Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Banana Split Cake

Last time I was here we were on our way to Magnolia Alabama for a family reunion.  Mac drove long enough to remember how much he hates Atlanta traffic and happily gave the wheel to Michael, who drives amazingly well for a baby son.  When we reached Selma, Alabama I was so glad to be out of a moving vehicle, no matter who was driving, that I could have kissed the pavement.  We were there for the Sealy family reunion and very nearly held it at the motel.  I think our family had booked the entire bottom floor.  It was like a gigantic slumber party, what with walking up and down the halls visiting brothers sisters nieces and nephews, snacking on every imaginable thing that the snack food conglomerates throw at you, plus this one thing that niece Sherry had brought along.  She called it a Banana Split Cake.  She had made and brought three of them.  They were residing in the refrigerator of her motel room and she promised everyone a piece of it even before the Sunday reunion dinner.  Mind you, these dishes of heavenly promise measured 13x9 inches long and promised to make our dreams come true.  It seems that cake was the topic of conversation every time I saw any of them.  Turns out it's a Paula Deen recipe and I knew right away it was going to be winner.  Unfortunately it was not a winner that I would be able to share in.  Just looking at it had me in danger of going into a month long sugar coma.  Sherry began to tell me exactly how it was made and I lost consciousness somewhere around the two cups of confectioners sugar and the two sticks of butter.  Yes, I said two sticks of butter.  (I did mention it's a Paula Deen recipe?)
So late on Saturday night after Mac had had his third or maybe fourth helping of this incredible cake, I had to warn them that they were in danger of having nothing left for the family reunion dinner.  One pan had been consumed and the mob in the corridor were eyeing the refrigerator thru the doorway.  I didn't hold out much hope for it's survival.  I was right.  But then I frequently am.

So we made it home from the reunion which was wonderful.  Seeing family members we hadn't seen in years was worth the long trip.  Aunt Jeanne looked like a movie star, it was hard to believe she is in her late 70's.  Such a great lady and so welcoming and warm to her family.

So when we got home I talked to SIL Betty and she sent me the recipe for the marvel of a cake.  I knew I'd probably make it for Thanksgiving but also knew that I'd not be able to taste it, the diabetes would prevent even a smidgen.  I tucked it away for another day.

Saturday I went to the grocers and as I was going down the baking aisle came across a new product.  It was a sugar free confectioners sugar by Ideal (tr).  I read it several times before I could believe my eyes.  But yes, sure enough there it was.  They even had a sugar free brown sugar.  I dug my cell phone out of my purse and called home to get Mac to look up the recipe so I could be sure I had everything I needed.  I made the Banana Split Cake on Sunday, after Church.  I prepared a bowl of it for afters that night.  Angels sang.  We wept with joy.  No, really, we wept with joy...okay so we didn't weep but we were happy.  I'm including the recipe and for those of you who don't care if they go into a sugar coma, just substitute the real thing for all the sugar free stuff.  But you won't be sorry if you prepare it exactly as I say.  Angels will sing.  Weeping will be simulated.  You will be happy diners, I promise!


BANANA  SPLIT CAKE




Banana Split Cake



Crust:

1 1/2 sticks butter

2 cups graham cracker crumbs



Filling:

2 eggs (I used pasteurized eggs since they are raw)

2 sticks butter
2 cups Ideal Sugar Free Confectioners sugar

4 or 5 bananas, ripe and sliced

1 large can crushed pineapple (sugar free), well drained

2 cartons sugar free Kool Whip

Chopped nuts

Chopped cherries



To make crust: Melt butter; mix with crumbs. Press into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1about 15 minutes and let cool.



To make filling: Beat the eggs, margarine and powdered (confectioners) sugar together, beating no less than 15 minutes. Filling must be light and fluffy.Spread over crust.  Place sliced bananas over filling, then spoon pineapple over bananas.  Cover all with Kool Whip, add chopped cherries (maraschino) and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans.  Refrigerate til ready to eat.

36 comments:

Unknown said...

Good on you for finding a way to make the cake of your dreams! I'm from Savannah and love Paula Dean, but... she doesn't know how to cook healthy.

Jinksy said...

I think I will stick to plain old banana and icecream for dessert- so much less hassle to make! LOL :)

Jules~ said...

How amazing. I had no idea there was sugar free sugars besides the splenda stuff. Thank you for the recipe. I am a real visual type of person. You wouldn't happen to have a picture of it laying around would you?
I am so glad you were able to visit with your family and have such a fun time. Those are treasures in your heart that can never be lost.

God bless you and your day.

Vee said...

You make me believe you...I've snagged the recipe. So happy to see you here that I'm sure I hear angels singing.

San said...

Sandi, that sounds so decadent and delicious, even in the sugar-free version. A heavenly mingling of crunchy and sweet and gooey. Swoon.

Jeni said...

I got that recipe for Banana Split Cake back in the early 80s from the mother of the guy I was engaged to for about 4-5 months (when I finally realized what an idiot he was and broke up with him.) So I don't know if it came from Paula Deen or not -was she around doing her cooking shows way back then? But the almost-mother-in-law told me specific directions that had to be followed -like when you mix the eggs and sugar, you were to beat that for at least 15 minutes and the drained pineapple, you were to strain it and then squeeze the juice out by "wringing" the crushed pineapple in your hands! Let me tell you, if it were not for the fact that my kids and I loved this concoction so much, just the beating for 15 minutes solid plus the wringing out of the pineapple could have made me think I'd never go through that much work again! LOL It really isn't that difficult though and yes, it is sooooo good. I've made it and taken it to various church functions on numerous occasions and never had a teensy bit of it -ever- left over to bring home either! A guaranteed hit, for sure and I'm glad you found it and even got a recipe that you can use to cheat on the sugars and such too! Lo-fat generally tends to take the fun out of the good foods much of the time in my book, ya know. Or so I tell myself anyway as I dive in and indulge.

Shadow said...

i am so happy you got your slice of cake too. just goes to show...

Kathy's Klothesline said...

I am intrigued by this concoction and will have to give it a try.Family gatherings are always hectic and fun ......... and fattening!

Donna said...

Oh Boy Girl! This sounds wonderful!
Glad you had a great time!!
hughugs

Akelamalu said...

What a wonderful reunion and the cake sounds yummy! :)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your family reunion sounds wonderful Sandi! And oooooohhhh! That cake sounds devine!
Hugs,
Penny

Hilary said...

That sounds just too good.. I don't dare!

Love the photo in your header. Good to see you pop up in my reader. :)

Carver said...

The recipe sounds delicious. Enjoyed your account of your travels and reunion. I know that feeling of wanting to kiss the pavement on finally being released from the car.

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

How wonderful to have such a family reunion and all the more memorable as you are now able to revisit the banana split cake, whenever you like. A x

Carol said...

Blow me down! gosh Sandi how nice to hear from you.....crazy cat lady.
Nope I did not have a dolls house but I am having so much fun now with my house as you well know. But it aint all roses here....even if it ooks it. But that is due to my age I guess, still never a dull or quiet day in this home.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time, reading your posts are like you being here in the front room with me telling the story.
Cx

bj said...

Now sugar free Kool Whip is my choice..I love the taste. I had no idea there was such........
omg...TOM JONES...excuse me...I'll have to come back to writing AFTER he finishes singing...o...i am still so in love with him....

*picking myself up out of the floor..drooling..panting..
let's see...where was I...Oh, yeah..
sugar free powdered sugar..
OH< SHOOT...I can't even concentrate ...I've got to go find a TJ song to go on my blog...
whew......

Pseudo said...

This was a fantastic travel post and food post as well. I think I will make that cake for Thanksgiving this year. Thank-you!

Brian Miller said...

nice. as i was reading i was getting hungry and when i saw your signature it though...man i would love to have the recipe but you did not disappoint...glad you had a good time...it was also fun to read where you were as i have traveled those roads before through work and it brought back some good memories...

Sally said...

Oh no - I won't even write that down 'cause I'd eat the whole thing, and that's a promise.

So good to see you, Sandi, and how wonderful you had a great time at the reunion - I love those!! :)

Lib said...

Your Reunion sounds fun! Im with Mac on Atlanta traffic !!!!!!
The cake sounds yummy thanks for sharing .
HAve agreat wk.end!
Blessins',Lib

Lee said...

Sandi, I'm so glad you found a way to enjoy that cake. I've loved it ever since my college roommate made it for me way back then. It is indeed a winner and I'll have to remember your version when the next Dinners for 6 to 8 comes around.

Hugs,
Lee

Diva's Thoughts said...

I'm going to try this!

david mcmahon said...

Yes, I certainly DID hear the angels sing - they were singing your culinary praises, Sandi!

Gill - That British Woman said...

that sounds yummy, you've gotta love Paula Dean.......doesn't skimp on any ingredients!!!

Thanks for the info about your sister's dog. Molly is totally allergic to water........she hates water with a passion. To get her to go outside when it's raining I have to go out and get wet with her!!! Devoted mummy or what......I think the or what which should read..SUCKER!!! LOL

Gill in Canada

Maggie May said...

I'm so pleased that you were able to have some after all.
Sounds delicious.Things don't last long when family gather round.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Pondside said...

I'll probably try this when the kids are home - wouldn't want a speck of leftovers to tempt me! Thanks for posting the recipe!.

SandyCarlson said...

That recipe sounds wonderful!

NitWit1 said...

I am afraid I would have to alter even more ingredients like the butter which would glue to my already moderately clogged arteries. But it sounds unbelievably yummy.

I can look at a banana split and gain 10 lbs!

But you had a lovely time and I'm sure worth the drive.

We are tired of driving 150 mi to Little Rock w/in 30 days, the last one tomorrow. No telling how many more we are in store for us as we both have medicial facilities we visit there.

cheshire wife said...

What a good idea having a family reunion in a motel. No one person ends up doing all the catering and everybody can relax and enjoy themselves.

The sugar free confectioners sugar sounds brilliant. With Christmas around the corner we all need to watch our waistlines.

aims said...

You ARE kidding me! Right??

Sandi - I even have the gluten free graham wafer crumbs! WoooHooooooo! I can FEEL the pounds just pouring themselves on my butt - my thighs - my tummy!

Do I care? Not as yet. I haven't made the thing. BUT! I'm going to. And you dear girl are going to hear about it!

merry weather said...

Mmmm. I pop by here to see you Sandi and I find delicious food waiting. Ah!

I have quite forgotten the art of making puddings. Will Have to try This though!

And hooray for sugar free sugar!! :-)

betty-NZ said...

Wow! That looks yummy!

myonlyphoto said...

Sandi nice and yummy, but I just couldn't, lol. Anna :)

Jay at The Depp Effect said...

Excellent! I'm so happy for you that you found a good substitute so that you could enjoy this wonderful confection again! Alas that I never shall .. it's those raw eggs, you see. Boo hiss!

Never mind, I'm not complaining. There are lots of fun things I can eat! ;)

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Love the new header!!!

SandyCarlson said...

Della and I have a date with this recipe tomorrow under the snow!

Sleep well, awesome lady.