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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
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 people
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 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 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.

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.