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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Topping Application: Cover the fruit layers with a generous blanket of Cool Whip, ensuring complete and smooth coverage to the dish’s edges.
- Decorative Finishing: Sprinkle crushed walnuts and strategically place maraschino cherries, then drizzle hot fudge sauce in an elegant, artistic pattern.
- Chilling Process: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of four hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and the texture to set completely.
- 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