Banana Split Dessert
User Reviews
4.2
Banana Split Dessert
Description
The dessert begins with a crust made from graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, pressed firmly into a 9x13 pan and chilled to set. The pineapple cream cheese layer combines softened cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, and sugar, whipped smooth and spread evenly over the crust. Sliced strawberries and bananas are layered atop this creamy base to add freshness and fruit acidity.
Whipped cream made from heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract is beaten to soft peaks and spread as a topping over the layered fruit. The assembled dessert is chilled until serving, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up. Final garnishes of chocolate syrup, nuts, and maraschino cherries bring visual appeal and additional taste contrasts reminiscent of a banana split sundae.
The recipe notes recommend delaying fruit assembly until a few hours before serving to prevent banana discoloration for a fresher appearance.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 /2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 /2 cup butter melted
- 1/4 /4 cup sugar
Pineapple Cream Cheese Layer:
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese softened
- 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple drained, crushed
- 1/4 /4 cup sugar
- 16 ounces strawberries hulled and sliced
- 3 liced banana
- chocolate syrup
- nuts
- maraschino cherries (around a 8 ounce can)
Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 /2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- For the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of the pan firmly. Place in the fridge or freezer while preparing the filling to help it set.
- For the Pineapple Cream Cheese Layer: With a mixer, cream together the cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and sugar. Spread over graham cracker crust.
- Layer the strawberries and bananas on top. You may need less or more. The quantities are just approximate.
- For the Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Do not overwhip. Spread over bananas and strawberries.
- Chill until serving. Drizzle with nuts and chocolate syrup before serving or on each individual slice.
Notes
- Add the fruit layers only a couple of hours before serving to prevent bananas from browning.
- Press the crust firmly to ensure it holds together when serving.
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and a smooth filling texture.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form without overwhipping to maintain a light topping.
- Garnish just before serving with chocolate syrup, nuts, and maraschino cherries for visual and textural contrast.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.2
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