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.

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.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Large Trifle Bowl
• Electric Hand Mixer
• Offset Spatulas
• Angel Food Cake Pan

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Banana Split Trifle

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Chill Time4 hours hrs

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana-split-trifle

Servings: 16 servings

Calories: 543kcal

Author: Melissa Sperka

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

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

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

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

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