Description
This No-Bake Banana Split Dessert is a delightful layered treat featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, fresh bananas, pineapple, strawberries, nuts, and a topping of whipped cream, garnished with maraschino cherries and chocolate syrup. Perfect for summer gatherings and easy potlucks, it requires no baking and can be prepared ahead.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
Fruit Layers:
- 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 20 oz crushed pineapple, well drained
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form an even crust layer.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until well incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust to create a smooth layer.
- Layer the fruit: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the cream cheese layer. Follow by spreading the well-drained crushed pineapple evenly on top of the bananas. Then add a layer of sliced strawberries over the pineapple.
- Add whipped topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the fruit layers, covering them completely.
- Garnish the dessert: Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the whipped topping layer. Decorate the top with drained maraschino cherries and drizzle chocolate syrup over everything for extra flavor and presentation.
- Chill and serve: Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the layers to set and flavors to meld. Serve chilled in squares.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid a soggy dessert.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts.
- You can substitute strawberries with other berries or use fresh pineapple if preferred.
