Imagine a dessert that captures the nostalgic joy of an old-school ice cream parlor, layered with creamy cheesecake filling, ripe bananas, and a graham cracker base—no oven required. This no-bake banana split cake delivers all the flavor and flair without breaking a sweat.
It’s the kind of treat that feels playful yet polished, with textures that keep you coming back for “just one more bite.” Honestly, it tastes just as good as our other favorites like Mini Cupcakes and Moose Farts Apple Dessert—maybe even better.
Blending diner-style comfort with a touch of elegance, it’s a recipe that invites experimentation—try swapping in mango or layering with strawberry preserves. You’ll feel like a dessert pro, even if it’s your first time whipping it together.
Why You’ll Be Hooked?
- The flavor is simply addictive—cool, creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet to make you crave another square.
- The first time I made it, I didn’t expect it to disappear in under ten minutes—everyone had seconds before I could even chill the last slice.
- I love that it’s completely oven-free; perfect for hot days or quick prep before guests arrive without heating up the kitchen.
- Over time, I’ve added my own twist—sometimes using chocolate graham crackers or a drizzle of caramel for an extra punch.
- Surprisingly, it helped me avoid heavier desserts while still satisfying my sweet tooth—less guilt, more indulgence!
No-Bake Banana Split Cake Recipe
This no-bake banana split cake layers a buttery graham cracker crust with fluffy cream cheese filling, fresh bananas, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping, all crowned with pecans and cherries. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert bursting with fruity, creamy, nutty goodness—no oven needed!
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 1 jar maraschino cherries drained & patted dry with a paper towel
- 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 container Cool Whip non-dairy whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 4 bananas
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cu confectioners’ sugar
- pinch salt
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 can crushed pineapple, well drained
Instructions
- Melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter and combine it with graham cracker crumbs using a fork until well blended and moistened.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13″ pan to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter with cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Gently spread this cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in an even layer.
- Slice bananas and lay them evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture, then spoon and spread crushed pineapple over the bananas. Top everything with a generous layer of Cool Whip.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly across the top and place cherries as desired.
- Cover and refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 to 3 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Notes
- Pat the crushed pineapple dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture soaking into the layers.
- If desired, toast the pecans briefly in a skillet for extra depth of flavor.
- Use a cold metal bowl and beaters when whipping the cream cheese layer for maximum fluffiness.
| Calories | 415kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 55g |
Variations To Help You Customise This Dish!
- Chocolate Twist– Add a layer of chocolate pudding or drizzle melted chocolate between the banana and pineapple layers for a rich, dessert-parlor flair.
- Tropical Vibes– Swap bananas with sliced mango or papaya, and use coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a tropical makeover.
- Nut-Free Option– Leave out the pecans or replace them with toasted oats or crushed pretzels for crunch without allergens.
- Fresh Berry Swap– Replace the pineapple with sliced strawberries or mixed berries for a tangy, colorful alternative.
- Graham Cracker Swap– Use crushed vanilla wafers, chocolate cookies, or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers to change up the base flavor.
