineapple, 3 sliced bananas. Drizzle the bananas with ⅓ of the chocolate ganache. Spread ⅓ of the pudding over the chocolate drizzle, then repeat until all ingredients are used ending with pudding.
- Top with whipped topping and sprinkle with toasted nuts and grated chocolate. Garnish as desired with maraschino cherries. Chill until serving.
- Just before serving the trifle warm the remaining ganache and serve on the side for drizzling.
Notes
Nutrition
Michele
Thoughts on using angel food cake in place of the pound cake?
Melissa
If that's your preference, you could.
Michelle
I’m making this for a family reunion and some are allergic to strawberries! Is there something else I can use or can I just omit it and still taste ok? Thank you
Melissa
Firstly, you could omit them but I think it would be better to replace them. I think I'd maybe go for a couple of cans of cherry pie filling in the place of strawberries, if they can tolerate those. I think you'd be happier with it in the end.
Patty
Can I use pineapple cake instead of pound cake?
Melissa
Sure, no problem.
Colleen
Can this trifle be used the day before serving ?
Melissa
It can be, yes. As long as the bananas are air tight they should hold up. I wouldn't put any on top or where they would be exposed to air or they'll brown.
Debbie Peterson
I made this for a family gathering and it was delicious!! Thank you for your great recipes.
Melissa
Thanks so much!
LIsa
thanks
Cecelia
All our recipes look great can’t wait to try them
CATHY
THANKS FOR THE RECEIPES
Melissa
Thank you for visiting!
Susi
Punch bowls also work well with large recipes. I have found several without the glasses at thrift stores fairly cheap.
Lynda
I find that using the plastic containers that the pound cake comes in is an easier way of disposing it. No cleaning or fear of breaking the dish. It still comes out pretty!
Nancy Stewart
Looks great! Can't wait to taste it. I will let you know how great is was.
Melissa
Enjoy!