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No Bake Banana Split Cake

A perfect slice of banana split cake featuring layers of crust, fruit, cream, and topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and maraschino cherries.
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This is an easy, layered, chilled dessert that captures the classic flavors of a banana split without using an oven. It features a graham cracker crust, a creamy filling, fresh fruit, and whipped topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cold milk
  • 1 large box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt in a bowl until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  3. Prepare the pudding layer: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix for two minutes until it begins to thicken.
  4. Combine the creamy layers: Gently fold the prepared pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
  5. Assemble the layers: Spread half of the cream cheese/pudding mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Arrange the sliced bananas over this layer.
  6. Spread the remaining cream cheese/pudding mixture over the bananas. Top this with the well-drained crushed pineapple.
  7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm. This chilling time is essential for a clean slice.
  8. Before serving, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled pineapple layer. Arrange the halved maraschino cherries over the whipped topping. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if using.
  9. Drizzle the chocolate syrup over the top just before slicing and serving your **No Bake Banana Split Cake**.

Notes

  • Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly; excess liquid will thin the filling.
  • You can substitute strawberries for the pineapple or add them as an extra layer for more classic banana split flavor.
  • For a firmer topping, use a stabilized whipped cream or a cream cheese frosting instead of standard whipped topping.
  • This **easy layered dessert** is best made one day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set completely.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/banana-split-cake-no-bake-easy-layered-dessert/