Creating your Southern Style Banana Split Cake can be easy and enjoyable if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and buttermilk until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 20-25 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare Toppings: While the cake cools, prepare the toppings by slicing the strawberries and draining the crushed pineapple.
9. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of whipped topping evenly across the top.
10. Add Fruit: Top with sliced strawberries, crushed pineapple, and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
11. Garnish: Finish by adding maraschino cherries on top for a festive touch.

These simple steps will guide you in creating an incredible Southern Style Banana Split Cake that everyone will love!