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Ultimate No-Bake Banana Split Cake

A decadent slice of banana split cake featuring layers of cream, fruit, and a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
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Create this easy, layered No-Bake Banana Split Cake for a refreshing summer dessert. It captures all the classic banana split flavors using a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, fresh fruit, and whipped topping, requiring no oven time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
  • 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved
  • 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Whip the cream: In a separate, chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
  4. Fold in topping: Fold in half of the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Assemble the layers: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
  6. Add bananas and pineapple: Arrange the sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the bananas.
  7. Top with remaining cream: Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the pineapple layer.
  8. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to set.
  9. Garnish before serving: Before serving, spread the remaining half of the whipped topping over the cake. Drizzle generously with chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if using. Place the halved maraschino cherries decoratively on top.
  10. Slice and serve this easy summer dessert immediately after garnishing.

Notes

  • For the best texture, drain the crushed pineapple very thoroughly; excess liquid will thin the filling.
  • If you want a firmer base, chill the crust for 30 minutes before adding the first filling layer.
  • This make ahead dessert tastes best when chilled for at least 6 hours.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/banana-split-cake-recipe/