If you enjoy banana splits, then why not make these fun banana split trifles, in individual jars?! This way, each person can have his or her own pre-portioned banana split! If you’re in need of a quick grab and go dessert for a party, these work fabulous! Our Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Pies in a Jar are equally as delicious and are the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert! If you like banana desserts, you'll love my Banana Split Pops, Banana Split Pie, Banana Pudding, and Banana Poke Cake recipes!
Banana splits always take me back to my childhood, when there wasn’t a care in the world and all I wanted was sugar and ice cream; therefore, a banana split was the perfect childhood dessert.
How to make the best Banana Split Trifle Jars
STEP 1: Layer trifle in this order: cake, bananas, pineapple, pudding, strawberries, whipped cream topping, and a cherry; repeat if necessary.
STEP 2: To make the whipped cream topping, add the heavy whipping cream to a large bowl and beat on high or use a stand mixer to beat, until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating on high until medium peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
What is a Trifle?
According to Taste of Home, a trifle is a dish consisting of three or four layers, including some fruit, alcohol-soaked sponge cake, and custard. Well, we aren’t using any alcohol here today, but feel free to try adding a splash of your favorite liqueur.
Trifles are typically served in deep round dishes, or like in our case, in smaller, round jars. The traditional trifle originated in England in the 18th century.
On the contrary, American trifles are much less complex than their English counterpart. American trifles are packed with layers of crumbled or cubed cake, pudding, and fruit, just like this delicious banana split trifle.
Variations
You can use vanilla or white cake mix, or you can make your own cake from scratch! Whatever option you choose, your banana split trifle jars will taste amazingly delicious!
Rather than vanilla instant pudding, you can use cheesecake or banana cream. I prefer to have the pudding set as it refrigerates in the trifle jar, but you can make it ahead of time and then add it to the jars.
Can I Make a Pie Out of this Recipe Instead?
You certainly CAN! Or, you can make my easy Banana Split Pie! Either way, you’ll end up with almost the same dessert.
Can I make this recipe without Mason jars?
Sure, you can, but it won’t be as easy. You could use cups and put foil on top, but the lids on top of the jars make it so easy to just seal and put away—which is why I love the mason jar dessert idea!
More desserts you'll want to make!
Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Pies in a Jar
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Banana Split Trifle Jars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Banana Split Trifle Jars
Equipment
Ingredients
- You will need 10 oz. or 16 oz. Mason jars to make this recipe
- 1 box white cake mix cooked per package instructions, and cooled
- 2 bananas chopped
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple tidbits drained
- 1 (5.1 oz.) vanilla instant pudding prepared per package instructions (I use JELLO)
- 16 oz. strawberries chopped
- 5 Maraschino cherries blotted on paper towels
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 c heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Layer the trifle in this order: cake, bananas, pineapple, pudding, strawberries, whipped cream topping, and a cherry; repeat if necessary.
- To make the whipped cream topping, add the heavy whipping cream to a large bowl and beat on high or use a stand mixer to beat, until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating on high until medium peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
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