Description
This No-Bake Banana Split Cake is a delightful and creamy dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, layers of fresh bananas and pineapple, and a rich cream cheese filling folded with whipped cream. Topped with mini chocolate chips, optional maraschino cherries, and whipped cream, this easy-to-make cake requires no baking and is perfect for any occasion, offering a fresh twist on the classic banana split.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit and Toppings
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract together using a mixer until stiff peaks form, ensuring the cream holds its shape firmly.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture carefully to retain as much air as possible, resulting in a light and fluffy filling.
- Assemble the layers: Remove the crust from the refrigerator. Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the chilled crust, then layer the drained crushed pineapple on top. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the fruit layers with a spatula.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips uniformly over the cream cheese layer. If desired, add chopped maraschino cherries on top for a classic banana split flair.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to let the flavors meld and the cake set firmly. Before serving, garnish with whipped cream as a final touch.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, prepare the cake the night before serving.
- Ensure the bananas are sliced right before assembly to prevent browning.
- The optional maraschino cherries add a traditional banana split touch but can be omitted if preferred.
- This cake should be kept refrigerated and is best consumed within 2 days for freshness.
- You can substitute light cream or use a whipped topping to reduce calories, but heavy cream yields the best texture.
