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Banana Split Cake

Banana Split Cake

Instead of cake and ice cream, try a birthday party dessert inspired by both. This gooey trifle overflows with layers of vanilla cake, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, bananas, and drippy chocolate sauce.

Martha Stewart Kids, Spring http://www.marthastewart.com/356453/banana-split-cake
3.69231
Rated
73.8462100(16)16
  • Yield Serves 10 to 12

Ingredients

  • For the Pudding

    • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    • 4 large bananas, peeled and halved crosswise then lengthwise
    • 1/2 cup store-bought chocolate sauce, warmed
    • 1 maraschino cherry, for decorating
    • Yellow sprinkles, for decorating
    • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • For the Whipped Cream

    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

  • For the Assembly

    • Yellow Cake (http://www.marthastewart.com/254796/yellow-cake), baked in two 8-inch round cake pans
    • 4 large bananas, peeled and halved crosswise then lengthwise
    • 1/2 cup store-bought chocolate sauce, warmed
    • 1 maraschino cherry, for decorating
    • Yellow sprinkles, for decorating
    • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

  1. Make the pudding: Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Whisk together cornstarch, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk eggs in another bowl until smooth; whisk into cornstarch mixture. Set aside.
  2. Whisk together milk and remaining 6 tablespoons sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Slowly pour milk mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  3. Pour mixture back into saucepan. Cook, whisking constantly, over medium-high heat until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and pour through a sieve into a medium bowl. Whisk in butter and vanilla. Set bowl in ice-water bath, and let cool, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Pudding can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days.
  4. Make the whipped cream: Put cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add confectioners' sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form.
  5. Assemble the cake: Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes level, then cut each in half horizontally, making 4 layers. Place 1 cake layer into the bottom of a straight-sided 4-quart bowl (about 8 inches in diameter and 6 inches high). Spread with 1/2 cup pudding, then with 3/4 cup whipped cream. Arrange 4 banana quarters on top; top with another cake layer. Repeat 3 times, decorating final banana layer with a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with chocolate; top with a cherry. Sprinkle with sprinkles and nuts, if desired. Using a large spoon, divide portions among serving bowls. Serve immediately.

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