My banana split cake is the ultimate box mix hack for birthdays and summer desserts! I doctored up some vanilla cake mix with melted ice cream and bananas for extra moisture, then turned it into a party-ready sheet cake layered with strawberries and a simple frosting. Finished with hot fudge, sprinkles, and cherries on top, this cake really looks (and tastes) like an ice cream sundae!
Ice Cream Sundae Sheet Cake
I love a sheet cake for parties because they’re so easy to bake, and they’re great for serving a crowd of rambunctious kids. I wanted to make an ice cream themed cake for summer, and I knew this would be infinitely easier than a fancy layered cake!
I started with a box of cake mix, of course, but I infused the batter with mashed bananas and real melted ice cream to get an ultra-moist texture. I’ve made cookies with ice cream before, so I knew this trick would work perfectly for a cake inspired by a classic banana split.
Even I’m a little impressed with the results, and I know how many shortcuts I snuck in! I finished the cake with hot fudge, a simple frosting, colorful sprinkles, and cherries on top of each slice. It’ll be the most fun dessert at the potluck!
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Baking with Melted Ice Cream
Adding melted ice cream to cake mix creates a super moist texture, plus it adds the sweetness and flavor of a real sundae! For best results, let the ice cream melt naturally on the counter. It should only take about 30 minutes to melt to the right consistency at room temperature. I don’t recommend microwaving the ice cream because it will get too hot, and the fats will separate from the other ingredients.
Banana Split Cake (Cake Mix Recipe)
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 13.25 ounces vanilla cake mix 1 box*
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream melted**
- ½ cup mashed bananas about 1 large banana***
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
For the Frosting:
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
- 5 cups frozen strawberries thawed
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles
- ¼ cup fudge ice cream topping
- 12 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Spray a 9×13 inch cake pan with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, melted ice cream, mashed banana, eggs and vegetable oil.13.25 ounces vanilla cake mix, 1 cup vanilla ice cream, ½ cup mashed bananas, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup vegetable oil
- Beat on medium speed for one minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread into an even layer. Bake for 30 to 32 minutes; or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before moving to the next step.
- Add thawed sliced strawberries in an even layer on top of the cooled cake.5 cups frozen strawberries
- Place powdered sugar, butter, heavy cream and vanilla extract into a large bowl. Start beating ingredients on low speed, until all of the powdered sugar is incorporated with the wet ingredients. Then increase the speed to high and beat for 3 minutes, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.3 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Spread the frosting evenly on top of the strawberry layer. Then decorate the cake with sprinkles, fudge and maraschino cherries.2 tablespoons sprinkles, ¼ cup fudge ice cream topping, 12 maraschino cherries
- Slice and serve while fresh.
Notes
- Start checking the cake around the 30-minute mark. If a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (no wet batter), it’s done.
- If the frosting looks too thick to spread, slowly beat in an extra 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to get the right consistency.
- You can use a store-bought container of frosting instead of making your own.
How to Make Banana Split Themed Cake Step by Step
Prep: Gather the list of ingredients for this hot fudge sundae cake recipe. Melt 1 cup of vanilla ice cream (this will take about 30 minutes at room temp); mash up a banana; soften 1 cup of unsalted butter; then thaw and slice the frozen strawberries. Preheat the oven to 350℉, then spray a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan with non-stick baking spray.
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine 1 small box (13.25 oz.) of vanilla cake mix, 1 cup of melted vanilla ice cream, ½ cup of mashed banana, 2 eggs, and ¼ cup of vegetable oil. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for one minute. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go to make sure all ingredients are mixed together.
Bake the Cake: Pour the doctored cake batter into the prepared 9×13 pan. Bake at 350℉ for about 30 to 32 minutes; or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When done, there should be no batter on the toothpick, and the top of the cake should be set and golden. Let the cake cool completely before assembling and frosting.
Add a Layer of Strawberries: Once the cake has cooled, spread 5 cups of thawed strawberries across the top of the cake.
Make the Frosting: Place 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup of softened butter, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract into a large bowl. Beat ingredients on low speed, until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated into the wet ingredients. Then increase the speed to high, and beat for 3 more minutes, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly on top of the strawberry layer. Then top with 2 tablespoons of sprinkles, ¼ cup of fudge, and 12 maraschino cherries. Slice and serve fresh!
How to Store
This banana split sheet cake is best served fresh, because the strawberries can make the cake soggy, and turn the frosting pink/red. However, leftover cake slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It won’t look as presentable, but it will still taste good!
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