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Banana Split Trifle

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.

Banana Split Trifle


Easy Banana Split Trifle Recipe

I have adored trifles from a very young age. Due to my love of layered desserts it was only a matter of time until I would turn my passion for trifles into this outrageous banana split extravaganza. How to make a Banana Split Trifle: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

  • Toast Nuts – 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.
  • Melt Chocolate Chips – 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.
  • Pudding Layer – 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)
  • Strawberries – In a separate bowl mix together the sliced fresh strawberries and strawberry pie filling.
  • Assemble the Trifle – Begin with a layer of 1/3 of the cubed pound cake, top with 1/2 of the strawberries, 1/2 of the crushed pineapple and 3 sliced bananas. Drizzle the bananas with 1/3 of the chocolate ganache. Spread 1/3 of the pudding over the chocolate drizzle. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used ending with pudding.
  • Frost – Top with whipped topping and sprinkle with toasted nuts and grated chocolate. Garnish as desired with maraschino cherries. Chill until serving.
Banana Split Trifle

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.
Banana Split Trifle

More Southern Style Trifle Desserts to Make

From the recipe index checkout these scrumptious all occasion trifle recipes:

Banana Split Trifle

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

Banana Split Trifle

Prep Time20 minutes
Chill Time4 hours
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: banana-split-trifle, easy-trifle-recipes
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 543kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 1/2 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 Tbsp 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 one 8 oz container of whipped cream. (About 2 cups)
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the sliced fresh strawberries and strawberry pie filling.
  • Assemble: In a large trifle bowl or glass bowl begin with a layer 1/3 of the cubed cake, top with 1/2 of the strawberries, 1/2 of the crushed pineapple and 3 sliced bananas.
  • Drizzle the bananas with 1/3 of the chocolate ganache. Spread 1/3 of the pudding over the chocolate ganache. Repeat until all ingredients are used ending with pudding.
  • Frost the 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 any remaining ganache and serve on the side for drizzling.

Notes

Pineapple Pound Cake recipe here
A vanilla pound cake from your local bakery could be used in place of the pineapple pound cake, if desired. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 543kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 578mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 794IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

18 Comments

  1. 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

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

  2. I made this for a family gathering and it was delicious!! Thank you for your great recipes.

  3. Punch bowls also work well with large recipes. I have found several without the glasses at thrift stores fairly cheap.

    1. 5 stars
      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!

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