Name: Banana Split Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/8 tsp salt; 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz whipped topping, thawed; 3 ripe bananas, sliced; 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries; 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained; 1 cup whipped cream (for topping); 1/4 cup chocolate sauce; 1/4 cup salted peanuts; 12 maraschino cherries

This no-bake Banana Split Dessert is a delicious twist on the classic ice cream favorite. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, layers of fresh fruit, and all the traditional sundae toppings, it’s a dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dessert takes everything I enjoy about a banana split—bananas, strawberries, pineapple, whipped cream, chocolate, and cherries—and transforms it into a chilled layered dessert that’s perfect for sharing. It’s a no-bake recipe, so I don’t have to heat up the kitchen, and the flavor combinations are always a hit at gatherings. Each layer adds its own texture and sweetness, making every bite memorable.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:
graham cracker crumbs
unsalted butter, melted
granulated sugar
salt

For the cheesecake filling:
cream cheese, room temperature
unsalted butter, room temperature
sour cream
powdered sugar
lemon juice
vanilla extract
whipped topping, thawed

For the fruit and toppings:
ripe bananas, sliced
chopped fresh strawberries
crushed pineapple, drained
whipped cream
chocolate sauce
salted peanuts
maraschino cherries

Directions

I mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl, then press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and chill it while preparing the filling.
In another bowl, I beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add sour cream, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well blended.
I gently fold in the whipped topping until the filling is fluffy and smooth.
I spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
I layer on sliced bananas, followed by chopped strawberries and crushed pineapple.
I top the dessert with dollops of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of peanuts, and a few maraschino cherries.
I refrigerate the dish for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to let everything set beautifully.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Variations

For a nut-free version, I skip the peanuts or replace them with crushed pretzels.
When I want to change things up, I add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
For extra indulgence, I use chocolate graham crackers or add mini chocolate chips.
To make it a little lighter, I swap in light cream cheese and reduce the sugar.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dessert because the texture of the fruit and whipped topping can change. Since this dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, there’s no need for reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, I like to make it the night before. The flavors blend well and it sets perfectly overnight.

What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?

If I’m out of graham crackers, I use crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies.

Can I use canned fruits instead of fresh?

Yes, I just make sure to drain them well to keep the dessert from getting soggy.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?

I toss the sliced bananas in a little lemon juice before layering them to help keep them fresh-looking.

Conclusion

This Banana Split Dessert is one of my favorite no-bake treats. It captures all the flavors of a traditional banana split in an easy-to-serve, crowd-pleasing format. Whether it’s for a summer BBQ or a family birthday, I always enjoy making (and eating) this layered delight.