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No Bake Banana Split Cake: The Ultimate Easy Layered Summer Dessert

A perfect square slice of banana split cake showing layers of graham cracker crust, cream filling, bananas, pineapple, and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
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Capture the nostalgic flavor of a classic banana split in this stunning, chilled, layered dessert. This no bake banana split cake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling, fresh fruit, and whipped topping. It is simple to assemble and perfect for summer parties or make-ahead entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed, divided
  • 2 large bananas, sliced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
  • 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
  • Maraschino cherries for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined and creamy.
  3. Fold in half of the whipped topping: Gently fold in half (about 1 cup) of the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Assemble the layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Arrange the sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer. Spread the well-drained crushed pineapple over the bananas.
  5. Top the cake: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pineapple layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
  6. Chill the dessert: Refrigerate the banana split cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely. This step is essential for clean slicing.
  7. Garnish and serve: Before serving, spread the cherry pie filling over the whipped topping. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if using. Place a maraschino cherry on top of each slice or across the top. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

  • Drain the crushed pineapple very thoroughly; excess liquid will thin the layers.
  • For an extra touch of elegance, use a piping bag to place dollops of whipped topping and cherries instead of spreading them flat.
  • This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert; it tastes best when chilled for 6 to 8 hours.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/banana-split-cake-easy-layered-dessert/