Indulge in a delightful symphony of flavors with these incredible Banana Split Cake Mix Cookies. Crafted for ease and maximum enjoyment, these soft, chewy cookies capture all the beloved elements of a classic banana split in a simple, bake-at-home treat. Starting with a convenient cake mix, they’re infused with the rich essence of banana, decadent chocolate, and bright, sweet cherries, making them an instant favorite for any occasion.
Looking for more effortless dessert ideas that begin with a cake mix? Explore this wonderfully simple Dump Cake or these rich and fudgy Cake Mix Brownies. Cake mixes are a secret weapon for quick, delicious treats, and we’re always finding new ways to make baking simpler and more fun for everyone.
The Irresistible Appeal of Cake Mix Cookies
In the realm of baking, few ingredients offer the versatility and convenience of a simple box of cake mix. It transforms what could be a lengthy process into a quick, stress-free endeavor, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected cravings. These Banana Split Cake Mix Cookies are a testament to that magic. They embody everything we love about homemade cookies – that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, the delightful aroma filling your kitchen – but without the extensive ingredient list or the meticulous measuring often associated with traditional recipes.
For years, cake mix cookies have been a beloved staple in many households, and it’s easy to see why. Our original cake mix cookie recipe, first shared back in 2007, continues to be one of the most popular recipes on our site, proving that the desire for simple, delicious desserts is timeless. This updated recipe takes that fundamental ease and elevates it with an exciting flavor profile, delivering an incredibly flavorful cookie with remarkably little effort.
Embracing the Classic Banana Split Flavors
What makes a banana split so iconic? It’s the harmonious blend of creamy banana, rich chocolate, and the tart sweetness of cherries, often topped with whipped cream, nuts, and a playful shower of sprinkles. Our Banana Split Cake Mix Cookies capture this delightful combination perfectly, making each bite a miniature celebration. By starting with a funfetti cake mix, we get a tender base, while the instant banana pudding mix amplifies the authentic banana flavor, creating a moist and soft cookie that truly stands out.
The addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips brings that classic chocolatey goodness, melting slightly to create pockets of gooey delight. And those vibrant maraschino cherries? They’re not just for color; their distinct sweet-tart profile cuts through the richness, providing a wonderful counterpoint that mimics the fruity burst of a real banana split. Of course, no banana split is complete without sprinkles, and a generous scattering adds a festive touch and a hint of extra sweetness that everyone loves.
These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a playful nod to a cherished ice cream parlor treat, reimagined in cookie form. They’re wonderfully soft, incredibly flavorful, and come together by hand in mere minutes – no fancy stand mixer required! This makes them an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners looking for an easy win to seasoned pros seeking a quick, satisfying recipe.
Simple Steps to Baking Perfection
Creating these Banana Split Cake Mix Cookies is as straightforward as it gets. You’ll simply combine a box of funfetti cake mix with a box of instant banana pudding, vegetable oil, and eggs. This forms your basic, incredibly soft cookie dough. Then, it’s time for the signature banana split mix-ins: chocolate chips and roughly chopped maraschino cherries. A gentle fold is all it takes to incorporate these delightful additions, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Once your dough is ready, forming it into walnut-sized balls is quick work. Remember to space them out on your baking sheet to allow for spreading. Baking for just about 10 minutes yields a perfectly set, yet still wonderfully soft and chewy cookie. The simplicity of the process, combined with the incredibly rewarding results, makes this recipe a true winner for anyone craving a quick and flavorful dessert.
Variations and Customizations for Your Banana Split Cookies
While the classic Banana Split Cake Mix Cookie is fantastic as is, there’s always room for creative twists! Here are some ideas to make these cookies uniquely yours:
- Different Cake Mixes: Experiment with other cake mix flavors. A yellow cake mix will provide a classic base, or try a vanilla cake mix for a subtle flavor. Chocolate cake mix would create a deeper, richer cookie for chocolate lovers.
- Pudding Power: Swap the banana pudding for vanilla or cheesecake instant pudding mix to slightly alter the base flavor while maintaining the incredible moistness.
- Add-Ins Galore:
- Nuts: Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch, mirroring the traditional banana split topping.
- Other Chocolate: White chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate can be used alongside or instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
- Dried Fruit: A small amount of finely diced dried pineapple could enhance the tropical feel.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows, added in the last few minutes of baking, would create a gooey, toasted topping.
- Glaze or Frosting: For an extra layer of decadence, once cooled, drizzle the cookies with a simple vanilla glaze or a light chocolate ganache. A dollop of whipped cream (real or stabilized) and a fresh cherry on top before serving would truly mimic the full banana split experience!
- Extracts: A tiny drop of rum extract or almond extract could add an interesting depth to the flavor profile.
Serving and Storage Tips
These cookies are delightful served warm, allowing the chocolate chips to be slightly melted and gooey. They are fantastic on their own, but for the ultimate indulgence, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of hot fudge, and an extra maraschino cherry – just like a deconstructed banana split! They also make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter, a fun treat for lunchboxes, or a welcome contribution to potlucks and parties.
To store these delicious cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a fresh-baked experience.
More Favorite Cookie Recipes
If you’re a fan of these easy, flavorful cookies, be sure to check out some of our other cherished cookie recipes:
- Oatmeal Scotchies: A classic, comforting cookie with a delightful butterscotch flavor.
- Cookies and Cream Cookies: Another pudding-enhanced cookie, boasting a wonderfully soft texture and irresistible flavor.
- Chocolate Malt Whopper Drops: For chocolate and malt lovers, these chewy cookies are a dream come true.
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Banana Split Cake Mix Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) box funfetti cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, pudding mix, oil and eggs. Stir in the chocolate chips. Gently fold in the cherries.
- Form the dough into balls just larger than a walnut and place at least 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until set.