Description
All the fun of a banana split—no melting, no mess, and no oven! This layered dessert is cool, creamy, fruity, and totally nostalgic. With graham cracker crust, whipped cheesecake, cherries, bananas, and a chocolate drizzle, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for birthdays, BBQs, or just because. Slice it cold and serve up smiles!
Ingredients
Crust:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer:
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Fruit & Toppings:
• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
• 3 bananas, sliced
• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (for top layer)
• Maraschino cherries
• Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate
• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Crust:
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Chill for 15 minutes.
2️⃣ Prepare Cheesecake Layer:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
3️⃣ Add Cherry Topping:
Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
4️⃣ Add Fresh Fruit & Whipped Topping:
Arrange banana slices on top of the cherry layer. Spread remaining whipped topping across the entire dessert.
5️⃣ Decorate & Chill:
Top with maraschino cherries, chocolate drizzle, and chopped nuts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight preferred) to fully set.
Notes
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Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert is perfect for preparing in advance. Chill it for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling gives the best texture and flavor.
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Banana Tip: To prevent bananas from browning, slice them just before layering or lightly brush with lemon juice.
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Custom Toppings: Get creative! Add mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, rainbow sprinkles, or shredded coconut for a fun twist.
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Fruit Swaps: Don’t have cherry pie filling? Use strawberry, blueberry, or pineapple instead. Frozen fruit can be used, but make sure it’s thawed and well-drained.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make the recipe gluten-friendly.
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Storage Tip: Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Add fresh toppings like banana slices or chocolate drizzle just before serving for best results.
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Serving Idea: Serve chilled in a clear glass dish or slice into individual dessert cups for parties and potlucks.
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Kid-Friendly Activity: Let kids help with the layering—it’s a safe, mess-friendly recipe that doubles as a fun kitchen activity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of 9x13 pan)
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 215 mg
- Sodium: 24 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg
Keywords: No-Bake Desserts · Banana Recipes · Cheesecake Bars · Summer Party Ideas · Classic American Treats · Whipped Cream Desserts · Easy Layered Cakes · Backyard BBQ Sweets · Cool & Creamy Cakes · Kid-Friendly Treats