Dreamy Banana Split Cake Recipe

The Coolest No-Bake Banana Split Cake Recipe Ever Made

Cool summer desserts like this no-bake banana split cake recipe bring pure magic to the table.

Sweet layers of creamy goodness combine classic flavors everyone craves.

Bananas, graham crackers, and rich pudding create a delightful no-fuss treat that requires zero oven time.

Chocolate, vanilla, and fruity elements dance together in perfect harmony.

Chilled and decadent, this dessert serves up nostalgic memories with every single bite.

Whip up this simple crowd-pleaser and watch smiles spread across faces at your next gathering.

Tips And Changes For No-Bake Banana Split Cake

  • Banana Split Cake Magic Tricks
  • Crust Perfection: Use fresh graham crackers and press them firmly to create a solid, crisp base that won't crumble when serving. Slightly chilling the crust helps it hold together beautifully.
  • Cream Cheese Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a silky, spreadable consistency that glides effortlessly across the crust.
  • Fruit Freshness Hack: Pat bananas and pineapple dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the dessert soggy, keeping layers distinct and textures crisp.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream and use vegan whipped topping to make this dessert completely plant-based. Coconut yogurt works wonderfully as a cream cheese alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free chocolate syrup for a diabetic-friendly version that still delivers incredible flavor without compromising taste.

Serving Suggestions For No-Bake Banana Split Cake

  • Festive Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert centerpiece by cutting the cake into generous squares and arranging them on a decorative platter with extra cherries and drizzled chocolate.
  • Summer Picnic Delight: Pack individual slices in small containers for outdoor gatherings, keeping them chilled in a cooler for a refreshing treat that screams summer fun.
  • Fancy Dessert Bar Styling: Offer guests an interactive experience by setting up a toppings station with extra nuts, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and fresh berries to customize their slice.
  • Kids' Dessert Adventure: Let children help decorate their own pieces with colorful sprinkles, extra cherries, and mini chocolate chips for a playful and engaging dessert experience.

No-Bake Banana Split Cake Storage Guide

  • Dessert Protection Plan: Keep the cake tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent absorption of refrigerator odors and maintain its fresh taste.
  • Cooling Corner: Store this no-bake banana split cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture quality.
  • Smart Slice Strategy: When cutting, use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices for neat, clean portions that look picture-perfect.
  • Freezing Fantastic: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy for up to 2 weeks – perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers who want a quick sweet treat anytime.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes Into No-Bake Banana Split Cake

For Crust Foundation:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Crunchy base that provides delightful texture and sweet foundation for the dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients.
  • Butter: Melted butter creates a rich, cohesive crust that holds together perfectly.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious, tangy smoothness as the primary layer of richness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Ensures silky-smooth consistency and delicate sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the cream cheese mixture.
For Fruity and Topping Layers:
  • Bananas: Fresh, ripe fruit that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Provides bright, tropical tang and juicy contrast to the creamy base.
  • Whipped Topping: Light and airy layer that creates a cloud-like finish.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Vibrant pop of color and classic banana split flavor.
  • Chopped Nuts: Adds delightful crunch and nutty complexity to the dessert.
  • Chocolate Syrup/Hot Fudge: Optional decadent drizzle for extra indulgence.

Things You’ll Need For No-Bake Banana Split Cake

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering this delightful dessert with ease.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for blending cream cheese mixture smoothly.
  • Medium bowl: Great for mixing graham cracker crust ingredients.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps create a creamy cream cheese layer.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Knife: Useful for slicing bananas and cutting the final cake.
  • Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly and cleanly.

How To Put Together No-Bake Banana Split Cake

How To Put Together No-Bake Banana Split Cake
  • Crust Foundation Texture and Crunch

Create a solid base by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into your dish, ensuring a compact and even surface. Let it chill in the refrigerator to set perfectly.

  • Creamy Cheese Blanket

Whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. Spread this luxurious layer gently over the chilled crust, creating a rich and velvety foundation.

  • Fruity Landscape

Layer sliced bananas across the cream cheese surface. Scatter crushed pineapple generously, adding tropical brightness and juicy texture to your dessert.

  • Cloud-Like Topping

Cover the fruit with a soft, billowy layer of whipped topping. Ensure every inch is beautifully draped with this delicate cream.

  • Decorative Flourishes

Sprinkle chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. Crown your creation with bright maraschino cherries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

  • Chill and Delight

Refrigerate your masterpiece for at least two hours. When ready, slice and serve this cool, refreshing dessert that captures the essence of a classic banana split.

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Dreamy Banana Split Cake Recipe

Dreamy Banana Split Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Creamy layers of no-bake banana split cake combine classic dessert flavors in a chilled summer treat. Rich graham cracker crust and luscious cream cheese filling provide a delightful base for fresh banana and chocolate drizzle.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large bananas, sliced
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 (16 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (such as peanuts or pecans)
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into a rectangular dish, creating a compact, uniform base. Refrigerate to set the foundation completely.
  2. Cream Layer Crafting: Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until achieving a silky, smooth texture. Spread the creamy mixture evenly across the chilled crust, ensuring full coverage and a consistent layer.
  3. Fruit Composition: Arrange banana slices in an elegant, overlapping pattern across the cream cheese surface. Distribute pineapple chunks uniformly, completely blanketing the banana layer to create a vibrant fruity landscape.
  4. Topping Application: Gently spread whipped topping over the fruit layer, maintaining the underlying arrangement and creating a light, airy surface. Sprinkle chopped nuts across the dessert for textural intrigue.
  5. Final Embellishment: Strategically place maraschino cherries for visual pop. Optional chocolate drizzle can add a decadent finishing touch. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to harmonize and the dessert to set perfectly.
  6. Serving: Remove from refrigerator and slice into portions. Serve chilled to maintain optimal texture and flavor profile, presenting a delightful no-bake banana split cake experience.

Notes

  • Crust Consistency Check: Ensure graham cracker mixture is perfectly compact and sandy, pressing firmly to create a stable base that won’t crumble when serving.
  • Cream Cheese Smoothing Technique: Beat cream cheese mixture until absolutely smooth, eliminating any lumps for a silky, professional-looking layer that spreads effortlessly.
  • Fruit Placement Strategy: Arrange banana slices quickly to prevent browning, and drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the dessert soggy.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate for minimum 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to blend and achieve the ideal set and texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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