Banana Split Cake is an easy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Quick to make, great for birthdays, BBQs, game day & more!
Who loves no-bake desserts? After living in the NV desert for as long as we did, I really created a deep love affair with anything I could make without turning on that oven.
Recipes like this Banana Split Cake came right out of grandma’s old recipe box and we made them OFTEN. But just because we don’t live in the sweltering heat anymore doesn’t mean we don’t still enjoy this scrumptious and easy treat as often as we can.
You can’t go wrong with this one. It has all the things you love about a banana split, all in a beautifully layered cool snack.
I mean, when you want a cool down, there will always be ice cream. But this is so much more fun and a nice way to break up the traditional treats you get during the summer months.
This is always a huge hit at backyard pool parties, summer BBQ’s, birthdays and even just as a nice little treat to enjoy after a long day working in the yard.
banana split cake recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions
What is the best way to store leftover banana split cake?
Just keep it refrigerated for up to 7 days. As long as you don’t let it sit out at room temperature for too long, this should keep well when chilled.
Can I use a vanilla substitute instead of vanilla extract?
Yes. Vanilla essence does not provide quite the same flavor as regular vanilla extract. However, it is a good alternative.
recipe banana split cake
Do I really have to chill it for each layer?
It is incredibly important to follow the instructions when it comes to the chilling steps of this recipe. Please don’t try to add all the layers at once without chilling in between each one.
I understand that it can be time-consuming to wait, but believe me, it will be a giant mess when spreading the layers if you try to do them without chilling. Plus you want to be able to cut a nice neat slice when serving- which happens when this is properly chilled.
Tips for making the best banana split cake
- Freeze the cake for about 30 minutes prior to slicing. This will ensure the cleanest slices and the easiest removal from the pan.
- Wipe the knife between each cut. This will help it slice through cleanly and evenly – giving you those gorgeous layers you want to see when serving.
- Run a butter knife or offset spatula around the edges of the pan prior to slicing and removing. This will ensure the pieces come out clean and aren’t sticking to the sides.
- For the best possible aesthetic, enjoy within 12 hours of making. While the acidity in the pineapple will keep the bananas from browning for a period of time, that can only sustain for so long. After a while they will discolor and become unappealing.
banana split icebox cake
HOW DO YOU MAKE BANANA SPLIT CAKE?
Crust
- Spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray or oil mister.
- Crush the graham crackers in a food processor or resealable bag using a rolling pin.
- Add the crumbs to a medium bowl.
- Stir in ¼ cup sugar.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
- Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs and mix until well combined.
- Press the moistened crumbs into the prepared pan.
- Freeze for about 15-20 minutes.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped topping until combined.
Pudding
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes or until thick.
Layer
- Remove the pan from the freezer and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Slice the bananas and place them on top of the cream cheese in a single layer.
- Slice the strawberries and place them on top of the bananas in a single layer.
- Drain the pineapple really well and spread it evenly over the strawberries.
- Remove the pudding from the refrigerator and spread it evenly over the fruit.
- Top with the whipped topping.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2-5 hours.
- Serve with the toppings of your choice.
- Store the leftovers in the refrigerator.
no-bake banana split cake
Ingredients for Banana Split Cake
Crust
- graham cracker crumbs
- granulated sugar
- unsalted butter
Cream Cheese Layer
- cream cheese
- granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- thawed whipped topping or whipping cream
Fruit Filling
- bananas – sliced
- strawberries cleaned and sliced
- crushed pineapple- drained well
Pudding Layer
- instant banana cream pudding mix
- cold milk
Topping
- whipped topping or whipping cream
- Chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce
- Maraschino cherries
- Chopped pecans
banana split cake recipes
Can homemade whipped cream be used instead of whipped topping?
You bet! If you like making your own whipped cream, you can use that in this recipe. I recommend stabilizing it before adding to keep it from deflating over time. Please don’t use the stuff that sprays out of a can. That won’t give you the end result we are looking for here.
What other easy treats do you recommend?
We REALLY love easy treats in this house. So it’s no surprise that I have a ton of recipes that fall into that category. Here is a short list of some of our family favorites that we make again and again.
- Skinny Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Funfetti Cake Batter Dip
- Banana Caramel Ice Box Cake
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Brownie Batter Dip
- Frozen Bananas
- Sugar Cookie Cookie Dough
banana split cake with pudding
Can this be made with other types of fruit?
Of course, you can use another type of fruit. Keep in mind that a lot of other types of berries can add additional moisture to the layers, which can change the end result. So make sure they are really fresh and preferably firm before adding.
Products I love when making a banana split cake…
This no-bake cake recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made a no-bake cake before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this dessert recipe.
- graham cracker crumbs
- granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- crushed pineapple
- instant banana cream pudding mix
- chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce
- maraschino cherries
- chopped pecans
- baking dish
- mixer
- mixing bowls
- dry – measuring cups
- wet – measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- spatula
- serving spatula
banana split cake recipe no-bake
If you love this Easy Banana Split Cake recipe, you’re going to love these other treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
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banana split cake no-bake
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banana split dessert recipe
Banana Split Cake
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 10-12 full crackers
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick
Cream Cheese Layer
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 ounces thawed whipped topping or 2 cups whipping cream
Fruit Filling
- 3-4 bananas sliced
- 10-14 strawberries cleaned and sliced
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple drained well
Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes instant banana cream pudding mix 4 serving
- 2 cups cold milk
Topping
- 8 ounces whipped topping or 2 cups whipping cream
- Chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce
- Maraschino cherries
- Chopped pecans
Instructions
Crust
- Spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray or oil mister.
- Crush the graham crackers in a food processor or resealable bag using a rolling pin.
- Add the crumbs to a medium bowl.
- Stir in ¼ cup sugar.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
- Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs and mix until well combined.
- Press the moistened crumbs into the prepared pan.
- Freeze for about 15-20 minutes.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped topping until combined.
Pudding
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes or until thick.
Layer
- Remove the pan from the freezer and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Slice the bananas and place them on top of the cream cheese in a single layer.
- Slice the strawberries and place them on top of the bananas in a single layer.
- Drain the pineapple really well and spread it evenly over the strawberries.
- Remove the pudding from the refrigerator and spread it evenly over the fruit.
- Top with the whipped topping.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2-5 hours.
- Serve with the toppings of your choice.
- Store the leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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