This No Bake Banana Split Dessert captures all the delightful flavors of a classic banana split in an easy, no-bake format that’s perfect for summer. Layered with a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy cheese filling, and plenty of fresh fruit, topped with whipped cream and a cherry, it’s a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s ideal for any summer gathering.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 ½-2 cups powdered sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
For the Fruit Filling and Toppings:
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced
- 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple, drained
- Extra Cool Whip for topping
- ¼ cup peanuts, chopped
- Chocolate syrup
- Maraschino cherries
- Rainbow sprinkles
Directions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator to set.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar to your preferred sweetness.
- Gently fold in Cool Whip until combined.
- Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
- Layer the Fruit:
- Arrange the sliced bananas, strawberries, and crushed pineapple over the cream cheese layer.
- Top and Garnish:
- Cover the fruit layer with an additional layer of Cool Whip.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and add rainbow sprinkles.
- Top with maraschino cherries for the classic banana split look.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the dessert for 4-6 hours, or until set, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Tips
- Consider pre-baking the graham cracker crust for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for a firmer base.
- Customize the fruit toppings according to your taste or what’s in season.
- Add the final toppings just before serving to ensure the bananas don’t brown and the dessert looks fresh.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 12-15
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
The No Bake Banana Split Dessert is a fabulous choice for anyone looking to enjoy the iconic flavors of a banana split without the hassle of baking. It’s a wonderful addition to any summer party, barbecue, or family gathering, providing a cool, creamy, and utterly delicious finale to your meal. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the joy of serving up a slice of summer’s sweetness!