Introduction
This No-Bake Banana Split Cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! It’s layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, fresh bananas, and all the classic banana split toppings. My mom would whip this up for birthdays or summer gatherings, and it was always the star of the dessert table. Perfect for when you want a show-stopping treat without turning on the oven!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 container of whipped topping)
For the Layers:
- 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1 ½ cups strawberries, diced
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Chocolate syrup or hot fudge (for drizzling)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes while preparing the filling.
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2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
3. Assemble the Layers:
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- Layer the sliced bananas on top of the filling.
- Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the bananas.
- Add a layer of diced strawberries on top.
4. Add the Toppings:
- Spread whipped cream or whipped topping over the top layer.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts, drizzle with chocolate syrup or hot fudge, and garnish with maraschino cherries, if desired.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Pineapple Well: Excess liquid can make the layers soggy, so ensure the pineapple is well-drained.
- Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but not overly soft for the best flavor and texture.
- Customize the Toppings: Add sprinkles, caramel sauce, or crushed cookies for a fun twist.
Enjoy.