If you love classic banana splits and crave an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, the No-Bake Banana Split Cake will absolutely knock your socks off. This irresistible treat combines creamy layers, fresh fruit, a buttery graham cracker crust, and all your favorite sundae toppings—no oven required! It’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert for parties, potlucks, or any time you want a little sunshine on your table.

No-Bake Banana Split Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe so magical is how it transforms simple pantry and fridge staples into something decadent and show-stopping. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor, texture, or pop of color, creating those beloved banana split vibes in every bite.

Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of our cake, offering a sweet, crunchy base that holds everything together.
Unsalted butter (melted): Acts as the delicious glue for your crust and adds rich, buttery goodness.
Cream cheese (softened): Lends a luscious, tangy creaminess to balance the fruit and sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the cream cheese layer so it tastes just like cheesecake.
Whipped topping (divided): The fluffy, airy element that lightens every layer—don’t skimp here!
Ripe bananas (sliced): Essential for that fresh, tropical flavor—use bananas that are freckled but not mushy.
Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds brightness, tang, and a little extra juiciness in every bite.
Strawberries (sliced): A must for color and juicy, sweet contrast against the creamy layers.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: Brings just the right amount of crunch and earthy flavor on top.
Chocolate syrup: For that classic banana split touch—drizzle generously for chocolatey flair.
Maraschino cherries: The adorable, nostalgic cherry on top—no banana split is complete without them!

How to Make No-Bake Banana Split Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by combining your graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly moistened, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. The secret here is to make sure it’s well-packed, creating a sturdy, flavorful base for the layers to come.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer

Next, grab a clean bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until it’s totally smooth and fluffy. Add in 1 cup of your whipped topping, and gently fold it in—this will make the layer lighter and easier to spread. Carefully smooth the cream cheese mixture over your crust, making sure to reach all the edges.

Step 3: Add the Banana and Fruit Layers

Evenly layer your sliced bananas across the cream cheese, doing your best to cover every inch. (Tip: If you’re worried about browning, give the slices a quick brush with lemon juice.) Next comes the crushed pineapple—make sure it’s well-drained to avoid a soggy cake—and finish with vibrant slices of fresh strawberries.

Step 4: Spread the Whipped Topping

Take the rest of your whipped topping and spread it gently over the fruit layers. Use a spatula to create pretty swoops or peaks—this is where your cake starts to look truly irresistible!

Step 5: Sprinkle, Drizzle, and Garnish

Finish your No-Bake Banana Split Cake by sprinkling chopped nuts all over the top, drizzling with plenty of chocolate syrup, and dotting with maraschino cherries. This step is as fun as decorating a sundae!

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Patience pays off! Cover your dish and chill it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This gives the flavors and layers time to meld and makes the cake perfectly sliceable.

How to Serve No-Bake Banana Split Cake

Garnishes

This cake practically begs for a flourish before serving. Try extra whipped topping, a fresh scattering of sliced bananas or strawberries, another drizzle of chocolate syrup, or rainbow sprinkles for a playful touch. Don’t forget the maraschino cherry on each slice, echoing the iconic banana split look!

Side Dishes

No-Bake Banana Split Cake is rich and fruity on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream. A hot cup of coffee or a fresh mint iced tea balances the sweetness and adds a little grown-up flair to your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a party, try assembling the cake in individual cups or mason jars for adorable single servings. You can also cut the cake into bars and arrange them on a platter, or serve in parfait glasses for a layered look that really wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover No-Bake Banana Split Cake, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator and enjoy within two days for the freshest taste and best texture, as the bananas and whipped topping can soften over time.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze No-Bake Banana Split Cake, the texture of the bananas and whipped topping may change a bit. If you decide to freeze, do so before adding garnishes or chocolate syrup, wrap tightly, and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Add your toppings fresh after thawing for the best results.

Reheating

No need to reheat—one of the joys of this dessert is that it’s served refreshingly cold! If your cake has been frozen, let it thaw completely in the fridge until it’s creamy and soft again, then serve as usual.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream gives the No-Bake Banana Split Cake an even richer flavor. Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff, and substitute it one-for-one for store-bought whipped topping.

What’s the best way to keep bananas from browning?

Lightly brush your banana slices with lemon juice before layering them in the cake. This helps preserve their color and keeps your dessert looking fresh and inviting.

Can I make No-Bake Banana Split Cake the night before?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! Assembling it the night before gives all the layers time to set and meld together, making each slice easy to serve and full of flavor.

Are there nut-free options for this cake?

Certainly! If you’re serving guests with nut allergies, simply skip the nuts or replace them with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips for crunch without concern.

Can I add other fruits?

Definitely. Feel free to include layers of blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a twist on the original—just be sure to keep those classic banana, strawberry, and pineapple flavors for true banana split nostalgia!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgia, flavor, and pure joy, the No-Bake Banana Split Cake deserves a spot in your recipe box. It’s a taste of summer and celebration no matter the season, and I hope you’ll share it (and the smiles it brings) with the people you love!

No-Bake Banana Split Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a classic banana split in cake form with this easy no-bake recipe. Layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, fresh fruits, and nuts, all topped with whipped cream and cherries.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Layer:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, divided

Fruit Layer:

4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced

Toppings:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Chocolate syrup for drizzling
Maraschino cherries for garnish

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Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form a crust.
Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping, then spread over the crust.
Fruit Layer: Layer sliced bananas, crushed pineapple, and strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
Final Touches: Spread remaining whipped topping over the fruit. Sprinkle with nuts, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and garnish with cherries.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.