Treat yourself to a delightful dessert that layers fruity goodness with creamy richness! This No-Bake Banana Split Cake is the perfect sweet escape, offering a satisfying blend of bananas, pineapple, cherries, and a smooth cream cheese base—all topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup for a heavenly finish. With no oven required, it’s an easy and refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and no-bake – No oven required, making this a simple dessert to prepare.
- Layered perfection – Layers of fruit, creamy filling, and crunchy nuts come together in every bite.
- Customizable – Feel free to switch up the fruits or nuts to match your preferences.
- Cool and refreshing – A great dessert for hot days or whenever you’re craving something light yet indulgent.
- Crowd-pleaser – This dessert is perfect for parties, holidays, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Bananas (sliced)
- Crushed pineapple (drained)
- Cherry pie filling
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form a crust.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
- Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping and spread evenly over the graham cracker crust.
Layer the Fruit:
- Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Follow with an even layer of drained crushed pineapple.
Add More Whipped Topping:
- Spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping over the fruit layer.
Top with Cherries and Nuts:
- Evenly distribute the cherry pie filling over the whipped topping.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans.
Drizzle and Garnish:
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the dessert.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries for a finishing touch.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to set.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 2g
Variations
- Fruit swap – Replace the banana and pineapple with other fruits like strawberries, peaches, or blueberries.
- Nut-free option – Skip the nuts or use crushed graham crackers or cookies for extra crunch.
- Dairy-free – Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
- Extra chocolate – Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle more chocolate syrup for an even richer flavor.
- Lighter option – Reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This cake freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- No reheating needed – This dessert is best served chilled straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes! This dessert needs time to chill and set, so it’s perfect for making a day ahead of time.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, fresh fruit works well too. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from the fruit before layering.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or other cookie crumbs for the crust.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, homemade whipped cream can be used as a substitute for the whipped topping.
How do I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the cream cheese mixture or swap out the cherry pie filling for fresh cherries for less sweetness.
What other toppings can I use?
You can top it with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a different twist.
How do I keep the graham cracker crust from getting soggy?
Be sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan, and refrigerate the dessert long enough to allow the layers to set properly.
Conclusion
No-Bake Banana Split Cake is the ultimate sweet treat, offering layers of fruity goodness and creamy indulgence in every bite. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, this dessert is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun dessert to enjoy with loved ones!
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No-Bake Banana Split Cake
No-Bake Banana Split Cake is a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of bananas, pineapple, cherries, and a creamy cream cheese base. Topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and nuts, this no-bake treat is perfect for hot days, family gatherings, or any special occasion. Cool, indulgent, and full of flavor, this dessert will be a hit with anyone who loves banana splits.
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 2 bananas (sliced)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form a crust. -
Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. -
Layer the Fruit:
Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the cream cheese mixture.
Add an even layer of drained crushed pineapple on top of the bananas. -
Add More Whipped Topping:
Spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping over the fruit layer. -
Top with Cherries and Nuts:
Evenly distribute the cherry pie filling over the whipped topping.
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top. -
Drizzle and Garnish:
Drizzle chocolate syrup over the dessert.
Garnish with maraschino cherries for an added touch. -
Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to set.
Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- You can replace the fruit with other options like strawberries, peaches, or blueberries.
- For a nut-free version, skip the nuts or use crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.
- Make it dairy-free by using vegan cream cheese and whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake Desserts
- Method: Layering, Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian