This No Bake Banana Split Dessert brings everything you love about the classic ice cream parlor favorite into a no-bake, sliceable masterpiece that steals the show at any party. It’s cool, creamy, colorful, and just plain fun to make and eat. A buttery graham crust supports layers of cream cheese, bananas, pineapple, whipped cream, and all the trimmings.
The result is a dessert that looks like a celebration and tastes like pure nostalgia. From the sweet-tart pineapple to the rich cream cheese layer, every bite hits a different note—soft bananas, crunchy nuts, a touch of chocolate, and the iconic maraschino cherry on top.
This dessert is no-fail and family-friendly. No fancy tools or baking experience required—just layering, spreading, and chilling. It’s also incredibly customizable. Don’t like pineapple? Skip it or replace with strawberries. Want more crunch? Add extra chopped nuts or crushed cookies on top.
It’s perfect for hot days when turning on the oven sounds like a bad idea. And it feeds a crowd, making it ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or backyard barbecues.
One of its biggest strengths is texture. The graham cracker crust is firm but tender, the filling is fluffy and creamy, the bananas and pineapple add freshness, and the nuts bring just enough crunch.
And yes, it’s just as good as it looks—maybe better. The layered effect creates a visual stunner when sliced, showing off every decadent tier.
As for flavor, it’s sweet and fruity with a mild tang from the cream cheese, finished with whipped cream and fudge drizzle for that sundae effect. It’s a tropical ice cream sundae, minus the melting mess.
Even better, it sets up beautifully in the fridge. You can make it the night before and chill it until you’re ready to wow your guests.
Kids love it, adults go for seconds, and anyone who gets a bite asks for the recipe. It’s that kind of dessert.
Let it chill, let it shine, and let it impress—this one is a keeper.
Servings: Makes about 12 slices
Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: At least 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: About 4.5 hours
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box graham cracker crumbs (about 1 1/2 cups)
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Fruit & Toppings:
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 (16 oz) container Cool Whip or 1 1/2 cups whipped cream
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 (4 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained with stems
- Hot fudge sauce, slightly warmed
- 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles
Instructions:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl until fully combined.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass or porcelain dish. Freeze for 10 minutes to set.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, softened butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 5 minutes).
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Layer banana slices over the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread drained pineapple evenly over the banana layer.
- Use a rubber spatula to spread whipped topping evenly across the surface.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, fudge drizzle, and sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid soggy layers.
- Use bananas that are just ripe—not too soft or brown.
- For clean slices, chill overnight and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
- Customize with strawberries, chocolate chips, or cookie crumbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No oven required
- Classic banana split flavors in layered form
- Fun, festive, and crowd-pleasing
- Make-ahead friendly
- Colorful and visually impressive
No Bake Banana Split Dessert is a no-bake dream made of graham cracker crust, creamy filling, bananas, pineapple, whipped topping, nuts, and cherries. It’s the perfect showstopper for parties, summer days, and sweet cravings.
No Bake Banana Split Dessert
Instructions
For the Crust:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box graham cracker crumbs (about 1 1/2 cups)
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Fruit & Toppings:
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 (16 oz) container Cool Whip or 1 1/2 cups whipped cream
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 (4 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained with stems
- Hot fudge sauce, slightly warmed
- 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl until fully combined.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch glass or porcelain dish. Freeze for 10 minutes to set.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, softened butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 5 minutes).
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Layer banana slices over the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread drained pineapple evenly over the banana layer.
- Use a rubber spatula to spread whipped topping evenly across the surface.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, fudge drizzle, and sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid soggy layers.
- Use bananas that are just ripe—not too soft or brown.
- For clean slices, chill overnight and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
- Customize with strawberries, chocolate chips, or cookie crumbs.
