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No-Bake Banana Split Cake: Easy Layered Summer Dessert

A decadent slice of banana split cake featuring layers of crust, bananas, whipped cream, and topped with cherries and nuts.
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Create the perfect chilled dessert that captures all the flavors of a classic banana split without turning on your oven. This easy layered recipe uses a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, fresh fruit, and whipped topping for a simple, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained, for topping
  • Chocolate syrup, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in half (about 1 cup) of the thawed whipped topping until just combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
  3. Prepare the pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about two minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  4. Layer the fruit: Arrange the sliced bananas over the pudding layer. Spread the well-drained crushed pineapple over the bananas.
  5. Chill the cake: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm. This chilling time is essential for a clean slice.
  6. Top and serve: Before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pineapple layer. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if using. Arrange the maraschino cherries on top. Drizzle generously with chocolate syrup just before slicing and serving your **No Bake Banana Split Cake**.

Notes

  • Drain the crushed pineapple very well; excess liquid will make the layers runny. Press the fruit between paper towels if needed.
  • You can substitute strawberries for the pineapple if you prefer a different classic banana split flavor profile.
  • For the best texture, use a store-bought graham cracker crust if you want to skip the mixing step, though the homemade crust provides better flavor.
  • This **easy layered dessert** tastes best when served cold, directly from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/banana-split-cake-easy-layered-dessert/