Description

This No Bake Banana Split Dessert is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cream cheese layer, fresh bananas, pineapple, and strawberries, topped with fluffy whipped topping, nuts, chocolate syrup, and maraschino cherries. Perfect for a refreshing, no-oven-required dessert that serves a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Fruit Layer

3-4 bananas (sliced)
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
1 cup strawberries (hulled and sliced)

Topping and Garnish

2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
Maraschino cherries (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until fully combined. Press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a solid crust layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the other layers.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until well incorporated. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
Add the Fruit Layer: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the bananas. Finally, add a layer of the sliced strawberries on top of the pineapple.
Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the fruit layer to cover all the fruit and create a smooth top.
Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the whipped topping. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for added flavor and garnish with maraschino cherries to complete the classic banana split look.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours, or until it is fully chilled and set. Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing no-bake treat.

Notes

For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushy texture.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
You can substitute walnuts or pecans with your preferred nuts or omit them for nut-free variation.
Store leftover dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To make it more diabetic-friendly, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for baking and low-sugar fruit options.