Description
Indulgent no-bake banana split cake delivers classic dessert flavors without turning on the oven. Sweet layers of creamy goodness blend graham cracker crust, ripe bananas, and rich vanilla pudding for a delightful summer treat you’ll absolutely love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large bananas, sliced
- 2 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) container frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Topping and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (such as peanuts or pecans)
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a robust foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, ensuring a cohesive texture that will firmly anchor the dessert’s base.
- Press the crumb mixture meticulously into a rectangular dish, creating an even, compact layer that will support subsequent components.
- Allow the crust to chill and solidify in the refrigerator, establishing a sturdy groundwork for the remaining layers.
- Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until achieving a silky, luxurious consistency that spreads effortlessly.
- Carefully distribute the cream cheese mixture across the chilled crust, creating a smooth, even canvas for future ingredients.
- Layer ripe banana slices strategically, covering the cream cheese surface to introduce a natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Disperse drained pineapple chunks uniformly, adding a tangy tropical dimension to the dessert’s flavor profile.
- Gently blanket the fruit with whipped topping, ensuring complete coverage to preserve the freshness of underlying ingredients.
- Enhance the presentation by scattering chopped nuts across the surface, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty complexity.
- Embellish with vibrant maraschino cherries and optional chocolate drizzle for a classic banana split aesthetic.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to meld and textures to harmonize.
- Serve chilled, presenting a decadent, no-bake confection that captures the essence of a traditional banana split.
Notes
- Crust Perfection: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that holds together when sliced.
- Cream Cheese Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to achieve a lump-free, silky texture that spreads effortlessly.
- Fruit Preservation: Layer bananas first and cover completely with pineapple and whipped topping to prevent browning and maintain fresh appearance.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert tastes even better when chilled overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg