Banana Split Cake (No-Bake)

It’s got the buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy whipped layer, fresh bananas, tangy pineapple, sweet strawberries, more whipped cream, and then the toppings that seal the deal: chocolate drizzle, crushed nuts, and classic bright red cherries. It’s not just these ingredients, but it’s the way they come together.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword apple desserts, banana, banana split, banana split cake, no-bake desserts

Prep Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings people

Calories 320kcal

Equipment

1 9x13 casserole dish
2 Mixing Bowls
Food Processor

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 8 oz containers of whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or Homemade Whipped Cream

Fruit Layers

3-4 ripe bananas cut into round slices
1 20 oz can of crushed or chunks of pineapple, very well drained
1 pint strawberries hulled and sliced in half
(Optional) Puts a few Maraschino cherries in the mix. Save some for the topping

Topping

1 8 oz container whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or Homemade Whipped Cream
Chocolate syrup
Chopped walnuts or pecans
Maraschino cherries

Instructions

Make the Crust

Start with the graham cracker crust. Use a food processor, grind 2 cups of graham cracker to make crumbs.
Next, in a medium bowl, mix together the crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it looks like wet sand.
Press it evenly into a 9×13-inch pan. You can use the back of a measuring cup or glass to pack down the mixture to the pan. Put it in the fridge to cool while you move on to prepping the next layer.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Fold in one container of whipped topping until it’s nice and fluffy.
Spread this over the chilled crust.

Fruit Layer

Start with the Banana layer: Peel and slice your bananas into thin rounds. Lay them in a single layer over the cream mixture. If you’re making this a few hours ahead, you can lightly brush the banana slices with lemon juice or pineapple juice to keep them from browning.
Pineapple layer: Make sure your pineapple is drained really well—press it with a spoon in a strainer if needed. Sprinkle it over the banana layer.
Strawberry layer: Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the pineapple. You can arrange them neatly or scatter them around—it all tastes the same in the end.
Optional: For an added surprise place a few Maraschino cherries over the strawberry layer. Save some for the topping.

Whipped Topping Layer

Now spread the second (8 oz) container of whipped topping over the whole thing. This seals in the fruit and gives it that beautiful “frosted” look.

Toppings

Add toppings; Maraschino cherries, walnuts or pecans, drizzling chocolate syrup.
Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long.

Notes

Servings:

Assuming this recipe serves 12 people.

This nutrition estimate assumes full-fat cream cheese, regular whipped topping, and typical grocery store ingredients. Substituting low-fat versions or reducing the sugar could slightly improve the nutrition profile. Toppings like chocolate syrup and nuts add more fat and sugar, so go lighter on those if you're watching calories or sugar intake.

Nutritional Disclaimer:

All nutritional information shared on this site is an approximation. I am not a certified nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared on this site should be used as a general guideline. Any nutritional information provided by backtothebasicswithlaura.com is a courtesy and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition