No-Bake Banana Split Cake

 

No-Bake Banana Split Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers, crushed)

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cream cheese filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled)

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the topping:

2 bananas, sliced

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 cup chopped strawberries (or more, for topping)

1/2 cup chocolate syrup

1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional)

Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Make the Crust:

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.

Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are well coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan. Use the back of a spoon to press it firmly into an even layer. Set aside.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.

In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Cake:

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing it into a layer with a spatula.

Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the cream cheese layer, covering the entire surface.

Add the Toppings:

Spoon the crushed pineapple over the bananas, spreading it evenly. If there’s any excess juice from the pineapple, be sure to drain it well.

Add the chopped strawberries evenly over the pineapple layer.

Drizzle the chocolate syrup over the top in a zigzag pattern.

Sprinkle the chopped nuts (if using) over the top.

Chill the Cake:

Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This helps the layers set and allows the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

Just before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries if desired.

Slice and serve chilled!