Description
Creamy banana split delight brings classic ice cream parlor flavors into an irresistible chilled dessert. Layers of graham cracker crust, whipped cream, bananas, and chocolate sauce create a cool, nostalgic treat you’ll crave all summer long.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium bananas, sliced
- 20 oz (567 grams) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 16 oz (454 grams) Cool Whip
- 1 jar of maraschino cherries
Cream Mixture:
- 8 oz (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (57 grams) butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Crust and Topping:
- 12 full graham cracker sheets, finely crushed
- 9 tablespoons butter, melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup crushed walnuts
- ½ cup hot fudge sauce
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create the graham cracker base by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes compact and holds together when pressed.
- Transfer the crumb mixture into the prepared dish, using firm pressure to compact the crust evenly across the bottom, creating a solid foundation for the dessert.
- Whip the cream cheese with softened butter and powdered sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency with no lumps.
- Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture in a smooth, even layer directly over the graham cracker crust, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange fresh banana slices atop the cream cheese layer, gently pressing them to create a uniform surface.
- Distribute drained crushed pineapple over the banana layer, allowing the fruit to create a colorful and flavorful intermediate stage.
- Generously cover the fruit layers with Cool Whip, creating a light and airy topping that extends to the edges of the dish.
- Embellish the dessert with a garnish of crushed walnuts and vibrant maraschino cherries for visual appeal and added texture.
- Drizzle hot fudge sauce in an artistic pattern across the surface to enhance the dessert’s decadence.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of four hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
- When ready to serve, slice into squares and enjoy the multiple layers of creamy, fruity goodness.
Notes
- Craft this dessert ahead of time for a stress-free entertaining option that impresses guests with minimal effort.
- Ensure cream cheese is completely softened to achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture that spreads easily across the crust.
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dessert soggy and compromising the layered texture.
- Slice bananas just before assembling to prevent browning and maintain their fresh, vibrant appearance.
- Customize toppings by swapping walnuts with pecans or adding chocolate chips for a personal twist.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow layers to set and flavors to meld together, creating a perfectly chilled dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg