Description
This no-bake banana split cake recipe captures all the vibrant colors and creamy textures of a favorite ice cream parlor treat, but in a wonderfully easy cake form. It’s perfect for busy family dinner nights or casual potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- 0.5 cup melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 3–4 medium bananas, ripe but firm, sliced
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 0.5 cup maraschino cherries, halved, well-drained
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or a homemade cherry compote
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers and 0.5 cup melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan, ensuring an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow it to set and become firm.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gently fold in half (4 oz) of the whipped topping until just combined, keeping it light and airy.
- Assemble the First Layer: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your chilled crust, reaching all edges of the pan.
- Add Fruit Layers: Arrange the 3-4 sliced ripe bananas in a single layer over the cream cheese mixture. Next, spoon the well-drained crushed pineapple over the bananas, spreading it gently.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping (4 oz) smoothly over the pineapple layer.
- Create the Cherry Stripe Topping: Arrange the 0.5 cup halved maraschino cherries in neat rows across the whipped topping, or drizzle the 21 oz cherry pie filling in inviting stripes.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cover your banana split cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Notes
Draining pineapple thoroughly is crucial to prevent a watery cake. Gently fold whipped topping to maintain airiness. Ensure thorough chilling (at least 4 hours, preferably overnight) for firm layers and easy slicing. Consider homemade whipped cream or a pre-made crust for convenience. Adapt sugar levels or add nuts/berries for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120 g)
- Calories: 400 calories
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg