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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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