No Bake Banana Split Dessert
User Reviews
4.5
No Bake Banana Split Dessert
Description
The No Bake Banana Split Dessert starts with a buttery graham cracker crust pressed firmly into the pan. A smooth mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and Cool Whip forms the creamy layer above the crust. Layered atop are sliced bananas, drained crushed pineapple, and sliced strawberries, offering a mix of fresh and tangy fruit flavors. A final layer of Cool Whip smooths over the fruit before sprinkling chopped walnuts for texture, followed by a drizzle of chocolate syrup and maraschino cherries to complete the appearance and flavor profile. Refrigerated for several hours, the dessert firms up and the layers settle.
The combination of the creamy filling and the fresh fruit creates a balanced dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and moisture of the fruit against the richness of the cream cheese layer. This dessert is well-suited for warm days or when oven use is not preferred. Serving chilled enhances the textural contrast between the crisp crust, soft cream cheese layer, and juicy fruits.
The recipe suggests refrigerating the dessert for at least four hours or overnight to set properly. Using canned pineapple with thorough draining prevents sogginess, and substituting fresh whipped cream for Cool Whip is possible, though it may shorten storage life to about two days. Proper refrigeration and covering help maintain its freshness.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 12 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
For the Fruit & Toppings:
- 3 to 4 banana sliced
- 20 ounce crushed pineapple canned, drained well
- 16 ounces strawberries hulled and sliced
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- ½ cup walnuts chopped
- chocolate syrup
- maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter with a fork, stirring until all of the crumbs are evenly moistened. Dump the crumbs into the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Refrigerate while you prepare the next layer.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the Cool Whip until thoroughly combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the graham cracker crust.
- Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on top of the cream cheese filling, top with an even layer of the crushed pineapple, and then an even layer of the sliced strawberries.
- Cover with the Cool Whip, smoothing the top. Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts, then drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with maraschino cherries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Cooled crushed pineapple should be drained well to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.
- Fresh whipped cream can replace Cool Whip but will reduce the time leftovers remain stable to about two days.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the dessert to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- This dessert stores well covered in the refrigerator for several days, with the best texture within the first two days if fresh whipped cream is used.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12to 16 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 395 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 395kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 57mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 212mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 348mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 26g | 52% |
| Vitamin A | 730IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 29.2mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 102mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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