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No Bake Banana Split

Featured in Desserts.

Made this for Jake’s party since he’s not into traditional cakes. Put some crushed graham crackers mixed with butter as a base. Layered cream cheese filling and fresh fruits on top. Finished with whipped cream and nuts. Chilled it for hours and forgot about it till dinner. Everyone asked for the recipe. Loved skipping the oven!
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Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:24:36 GMT
A creamy layered dessert slice with fresh strawberries, bananas, a cherry topping, pecans, and chocolate drizzle sitting on a crunchy graham base. Pin it
A creamy layered dessert slice with fresh strawberries, bananas, a cherry topping, pecans, and chocolate drizzle sitting on a crunchy graham base. | tasteofmoms.com

This chilled banana split treat skips the oven completely. It's perfect when it's scorching outside or you need something fast. Features a graham base, layers of cream, topped with fruits and crunchy nuts.

Benefits Of This Delightful Dessert

Takes minutes to throw together with zero baking. Ideal during hot months. Comes with a crunchy bottom, silky center, juicy fruits and crunchy nuts. Works well at gatherings or as a family sweet ending.

Ingredients

  • Graham Crackers: Smashed into crumbs for the foundation. Vanilla wafers work too
  • Butter: Liquified, binds the base ingredients
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture
  • Sugar: Plain granulated type
  • Cool Whip: Homemade whipped cream can substitute
  • Bananas: Pick fully yellow ones
  • Pineapple: From a can, make sure it's drained
  • Strawberries: Sliced fresh
  • Walnuts: Diced, for texture
  • Chocolate Syrup: Drizzled over everything
  • Cherries: Added for visual appeal

Instructions

Prep Pan:
Coat a 9x13 dish with a thin layer of grease
Make Base:
Combine butter with cracker bits. Push down firmly. Cool in fridge.
Mix Filling:
Whip sugar with cream cheese. Gently mix in Cool Whip. Layer onto cooled base.
Add Fruit:
Put down bananas, then pineapple, then strawberries.
Top:
Spread more Cool Whip. Sprinkle with nuts.
Finish:
Drizzle chocolate and place cherries.
Chill:
Refrigerate at least 4 hours, better overnight.
A slice of colorful dessert with layers of whipped cream, pineapple, strawberries, banana slices, chocolate drizzle, and topped with maraschino cherries on a plate. Pin it
A slice of colorful dessert with layers of whipped cream, pineapple, strawberries, banana slices, chocolate drizzle, and topped with maraschino cherries on a plate. | tasteofmoms.com

Perfect Easter Option

This colorful treat matches Easter vibes perfectly. Its vibrant look feels like a celebration. There's plenty for the whole extended family. Can be made the day before too.

Kitchen Stays Cool

Your kitchen won't get hot at all. Just assemble, stack, and refrigerate. Great when you're swamped or during summer heat.

Layer Breakdown

Every layer brings its own magic. The bottom gives you crunch, the middle offers creaminess, the fruits add sweetness. Finish with fluffy topping, crunchy nuts, smooth chocolate, and bright cherries.

Customization Ideas

Don't worry about eggs - cream cheese is tastier and food-safe. Switch to homemade whipped cream if you'd like. Just know it won't last as long in the fridge that way.

A slice of layered dessert topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, bananas, a maraschino cherry, crushed nuts, and chocolate drizzle on a plate. Pin it
A slice of layered dessert topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, bananas, a maraschino cherry, crushed nuts, and chocolate drizzle on a plate. | tasteofmoms.com

Everyday Enjoyment

Works for random Tuesday nights, not just special occasions. Simple enough for weekly dessert plans. Stays fresh in your fridge for daily sweet cravings all week long.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use whipped cream?
  • Homemade won’t stay firm
  • Softens fast
  • Refrigerate it
  • Eat within 2 days
  • Store-bought holds better
  • Homemade tastes great
→ How long should it chill?
  • At least 4 hours
  • Overnight’s even better
  • Firm texture improves
  • Don’t skip long chilling
  • Cover tightly
  • Keep it cold
→ Can vegans eat this?
  • Contains dairy cream cheese
  • And other cream-based items
  • Vegan substitutes exist
  • Try small quantities first
  • Could be softer in texture
  • The taste won’t be the same
→ Any tricks for the crust?
  • Crack crackers finely
  • Melt butter before mixing
  • Press it down firmly
  • Check the corners
  • Ensure an even layer
  • Let it chill before use
→ What’s the shelf life?
  • Best eaten within 4 days
  • Refrigerate consistently
  • Seal it up tightly
  • Bananas turn brown over time
  • Gets too soft after day two
  • Best if eaten quickly

Conclusion

Check out similar ideas like chilled cheesecakes with berries or quick pecan chocolate pies. All no heat needed.

Easy Banana Split

Simple chilled dessert, no oven

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (-)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 ½ cup melted butter.
02 2 cups crushed graham crackers.
03 12 oz softened cream cheese.
04 ¼ cup granulated sugar.
05 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip).
06 20 oz drained crushed pineapple.
07 3-4 bananas, chopped into slices.
08 8 oz sliced strawberries.
09 A second 8 oz of whipped topping.
10 ½ cup walnuts, chopped small.
11 Chocolate drizzle or syrup.
12 Cherries for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Coat a 9x13 pan with butter or grease to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Combine butter with graham crumbs. Press into the pan evenly. Pop it in the fridge to chill.

Step 03

Beat sugar into cream cheese for about 3 minutes. Blend in whipped topping after. Spread this over the crust.

Step 04

Add banana slices first. Spread on the pineapple and top that with strawberries.

Step 05

Cover everything with that second batch of whipped topping. Toss on the nuts, a squeeze of chocolate, and cherries to finish.

Step 06

Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or let it sit overnight. Keep covered, and it’s good for up to 4 days.

Notes

  1. Using fresh whipped cream works too, but it won’t stay fresh as long.
  2. Tastes even better if you leave it overnight before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking pan.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Rubber spatula.
  • Fork for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains nuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 395
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein: 5 g