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!
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Chill Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 people
Calories 410 kcal
9x13 baking dish
Medium mixing bowl
Large mixing bowl
Fork
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula
- 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
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 9x13" 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.
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Pat the crushed pineapple dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture soaking into the layers.
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If desired, toast the pecans briefly in a skillet for extra depth of flavor.
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Use a cold metal bowl and beaters when whipping the cream cheese layer for maximum fluffiness.