No-Bake Banana Split Cake: Easy Layered Summer Dessert
Capture the classic ice cream parlor flavors in this simple, creamy No-Bake Banana Split Cake. This layered dessert features a graham cracker crust, sweet filling, fresh fruit, and chocolate, making it a perfect potluck dessert without needing your oven.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 4 hr 25 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
- 2 large bananas, sliced
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1 (21 ounce) can strawberry topping
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping until just combined.
- Assemble the first layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
- Arrange the fruit: Place the sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer. Top the bananas with the well-drained crushed pineapple.
- Add the strawberry layer: Carefully spread the strawberry topping over the pineapple layer.
- Top with whipped topping: Spread the remaining half of the whipped topping over the strawberry layer.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) over the top layer. Place maraschino cherries on top for decoration.
- Chill: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set completely. This chilling time is essential for the best texture.
- Serve: Slice and serve this easy banana split dessert cold.
Notes
- Drain the crushed pineapple very thoroughly; excess liquid will make the layers runny. Press it between paper towels if needed.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, you can melt the chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil and drizzle it over the top before chilling.
- This make ahead dessert tastes best when chilled for 8 hours or more.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 35