Ready in: 4 hours chilling time · Serves: 12 · Technique: No-Baking · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
This No-Bake Banana Split Dessert layers creamy, fruity, and crunchy ingredients for a delightful holiday treat that’s easy to prepare in advance.
As the holiday season approaches in New York City, I’m constantly reminded of the festive gatherings that bring family and friends together. Among the many desserts that tantalize our taste buds during this time, few evoke nostalgia quite like the No-Bake Banana Split Dessert. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy layers that make it a delight to serve during Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with no baking required, making it perfect for busy holiday seasons.
- A delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy layers that everyone will love.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld for an even more delicious dessert.
- Customizable to suit your taste with additional toppings or alternative crusts.
- Ideal for gatherings, ensuring a festive touch and lasting memories with family and friends.
Ingredients
This No-Bake Banana Split Dessert requires simple ingredients that come together to create a delightful treat.
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Banana Layer:
- 3 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Pineapple Layer:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup whipped topping (for folding in)
Toppings:
- ½ cup chocolate sauce
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
How to Make No-Bake Banana Split Dessert (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create a delightful No-Bake Banana Split Dessert that will wow your guests.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Use a fork to mix until everything is moistened and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. The buttery aroma fills the air, inviting anticipation as you work.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until well combined. The result should be a fluffy and luscious filling that makes my heart skip a beat.
Step 3: Layer the Bananas
Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the crust. Drizzle with lemon juice to keep them vibrant and fresh—trust me, this little twist makes all the difference during holiday gatherings.
Step 4: Add the Pineapple
Spoon the drained crushed pineapple over the bananas. Then, fold in the whipped topping into the remaining pineapple and spread it evenly across the dessert. Each layer introduces a new texture and taste, melding beautifully together.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Finish with maraschino cherries for a festive touch. This dessert is a feast for the eyes, with colors and textures that promise a delightful taste.
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if time permits. This allows the flavors to mingle and the dessert to firm up—an essential step for the perfect slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the dessert to chill is crucial for optimal texture and flavor melding.
- Not properly draining the pineapple: Excess moisture can make the layers soggy and ruin the overall consistency.
- Using unripe bananas: Firm bananas might not blend well in the dessert. Opt for ripe, sweet bananas that add to the flavor and sweetness.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an extra crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of toffee bits or coconut flakes to the nut topping.
- To make serving easier, use a sharp, heated knife to cut through the layers cleanly.
- If you can’t find graham crackers, digestive biscuits can be an excellent substitute for the crust.
Variations
- Swap out bananas for strawberries or peaches for a different fruit layer.
- Use a chocolate cookie crust instead of graham crackers for a chocolatey twist.
- Incorporate layers of caramel or butterscotch sauce for added richness.
How to Serve
- Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator for the best texture.
- Garnish with additional whipped topping and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flair.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld.
- Storage: Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Not applicable as this is a no-bake dessert served chilled.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While developing this No-Bake Banana Split Dessert, I was reminded of the power of simple ingredients to create delightful and complex flavors. Additionally, patience in letting it chill truly transforms this dish into a holiday masterpiece.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 servings · Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~320 calories · 3g protein · 45g carbs · 15g fat
Delicious No-Bake Banana Split Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until moistened and crumbly. Press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Arrange sliced bananas over the crust and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Spoon crushed pineapple over the bananas. Fold whipped topping into remaining pineapple and spread over the dessert.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce on top, sprinkle with chopped nuts, and garnish with maraschino cherries.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make the No-Bake Banana Split Dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! It can be prepared several hours or even a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. How long should I chill the dessert?
It’s recommended to chill the dessert for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for achieving the best texture and flavor.
3. Can I substitute the graham crackers in the crust?
Absolutely! If you cannot find graham crackers, digestive biscuits can be a great alternative for the crust.
4. What can I do to prevent the bananas from browning?
Drizzling the sliced bananas with lemon juice helps to keep them fresh and prevents browning. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference!
5. How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but they usually don’t last that long!
