Banana Split Trifle

So I made this recipe on a Monday, and I warned the husband that he might only get cake for lunch.

Apparently, it wasn’t that much of a stretch, because when he got home for lunch I was still photographing them.

So he made lunch for himself and the 2-year-old, and when I was done, I ate trifle for lunch.

I mean, there have to be some perks, right?

Guys, I thought this would be pretty good. But I was kind of in disbelief about just how good it is.

It tastes like a banana split. That’s not cold.

I never realized how much I love the combination of pineapple, banana, and strawberry until I made these trifles. It’s kind of amazing! And plus, it tastes like summer.

What is your favorite summer treat?

Banana splits?

Ice cream cake?

Fudgesicles?

Popsicles?

Those Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars? Definitely one of my faves.

Dipped cones?

Excuse me while I sit here and fantasize about summer.

We are so close here in Manitoba. I’m dreaming of long days sitting out on the deck watching my husband and 3-year-old do yard work.

I’m also dreaming of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Okay, just fruit.

I mean, I look forward to successfully growing fresh vegetables for my husband and kids to eat. Not necessarily eating them myself.

There are some of you who have this luxury year-round. There are also some of you who claim that strawberry season starts in April, though I’m not sure I can believe you.

Here, strawberry season” is about 2 weeks long starting in early-mid July.

That being said, the strawberries you can pick up at the store these days are so much better than the strawberries you can get in the middle of winter. I swear it’s like the strawberries were actually white, and they just spray-painted them red to make them look like they’re ripe.

I love trifle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Banana Split Trifle is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering layers of flavor and texture that are sure to impress. It’s a nostalgic treat that combines the best fruits of summer in a way that feels refreshing and indulgent. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Trifle dish or large salad bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix or Angel Food Cake Mix
• 1 Large Package Banana Pudding
• 3 large bananas, sliced
• 1 ½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 ½ – 2 cups chopped fresh pineapple (or 6 oz can of crushed pineapple, drained)
• 1 Container – Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 Jar Maraschino Cherries, diced
• ½ cup Pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup chocolate syrup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the cake according to the package instructions and let it cool completely.
2. Cut the cake into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the banana pudding mix as per the package instructions.
4. In a trifle dish, layer half of the cake pieces.
5. Top with half of the prepared pudding, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, Cool Whip, Maraschino cherries, chocolate syrup, and nuts.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients in the same order.
7. Chill the trifle until you’re ready to serve.

Note: For a creamier texture, you can layer the pudding before it fully sets so it seeps into the cake pieces.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cake is completely cool before assembling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Use fresh fruit for the best flavor, but canned pineapple can be used in a pinch.
• Chill the trifle for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to switch up the fruits based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. You can also add a layer of crushed cookies or graham crackers for extra crunch.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dessert is rich and indulgent, with fresh fruits providing vitamins and fiber. It’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this trifle ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What can I use instead of Cool Whip? You can substitute with whipped cream for a more natural option.

Can I add more toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle additional toppings like shaved chocolate or sprinkles for extra flair.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll give this Banana Split Trifle a try! It’s a fun and fruity dessert that’s perfect for any summer gathering. If you do make it, be sure to share your experience and any creative twists you added. Enjoy!