No Bake Banana Split Dessert Recipe

Introduction

This no-bake banana split dessert is a delightful twist on the classic treat, perfect for warm days or when you want an easy yet impressive dessert. Layers of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures come together without turning on the oven. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to assemble and delicious to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 box graham cracker crumbs
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 4 bananas, sliced
• 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
• 16 oz Cool Whip or 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, thawed
• 4 oz jar maraschino cherries, stemmed
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• Hot fudge sauce
• 1 tbsp rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form the crust. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled crust.
3. Step 3: Arrange the sliced bananas in a single layer over the cream cheese mixture.
4. Step 4: Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the banana layer.
5. Step 5: Spread the Cool Whip or whipped cream on top of the pineapple layer to create a light, fluffy topping.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans, maraschino cherries, drizzle with hot fudge sauce, and sprinkle the rainbow sprinkles over the top.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer topping, use freshly whipped heavy cream instead of Cool Whip.
• Substitute crushed walnuts with toasted pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
• Add a splash of vanilla or banana extract to the cream cheese layer for extra flavor.
• Use chocolate graham crackers for a deeper chocolate flavor in the crust.
• Keep bananas fresh longer by tossing slices in a little lemon juice before layering.

Storage

Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for easier slicing. Avoid freezing as the texture of the bananas and cream layers may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, making it a day ahead is ideal to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely. Freshly whipped heavy cream will give a richer and more natural taste, but Cool Whip is convenient and still tasty.

No Bake Banana Split Dessert Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

This No Bake Banana Split Dessert is a delightful layered treat combining a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese, fresh bananas, tangy pineapple, and a fluffy whipped topping. Finished with nuts, maraschino cherries, hot fudge drizzle, and colorful sprinkles, this dessert is perfect for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing sweet treat that requires no baking.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 box Graham Cracker Crumbs (approximately 9 ounces)
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) Butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 3 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 cup Butter, softened

Fruit Layers

• 4 Bananas, sliced
• 20 oz can Crushed Pineapple, drained

Top Layer and Garnishes

• 16 oz Cool Whip or 1 1/2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream, whipped
• 4 oz jar Maraschino Cherries, stemmed
• 1 cup Walnuts or Pecans, chopped
• Hot Fudge Sauce, for drizzling
• 1 tbsp Rainbow Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
2. Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust layer.
3. Banana Layer: Arrange sliced bananas evenly on top of the cream cheese layer, covering the surface completely.
4. Add Pineapple: Drain the canned crushed pineapple well, then spread it evenly over the bananas for a tangy, juicy layer.
5. Whipped Layer: Spread Cool Whip or freshly whipped heavy cream evenly over the pineapple layer to add a light and fluffy texture.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans evenly over the whipped topping. Add maraschino cherries across the surface, drizzle hot fudge sauce artistically over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles for color and fun.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours to set all layers before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning and mushiness.
• If you prefer, substitute Cool Whip with freshly whipped heavy cream for a fresher taste.
• To speed up chilling, you can refrigerate for longer if not serving immediately.
• For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
• Make sure the pineapple is well drained to avoid a soggy dessert.

Keywords: No Bake dessert, Banana Split, layered dessert, easy summer dessert, no oven dessert