Description
A refreshing no-bake Banana Split Cake featuring layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cream cheese filling, fresh bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and vanilla pudding, topped with whipped topping, nuts, chocolate syrup, and maraschino cherries. Perfect for a summer dessert that requires minimal prep and no baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed (divided)
Fruit Layers
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained thoroughly
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Pudding Layer
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping to lighten the mixture. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Layer the fruit: Arrange the sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer. Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly on top of the bananas, followed by a layer of fresh sliced strawberries.
- Prepare and add pudding layer: In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Spread the pudding evenly over the layered fruit.
- Top with whipped topping and garnishes: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly on top, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and garnish with maraschino cherries.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple is thoroughly drained to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
- For a flavor variation, substitute vanilla pudding with banana or cheesecake pudding mix.
- Omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
