Dreamy No-Bake Banana Split Cake Recipe for Sweet Treats

Summers call for sweet, no-stress desserts that cool and delight everyone at the table.

This creamy no-bake banana split cake recipe delivers pure indulgence without turning on the oven.

Layers of luscious pudding, fresh bananas, and whipped cream come together in a dreamy dessert that screams celebration.

Each spoonful promises a nostalgic blend of classic banana split flavors, reimagined as an irresistible chilled treat.

Crushed graham crackers form a perfect crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with smooth, silky layers.

Chocolate, pineapple, and strawberry notes dance in harmonious decadence throughout this simple yet stunning dessert.

Let’s find out this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch smiles bloom with every delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 306 kcal

Servings: 13

No-Bake Banana Split Cake Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crunchy, sweet foundation that adds texture and classic dessert base flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumbs together, creating a firm and rich crust that holds the layers perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste, balancing the sweetness and bringing out deeper flavors.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base that gives the cake its signature rich and luxurious texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer, providing a balanced and delightful taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): Lightens the cream cheese mixture, making it fluffy and airy.

• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and moisture, creating a juicy layer with bright flavor.
• Strawberries or Raspberries: Brings vibrant color, fresh tartness, and a classic banana split essence.
• Bananas: Delivers the quintessential banana split flavor, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• Chopped Hazelnuts: Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that elevates the entire dessert.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzles rich, decadent chocolate flavor that ties all the components together.
• Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): Crowns the cake with a light, cloud-like finishing touch.

Tools You’ll Need for Banana Split Cake

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and chilling your dessert.
• Electric mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese into smooth, creamy perfection.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Large bowl: Needed for preparing cream cheese filling.
• Knife: Great for slicing bananas and strawberries.
• Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly and fold whipped topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Build a No-Bake Banana Split Dessert

• Graham Cracker Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press this delicious mixture firmly into a rectangular dish, creating a solid foundation for your amazing dessert. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the next magical layer.

• Creamy Cheese Filling

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, then fold in sweet sugar and vanilla. Gently incorporate fluffy whipped topping, creating a cloud-like mixture that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

• Fruity Wonderland

Arrange beautiful banana slices across the creamy surface. Sprinkle vibrant strawberry pieces and drizzle juicy pineapple chunks, transforming the cake into a tropical paradise of colors and flavors.

• Dreamy Topping

Cover the fruity layer with another generous blanket of whipped cream. Shower the top with crunchy chopped nuts and ribbons of decadent chocolate sauce, adding texture and irresistible appeal.

• Chill and Delight

Refrigerate your masterpiece for several hours, allowing flavors to mingle and layers to set perfectly. When ready, slice into squares and watch friends and family swoon over this cool, creamy sensation.

Tips for a Creamy and Fruity Cake Layer

• Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and layers firm up perfectly.
• Replace strawberries with raspberries or swap pineapple for mandarin oranges for a fresh twist on the classic recipe.
• Prepare this dessert a day in advance for stress-free entertaining and even deeper flavor development.
• Skip hazelnuts for those with allergies or substitute with toasted coconut flakes or graham cracker crumbs for extra crunch.
• Experiment with caramel sauce, butterscotch topping, or white chocolate drizzle instead of traditional chocolate sauce to create your signature banana split cake version.

Serving No-Bake Banana Split Cake Cold

• Fruity Festivity Platter: Serve this dessert on a vibrant platter surrounded by fresh whole strawberries and additional banana slices to enhance the visual appeal and provide extra fruity bites.
• Dessert Companion Delight: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to elevate the creamy texture and add an extra layer of indulgence.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle extra chocolate sauce just before serving and sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top to intensify the rich chocolate notes and create a decadent presentation.
• Party Perfect Portion: Cut into neat squares and place each slice in colorful cupcake liners for an elegant touch during gatherings, making individual servings easy and visually appealing for guests to enjoy.

How to Store Banana Split Cake in the Fridge

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Tuck your banana split cake into an airtight container, keeping it chilled between 34-40°F for maximum freshness. This method locks in flavor and maintains delightful texture for up to 4 days.
• Quick Moisture Protection: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or sealed lid to prevent any unwanted condensation or absorption of other refrigerator odors. Gentle wrapping ensures your cake stays pristine and delectable.
• Freezing Magic Trick: Want longer storage? Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen treats will stay yummy for 2-3 weeks when properly sealed.
• Room Temperature Warning: Never leave this creamy dessert outside the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. Dairy and fruit components can quickly develop bacteria, potentially causing food safety concerns. Keep it cool and enjoy safely!

Creamy Banana Split Cake

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Creamy no-bake banana split cake combines classic dessert flavors in a chilled summer treat. Cool layers of graham cracker crust, cream cheese, bananas, and whipped topping offer sweet refreshment for home bakers seeking an easy, impressive dessert.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cups unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz (227 g) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
• 20 oz (567 g) crushed pineapple (well-drained)
• 20 oz (567 g) strawberries or raspberries (sliced)
• 3 to 4 bananas (sliced)
• ½ cup chopped hazelnuts (or any nuts of your choice)
• 8 oz (227 g) whipped topping (Cool Whip, for topping)
• chocolate sauce (for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine particles, blend with melted butter and salt. Compact the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a solid foundation. Chill while assembling subsequent layers.
2. Cream Cheese Layer: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth using an electric mixer. Integrate granulated sugar and vanilla extract, blending until uniform. Fold in whipped topping to achieve a light, ethereal texture.
3. Fruit Assembly: Spread cream cheese mixture evenly across chilled crust. Artfully layer banana slices, followed by strawberry segments and drained pineapple chunks, ensuring complete fruit coverage.
4. Topping Finale: Crown the fruit layer with remaining whipped topping, generating a cloud-like surface. Garnish with scattered hazelnuts and artistic chocolate sauce drizzle for textural complexity and visual intrigue.
5. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate for minimum two hours or overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize. Slice into precise squares and serve thoroughly chilled for optimal taste experience.

Notes

• Crust Compression Tip: Press graham cracker mixture firmly to create a solid, compact base that prevents crumbling when serving.
• Cream Cheese Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for a silky, lump-free mixture that blends seamlessly.
• Fruit Placement Strategy: Slice bananas just before layering to prevent browning, and arrange fruits in a uniform pattern for consistent flavor and visual appeal.
• Chilling Magic: Patience is key – refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly, enhancing overall taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 306
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 208 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg