The Coolest No-Bake Banana Split Dessert Recipe for Summer

Summer’s sweetest dream meets creamy indulgence in this irresistible no-bake banana split dessert that promises pure delight.

Cool layers of graham cracker crust mingle with luscious cream cheese filling and ripe bananas.

Chocolate and caramel drizzles cascade over velvety whipped topping, creating a dessert that sings with nostalgic flavor.

Effortless preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in minutes without turning on the oven.

Fresh bananas add a perfect touch of natural sweetness to each decadent bite.

Topped with vibrant maraschino cherries and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, this dessert brings classic ice cream parlor magic straight to your table.

Dive into this no-fuss treat that’s sure to become your new summer sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes (plus optional chilling time)

Calories: 312 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for No-Bake Banana Split Dessert

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crunchy, sweet foundation that holds the dessert together, choose finely ground crumbs for smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust, select pure white sugar for consistent results.
• Butter: Ensures crumbs stick and creates rich, golden base, use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy layer that adds luxurious texture, select full-fat version for best consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and softens cream cheese mixture, opt for fresh, clump-free sugar.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps blend ingredients seamlessly, use room temperature for easier mixing.

• Bananas: Brings natural sweetness and classic banana split flavor, choose ripe but firm fruits without bruises.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical tang and moisture, drain thoroughly to prevent soggy dessert.
• Cool Whip: Provides light, airy topping that complements other ingredients, use fresh container for best texture.
• Walnuts: Delivers delightful crunch and nutty depth, select fresh, crisp nuts without rancid smell.
• Maraschino Cherries: Offers classic dessert decoration and sweet burst, choose bright red, plump cherries.
• Hot Fudge Sauce: Creates decadent finish with rich chocolate flavor, select high-quality sauce for best taste.

Tools That Make Banana Split Assembly a Breeze

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and chilling the dessert.
• Medium mixing bowls: Perfect for preparing graham cracker crust and cream cheese mixture.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Needed to beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Knife: Used for slicing bananas and cutting dessert into servings.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading layers evenly and smoothing cream cheese mixture.
• Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing bananas and other prep work.

Banana Split Dessert: No Baking Required

• Crust Foundation

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter until they hold together smoothly. Press the mixture firmly into a rectangular baking dish, creating a solid base for the dessert.

• Creamy Layer

Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky and light, creating a decadent spread that will nestle perfectly against the graham cracker foundation.

• Fruity Components

Slice ripe bananas into delicate rounds, arranging them carefully across the cream cheese surface. Scatter tangy pineapple chunks over the bananas for a tropical twist.

• Fluffy Topping

Spread a cloud-like layer of whipped cream generously across the fruit, ensuring complete coverage and a luxurious texture.

• Decorative Finish

Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the dessert for a delightful crunch. Dot the surface with bright red maraschino cherries and drizzle rich chocolate sauce in elegant swirls.

• Chilling Period

Refrigerate the dessert for several hours, allowing flavors to meld and the layers to set into a refreshing, cool treat perfect for warm days.

Simple Tweaks for More Banana Split Layers

• Swap graham crackers with chocolate or vanilla wafer cookies for a unique base that adds extra flavor and crunch to your dessert.
• Replace bananas with strawberries or mix different fruits to create a personalized tropical twist that keeps the dessert exciting and fresh.
• Prepare the entire dessert up to 2 days in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator to save time and enhance flavor melding.
• Substitute Cool Whip with Greek yogurt or homemade whipped cream to reduce calories and add a tangy, lighter texture to the dessert.
• Experiment with different toppings like chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or caramel sauce to elevate the classic banana split flavor profile and surprise your guests.

Serve Banana Split Dessert Cold and Pretty

• Festive Party Centerpiece: Transform this dessert into a stunning party showstopper by adding colorful sprinkles, extra chocolate drizzle, and strategically placed maraschino cherries for a vibrant presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Brunch Companion Delight: Serve alongside morning coffee or mimosas as a decadent sweet treat that brings sunshine to weekend gatherings with its tropical banana and pineapple flavors.
• Kid-Friendly Dessert Station: Create an interactive dessert experience by pre-cutting the banana split dessert and letting children add their own toppings like extra nuts, chocolate chips, or colorful candies for a fun family activity.
• Portion-Perfect Entertaining: Cut into neat squares and place on individual dessert plates with a small mint leaf or extra cherry for an elegant touch that makes each serving look professionally prepared.

How to Store Banana Split Treats Just Right

• Refrigerator Timing: Keep this delightful dessert chilled for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container to maintain its fresh, creamy texture and prevent banana browning.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert a day before your event, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious party preparation time.
• Banana Browning Prevention: Toss banana slices in a light lemon juice bath before layering to keep them looking bright and appetizing during storage.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 weeks, perfect for make-ahead treats or unexpected sweet cravings.

Dreamy Banana Split Dessert

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• Total Time: 20 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet layers of creamy banana split pudding delight dessert lovers with classic ice cream parlor flavors. Cool graham cracker crust and rich toppings make this chilled treat perfect for summer gatherings you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 graham cracker sheets (finely crushed)
• 9 tbsps butter (melted)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 4 bananas (medium, sliced)
• 20 oz crushed pineapple (drained)
• 16 oz Cool Whip
• 1 jar maraschino cherries
• ½ cup crushed walnuts
• ½ cup hot fudge sauce

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Merge graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, pressing firmly into a greased 9×13-inch dish to create a compact, even foundation.
2. Cream Cheese Layer: Whip cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency, then spread evenly over the graham cracker base.
3. Fruit Layering: Artfully arrange banana slices across the cream cheese surface, followed by an even distribution of drained crushed pineapple to add vibrant fruity dimensions.
4. Topping Application: Cover the fruit layers with a generous blanket of Cool Whip, ensuring complete and smooth coverage to the dish’s edges.
5. Decorative Finishing: Sprinkle crushed walnuts and strategically place maraschino cherries, then drizzle hot fudge sauce in an elegant, artistic pattern.
6. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of four hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and the texture to set completely.
7. Serving: Cut into perfect squares, revealing the luscious layers and presenting a delectable no-bake banana split dessert ready to delight.

Notes

• Crust Compaction Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a sturdy base that prevents crumbling when serving.
• Cream Cheese Smoothing Tip: Ensure cream cheese mixture is lump-free by using room temperature ingredients and beating thoroughly for a silky texture.
• Fruit Layer Preservation: Drain pineapple completely to prevent excess moisture from making the dessert soggy and compromising the layers.
• Chilling Critical Step: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect set consistency for clean, neat slicing.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 312
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg