No-Bake Banana Split Casserole Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Banana Split Casserole Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Indulging in a delightful no-bake banana split casserole brings pure dessert magic right to your kitchen.

Sweet layers of creamy goodness await your culinary adventure.

Bananas, chocolate, and whipped cream dance together in this effortless treat.

Cool and refreshing, this dessert skips the oven while delivering maximum flavor.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a spectacular crowd-pleasing experience.

Summer gatherings or quiet evenings deserve this simple yet impressive sweet creation.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure delight.

Why No Bake Banana Split Casserole Is a Crowd Favorite

  • Classic banana split ingredients transformed into a delightful layered casserole that combines creamy, fruity, and sweet elements everyone loves.
  • Minimal preparation steps allow you to assemble this dessert rapidly, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Ideal for potlucks, family reunions, summer picnics, and casual celebrations where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Banana Split Casserole

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy foundation that provides a classic dessert texture.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
Cream Cheese Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base that complements the fruit layers.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
Fruit Layers:
  • Banana Slices: Offer a classic banana split flavor and creamy texture.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Provides a tropical, tangy element to the dessert.
  • Strawberry Slices: Adds bright color and fresh, sweet-tart flavor.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Cool Whip: Adds a light, airy finish to the dessert.
  • Maraschino Cherries, Chocolate Syrup, Chopped Nuts: Classic banana split garnishes that complete the traditional flavor profile.

Assembling Your Banana Split Casserole

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab your electric mixer and blend the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth.

Gently fold in the whipped topping, creating a cloud-like mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

The key is to mix until the texture is light and airy, with no lumps in sight.

Step 2: Create the Delicious Crust

Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs – you want them to be like soft sand.

Melt the butter and mix it thoroughly with the cracker crumbs.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish, creating a solid foundation for your no-bake masterpiece.

Make sure to pack it down evenly so every bite has the perfect crunch.

Step 3: Spread the Dreamy Cream Cheese Layer

Take your creamy mixture and carefully spread it across the graham cracker crust.

Use a spatula to ensure an even, smooth layer that covers every inch of the crust.

This is your flavor canvas, so make it perfect!

Step 4: Add the Banana Blanket

Slice ripe bananas into gentle curves and arrange them in a beautiful, overlapping pattern on top of the cream cheese layer.

Choose bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots for maximum sweetness.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Tropical Pineapple

Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent any excess liquid.

Scatter the pineapple pieces evenly over the banana layer, creating little bursts of tropical flavor throughout the dessert.

Step 6: Decorate with Strawberry Splendor

Slice fresh strawberries into delicate pieces.

Arrange them artfully across the pineapple layer, adding a pop of vibrant red color and a burst of fresh fruity flavor.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.

Let it rest and set for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight.

This allows all the flavors to mingle and create a truly magical dessert experience.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

When ready to serve, cut into generous squares.

For an extra touch of decadence, you can top with additional whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Tips to Perfect Your Banana Split Casserole

  • Toss banana slices in lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration.
  • Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free spreading.
  • Pat crushed pineapple dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture making the dessert soggy.
  • Refrigerate the casserole for at least 2 hours to allow layers to set and flavors to meld together.
  • Swap strawberries with seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries for a personalized twist.

How to Keep Banana Split Casserole Fresh

  • Store the banana split casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Place a date label on the container for easy tracking.
  • Remove from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing prevents texture changes and maintains the dessert's quality.
  • For best taste and texture, enjoy the casserole straight from the refrigerator. Avoid leaving at room temperature for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth.

What to Pair with Banana Split Casserole

  • Sip Creamy Vanilla Milkshake: A smooth, cold vanilla milkshake complements the dessert's rich, fruity layers, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.
  • Pour Classic Prosecco: Light, bubbly prosecco cuts through the sweet, dense casserole, providing a crisp palate cleanser and enhancing the dessert's tropical fruit flavors.
  • Match Caramel Latte: A warm caramel latte balances the cold dessert, with its sweet, roasted notes harmonizing perfectly with the banana and strawberry layers.
  • Enjoy Cold Coconut Water: Tropical, hydrating coconut water echoes the dessert's fruity profile, creating a light and refreshing pairing that cleanses the palate between bites.

More Variants for Banana Split Casserole

  • Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap bananas with mango slices and add toasted coconut flakes for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.
  • Gluten-Free Delight: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Berry Blast Version: Replace strawberries with mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant color and tangy flavor profile.
  • Vegan Friendly Option: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cashew cream and use coconut whipped topping to create a plant-based alternative.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients needed for this No Bake Banana Split Casserole?

Cream cheese, graham cracker crust, bananas, crushed pineapple, strawberries, whipped topping, and chocolate sauce are the essential ingredients for this delightful dessert.

  • Is this dessert difficult to prepare?

Not at all! This no-bake dessert is incredibly easy to make and requires no cooking, making it perfect for beginners and experienced home cooks alike.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. It actually tastes better when chilled for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

  • How long will this dessert stay fresh in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this Banana Split Casserole will remain fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

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No-Bake Banana Split Casserole Recipe

No-Bake Banana Split Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent no-bake banana split casserole merges classic dessert nostalgia with creamy layered magic. Cool summer gatherings will adore this easy, crowd-pleasing sweet treat that brings everyone together with delightful tropical flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 34 bananas, sliced
  • 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Crust and Base:

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

Cream and Filling:

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping (or 1 cup heavy cream whipped to stiff peaks)
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • Chocolate syrup for drizzling
  • Caramel syrup for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cream cheese mixture and carefully spread it in a uniform layer across the pre-chilled graham cracker crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  2. Arrange fresh banana slices in a precise, overlapping pattern atop the cream cheese layer, creating a smooth and consistent banana foundation.
  3. Gently distribute the well-drained crushed pineapple across the banana layer, maintaining an even distribution of fruit for balanced flavor and texture.
  4. Strategically place sliced strawberries over the pineapple, creating an attractive and colorful fruit mosaic that enhances the dessert’s visual appeal.
  5. Refrigerate the assembled casserole for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely, ensuring a firm and cohesive texture.
  6. Before serving, garnish with additional whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or maraschino cherries to elevate the classic banana split presentation.
  7. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the harmonious blend of creamy, fruity, and sweet elements characteristic of this no-bake dessert.

Notes

  • Opt for ripe, slightly soft bananas to ensure maximum sweetness and creamy texture in the dessert.
  • Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dessert soggy and compromising the layered structure.
  • Chill the casserole for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.
  • Consider using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative for those watching their calorie intake.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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