No-Bake Banana Split Cake

No-Bake Banana Split Cake is a delicious, layered dessert that captures all the fun and flavors of a classic banana split without the hassle of baking. It features a graham cracker crust, creamy layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and pineapple, all topped with whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate drizzle. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, this dessert is a cool and refreshing treat that comes together quickly. It’s ideal for those who want a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort and time spent in the kitchen.

Why It’s Great

This No-Bake Banana Split Cake is great because it combines the iconic flavors of a banana split into an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. The no-bake aspect means you don’t have to turn on your oven, making it perfect for warm days. The layers of creamy filling and fresh fruit create a balanced dessert that’s sweet but not overly heavy. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe—you can customize the toppings and flavors to suit your taste. It’s also make-ahead friendly, making it ideal for entertaining or preparing in advance.

Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided
  • 2 cups vanilla pudding (instant or homemade)
  • 2 large bananas, sliced
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
  2. Cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
  3. Pudding layer: Prepare vanilla pudding according to package instructions (or use homemade pudding). Spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  4. Add fruit: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly on top of the pudding layer. Next, spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the bananas.
  5. Top with whipped cream: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the fruit layers.
  6. Garnish and chill: Garnish the top with sliced strawberries, chocolate syrup, chopped walnuts (if using), and maraschino cherries. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving: Serve the No-Bake Banana Split Cake chilled for the best texture and flavor. You can cut it into squares or scoop it out to serve in individual bowls. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle more chocolate syrup or add a scoop of ice cream on the side.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert is best enjoyed within the first 2 days, as the bananas may begin to brown. To prevent this, you can lightly coat the banana slices in lemon juice before assembling the dessert.

Helpful Notes

  • Crust options: If you prefer a chocolate crust, swap out the graham crackers for crushed chocolate cookies like Oreos.
  • Fruit options: Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches to customize the dessert to your liking.
  • Prevent browning: To keep the bananas from browning, you can brush them with a little lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering them in the dessert.
  • Make-ahead tips: This dessert can be made the night before and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. Just be sure to add the toppings right before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works great in this recipe. Just make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice before adding it to the dessert.

2. Can I use a different type of pudding?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different pudding flavors like chocolate or banana to change the taste profile. Just make sure to use instant pudding for the best results.

3. How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

To prevent browning, you can brush the banana slices with lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering them in the dessert. This will help them stay fresh for longer.

4. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, No-Bake Banana Split Cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to add the fresh fruit toppings right before serving for the best presentation.

5. Can I freeze this dessert?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dessert, as the texture of the cream cheese layer and whipped topping can change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

No-Bake Banana Split Cake is a fun and flavorful dessert that brings all the joy of a traditional banana split into a simple, no-bake form. With its creamy layers, fresh fruit, and crunchy crust, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it at home with family, this cake is a sweet and satisfying treat for any occasion.

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