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Best Easy Banana Split Torte – Perfect Dessert Recipe

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This layered torte offers a delightful interpretation of the classic banana split. It features moist chocolate cake layers, generously filled with a creamy, sweet whipped filling and fresh banana slices. A rich chocolate ganache cascades down the sides, complemented by a garnish of whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and chopped nuts, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chocolate Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
  • For the Cream Filling:
  • 2 cups heavy cream, very cold
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional, for stability)
  • For the Banana Layers:
  • 34 ripe but firm bananas
  • For the Chocolate Ganache:
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • For Topping:
  • 1 cup heavy cream, very cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts or almonds

Instructions

  1. **Prepare Cake Layers**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gradually stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. **Make Cream Filling**: If using cream cheese, beat it in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
  7. **Prepare Bananas**: Just before assembly, peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  8. **Make Chocolate Ganache**: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips. Heat the 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens to a pourable consistency.
  9. **Assemble the Torte**: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread half of the cream filling evenly over the cake. Arrange half of the sliced bananas over the cream.
  10. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining cream filling over the second cake layer and arrange the remaining banana slices.
  11. **Chill**: Refrigerate the torte for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
  12. **Finish**: Once chilled, carefully pour or drizzle the cooled chocolate ganache over the top of the torte, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  13. For the topping, whip the additional 1 cup cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe dollops of whipped cream around the top edge of the torte.
  14. Garnish with chocolate sprinkles and chopped roasted peanuts or almonds. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated.

Notes

Ensure cake layers are completely cool before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.

Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture and to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Chilling the torte thoroughly before slicing will result in cleaner, more defined slices.

To prevent bananas from browning, you can lightly brush them with lemon juice, though this may slightly alter the flavor.

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