Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a hot summer day, the kind where even thinking about turning on the oven makes you sweat. What do you want to eat that screams summer? What is a banana split cake? Is it really easy to Make a banana cake? Is it easier to make a Rice Krispie Treat? When I made this, my kids devoured it in five minutes flat!
What is a no bake banana split cake?
Think of it as a layered dessert masterpiece, but without any of the baking fuss. What is a graham cracker crust topped with creamy, dreamy filling? Vanilla Ice Cream. Then comes the bananas (of course! ), pineapple, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. To make it truly banana split worthy, we drench it in chocolate syrup, sprinkle on some nuts, and serve. Top it with maraschino cherries. What is the best part of a banana split? What’s a good Monday night potluck?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is just insane. You’ve got the sweet bananas, the tangy pineapple, the rich chocolate, and the creamy coolness of the filling. It’s a total explosion of deliciousness in every bite! What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, if you can crush graham crackers and spread Cream Cheese, you can make this cake. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. All the ingredients are pretty common and won’t break the bank. I actually made this for a party last weekend and everyone thought I’d spent hours on it. Little did they know! It’s also super versatile. You can customize it with different toppings, different fruits, even different flavors of pudding. I sometimes add a layer of crushed Oreos for a little extra chocolate kick. If you’re looking for a no-bake dessert that’s guaranteed to impress, this No-Bake Banana Split Cake is it. It definitely gives my other no-bake favorite, chocolate lasagna, a run for its money!
How do you make a no bake banana split cake?
Quick Overview
How do you make a cake? What is the best graham cracker crust to make? What are bananas and pineapples? Top it off with Whipped Cream, chocolate syrup, nuts, and cherries and you’ve got yourself a treat. What are some of the best desserts to make in no time? What’s the best part about no-bake cooking? What are some of the best desserts for hot summer days? How do I turn on the oven?
Ingredients
For the Crust:
* 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
* 1/3 cup granulated sugar
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
* 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix.
* 1 1/2 cups milk (I’ve even used almond milk with great success! )
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
For the Toppings: How do
* 3-4 bananas, sliced
* 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained.
* Chocolate syrup
* Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or peanuts)
* Maraschino cherries
How do I learn to
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Set aside. How do you press the mixture into a 9×13 inch pan? I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down and make sure it’s even.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the Cream Cheese until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside. What is the importance of lumps? If you have a sweetened condensed milk, beat in the sugar until well combined. I usually do this on medium speed so I don’t end up with a cream cheese explosion all over my face.
Step 3: Add the Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the milk until it starts to bubble. Set aside. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture along with the Vanilla Extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is evenly mixed. If you overmix the whipped topping, be careful not to over mix it. We want that light and airy texture!
Step 5: Layer the Cake
Spread the Cream Cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Then, arrange the sliced bananas and crushed pineapple over the filling. I like to get creative with the arrangement and make it look pretty.
Step 6: Top It Off
What is the best way to spread whipped topping over fruit? Then, drizzle with chocolate syrup, sprinkle with chopped nuts, and top with maraschino cherries. What are some of the best toppings for banana split cake?
Step 7: Chill
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop. Is the crust to meld together and set? What is the hardest part of waiting?
Step 8: Slice and Serve
What is the best way to serve a delicious cake in the oven?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to make a no bake banana split cake? To the next level: to take your business to the
For a BBQ:Serve it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, and Potato Salad. What is the perfect end to a summer meal?
For a Potluck:How do I make a cake?
As a Dessert:Serve with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. Can you have too much whipped cream?
What is a fun treat?How do I make a banana split bar with different toppings? What are some of the best kinds of nuts, and let everyone customize their own slice. My family loves to make this into a whole event. It’s really fun. What’s your banana split recipe?
How do you make a no bake banana split cake?
What are some Tips for making a No Bake Banana Split Cake? Is there a way to make sure everything works
Graham Cracker Crust: What is Make sure your graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smooth crust. If you don’t have a food processor, you can put the graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Just be sure to get all the big chunks out.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth and creamy filling. Take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start making the cake.
Pineapple: Drain the crushed pineapple really well before adding it to the cake. You don’t want the filling to be too watery.
Bananas: Slice the bananas just before you assemble the cake to prevent them from browning. I also like to brush them with a little lemon juice to keep them looking fresh.
Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! Use whatever you like on your banana splits. I sometimes add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Chilling Time: This is crucial! Don’t rush the chilling process. The longer the cake chills, the better the flavors will meld together and the crust will set.
Substitutions: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use vanilla wafers or even shortbread cookies for the crust. For a lighter version, use fat-free cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix. But honestly, it’s so good as is, I rarely make any substitutions.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s How to store your No-Bake Banana Split Cake to keep it fresh and delicious:
Refrigerator: Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 3 days. After that, the bananas may start to brown and the crust may get a little soggy. But let’s be honest, it’s usually gone long before that!
Freezer: While you can freeze this cake, I don’t recommend it. The whipped topping and cream cheese filling can change texture when frozen and thawed, making the cake a little watery. But if you must freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Room Temperature: Because of the dairy in the filling, it’s best not to leave this cake at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.
Topping Timing: If you’re making the cake ahead of time, you can wait to add the whipped cream, chocolate syrup, nuts, and cherries until just before serving to keep them looking their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, this No-Bake Banana Split Cake is a lifesaver on those hot days when you need a sweet treat but don’t want to heat up your kitchen. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the creamy filling, sweet bananas, tangy pineapple, and rich chocolate is just irresistible. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can customize it with different toppings and flavors to make it your own. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious no-bake desserts, be sure to check out my recipes for chocolate lasagna and peanut butter bars. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations. Happy no-baking!
No-Bake Banana Split Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup Melted butter
- 8 oz Cream cheese softened
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3 Bananas sliced
- 1 can Crushed pineapple drained
- 8 oz Whipped topping thawed
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Chocolate syrup for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust. Top with sliced bananas and drained crushed pineapple.
- Spread whipped topping over the pineapple. Garnish with maraschino cherries and chocolate syrup.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
