Banana Split Ice Cream Cake with Fudge and Cherries

This banana split ice cream cake is a fun, easy, all-American summer dessert made with ice cream sandwiches, strawberry ice cream, hot fudge, whipped topping, bananas, walnuts, and a cherry on top.

When you think of a classic banana split, you probably picture scoops of ice cream, sliced bananas, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and a bright red cherry. This banana split cake takes those same favorite flavors and turns them into a simple frozen dessert that looks beautiful on the table. It is not a traditional baked cake. Instead, it is an easy ice cream sandwich cake assembled in a springform pan and frozen until firm.

This dessert is especially helpful for warm-weather gatherings because most of the work can be done ahead of time. The ice cream sandwiches create a fun outer border, while the center is filled with softened strawberry ice cream. Just before serving, the cake is finished with warm hot fudge, whipped cream, fresh banana slices, chopped walnuts, and a cherry. It has the nostalgic flavor of a banana split with the presentation of an impressive ice cream cake.

About This Recipe

This banana split ice cream cake is the kind of dessert that looks much more complicated than it really is. The recipe starts with store-bought ice cream sandwiches, which are cut into smaller pieces and arranged around the edge of a chilled springform pan. The middle is filled with softened strawberry ice cream, then the cake is frozen until it holds its shape.

Once the frozen cake is ready, the toppings bring everything together. Hot fudge adds rich chocolate flavor, whipped cream gives it the classic sundae finish, and banana slices make it taste like a true banana split. Chopped walnuts add crunch, while the cherry gives the cake its signature finishing touch.

This recipe is a great choice for summer birthdays, cookouts, family dinners, and casual celebrations. It is cool, creamy, and easy to slice. Since the base can be made in advance, it also reduces last-minute prep. The only part that should be done right before serving is adding the toppings, especially the banana slices and whipped cream.

Ingredients

You only need a small list of familiar ingredients to make this banana split cake. Most of them are easy to find in the freezer and dessert sections of the grocery store.

Here’s what you need:

• Ice cream sandwiches – Use eight classic-size ice cream sandwiches. They will be cut into quarters to line the outside of the cake.
• Strawberry ice cream – A half gallon of softened strawberry ice cream fills the center of the cake. Use your favorite brand.
• Hot fudge sauce – You will need 1 cup of hot fudge sauce. Warm it slightly so it spreads easily over the frozen cake.
• Whipped cream topping – Use 2 cups of whipped topping, such as Cool Whip or a similar brand, for the top of the cake.
• Banana – Choose one large ripe banana that is still firm enough to slice neatly.
• Chopped walnuts – Walnuts are optional, but they add flavor and crunch that work well with the banana split toppings.
• Cherry – A cherry is optional, but it gives the finished cake a classic banana split look.

The full recipe card with exact amounts and detailed instructions is included below.

Instructions

This banana split ice cream cake is simple to assemble, but it is important to work quickly because the ice cream sandwiches and ice cream can soften fast. Chilling the pan first helps keep everything firm while you build the cake.

1. Chill a 9-inch springform pan in the freezer.
2. Cut each ice cream sandwich into quarters and freeze the pieces again until firm.
3. Line the chilled pan with the quartered ice cream sandwiches, arranging them around the outer edge.
4. Fill the center of the pan with softened strawberry ice cream.
5. Freeze the cake until very firm, at least 2 hours.
6. Remove the cake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
7. Top the center with warmed hot fudge sauce.
8. Add dollops of whipped cream, then arrange banana slices around the edge.
9. Garnish with chopped walnuts and a cherry.
10. Slice and serve immediately.

The assembly is straightforward: slice the ice cream sandwiches, place them in the pan, spoon in the strawberry ice cream, and freeze. The toppings are added at the end so the cake stays neat and the bananas look fresh. If you want to make the dessert ahead, prepare the frozen cake base first and save the hot fudge, whipped cream, bananas, walnuts, and cherry for serving time.

The hardest part of this recipe is moving quickly before the ice cream starts to melt. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife and serve the cake as soon as the toppings are added.

Recipe Variations

Use different flavors of ice cream sandwiches.
Classic vanilla ice cream sandwiches work perfectly, but you can use other varieties if you want to change the flavor. Neapolitan, strawberry, chocolate chip, or cookies and cream ice cream sandwiches would all give the cake a different twist.

Switch the ice cream flavor.
Strawberry ice cream gives this dessert its banana split feel, but other flavors can work too. Neapolitan, chocolate, cookies and cream, or mint chocolate chip can be used in the center, depending on the flavor combination you want.

Add more banana flavor.
For extra banana in every slice, add a layer of banana slices in the center. Spread in half of the softened strawberry ice cream, add sliced bananas, then cover with the remaining strawberry ice cream before freezing.

Try another topping.
Hot fudge is the classic choice, but caramel sauce can also be added if you enjoy a richer sundae-style dessert. Keep the toppings balanced so the cake is easy to slice and serve.

This frozen banana split cake is easy to customize, which makes it a reliable dessert for different tastes and occasions.

More Frozen Dessert Recipes

• Frozen Strawberry Dessert
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert
• Freezable Lemon Bars
• Peanut Butter Pie

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This recipe was originally published July 2, 2012.

Recipe Card