Banana Split Cake

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Banana Split Cake is a graham cracker crust topped with all the familiar flavors of a banana split including the cherry on top! This no-bake dessert will be devoured by everyone. If you want more banana split inspired desserts, I got ya covered! Try my Banana Split Pie or S’more Sundae Banana Split – it has a bit of a twist to it!

 

Table of Contents

Ok, What is Banana Split Cake?

Banana Split Cake is a no-bake dessert inspired by a love of cake, banana splits and all the ice cream toppings! Basically a match made in dessert heaven, if you ask me. This dessert starts with a graham cracker crust, then layering as we go with a cream cheese mixture, followed by a layer of bananas, crushed pineapple and finally a layer of Cool Whip. Top the cake with maraschino cherries, crushed nuts and hot fudge sauce. Even though this is a no-bake dessert, we do need to let the cake set up in the refrigerator for a couple hours before cutting and serving.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients that make this banana split cake so easy to put together and so good.

For Graham Cracker Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These make the buttery, slightly sweet crust that holds the whole cake together.
• Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs and sugar into a sturdy crust.
• Granulated Sugar: A little sugar sweetens the crust and helps round out the graham cracker flavor.

For Cream Cheese Layer:

• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the middle layer rich, smooth, and creamy.
• Butter: Softened butter blends with the cream cheese for an extra smooth and rich filling.
• Confectioners Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese layer while keeping the texture smooth and creamy.
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the creamy filling.

For Remaining Layers:

• Crushed Pineapple: Drain it well before adding it for a bright, fruity layer without extra liquid making the cake soggy.
• Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas for that classic banana split flavor and the best texture.
• Cool Whip: This makes the top layer light, fluffy, and easy to spread over the fruit.
• Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add a salty crunch that plays perfectly with the creamy layers and fruit.
• Maraschino Cherries: These add the classic banana split finishing touch with a pop of color and a little extra sweetness.
• Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle warm hot fudge over each slice for a rich chocolate finish that ties the whole dessert together.

How to Make Banana Split Cake

For full recipe details, including ingredients needed and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step what you can expect when making this recipe:

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Add butter and sugar to a small sauce pot and cook on medium heat to melt butter, stirring occasionally to completely dissolve sugar. Remove from heat, then add graham cracker crumbs, stirring to combine.

Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish (I use this one for the right amount of space). Set aside. 

Pro Tip: you can purchase graham cracker crumbs or just pulverize about 14 full size graham crackers in a food processor to make 2 cups of crumbs. Alternatively, place in a zip bag and crush with a mallet or rolling pin. 

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer beat the cream cheese, butter, sugar and salt until fluffy, about 2 minutes…scraping sides of bowl as needed. 

Spread evenly over top the graham cracker crust. 

Step 3: Assemble the Rest of the Layers

Open can of pineapple and drain well, reserving liquid in a small bowl. Peel and slice bananas and as you slice place in the bowl of pineapple juice.

Pro Tip: this is an optional step but helps to prevent the bananas from browning.

Step 4: Add Banana Slices + Pineapple over Cream Cheese Mixture

Remove bananas from pineapple juice and discard the liquid. Place the banana slices in an even layer over the cream cheese mixture. Place the crushed pineapple in an even layer over bananas. 

Step 5: Spread Cool Whip

Next, spread the Cool Whip over the pineapple in an even layer. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over top the Cool Whip.

Pro Tip: fresh homemade whipped cream can be used instead, but Cool Whip is more stable and the better choice for this recipe.

Step 6: With a Cherry on Top!

Place a single cherry over where each slice will be cut, so everyone gets a cherry on top! 

As your final optional layer, drizzle the top of the whole dessert with hot fudge sauce. I did mine in a diagonal pattern and I think it looks great! 🙂

Step 7: Cover + Refrigerate

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slices into 12 even squares and serving cold. Keep refrigerated in between servings. 

Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes this Banana Split Cake easier to put together and helps each layer come together smoothly.

• 9×13 baking dish – The right size for spreading the layers evenly and serving the cake straight from the dish.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes it easy to whip the cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.
• Mixing bowls – A few different sizes keep the crust, filling, and toppings organized as you prep.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Helpful for getting the ingredient amounts right, especially for the crust and filling.
• Food processor or rolling pin – Use either one to crush the graham crackers into fine, even crumbs for a sturdy crust.

Tips for Success

A few simple tricks can make a big difference in how this Banana Split Cake sets, slices, and holds up in the fridge.

• Let the cream cheese soften fully. This helps it blend smoothly with the powdered sugar without leaving small lumps in the filling.
• Press the crust firmly. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to compact the crumbs into an even layer so the crust holds together when sliced.
• Pat the bananas dry. A quick blot with a paper towel removes excess moisture and helps keep the layers from getting watery.
• Spread each layer gently. Use an offset spatula to smooth the filling and toppings without disturbing the crust or fruit underneath.
• Chill before slicing. Give the cake plenty of time to set in the refrigerator so the layers firm up and the slices hold their shape.
• Add the finishing toppings close to serving. This keeps the whipped topping looking fresh and prevents the nuts or cherries from becoming soggy.

What to Serve With Banana Split Cake

Banana Split Cake is already a fun, creamy dessert, so I like pairing it with simple recipes that complement all those fruity, chocolatey flavors without making the spread feel too heavy.

• Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream makes this dessert feel even more like the banana split it’s inspired by.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches – These are a fun choice for summer gatherings and add a chewy chocolate chip cookie element to the dessert table.
• Strawberry Shortcake – The fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream bring another fruity option to the table while keeping things light.
• Banana Pudding – If you love creamy banana desserts, this is an easy choice that fits right in with the nostalgic flavors.
• Lemon Icebox Cake – The bright lemon flavor offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese, banana, and chocolate flavors in the Banana Split Cake.

Storage and Make Ahead Directions

You can store leftovers in the pan covered with plastic wrap or cut into squares and store in an airtight container with a lid. Be sure to store this cake in the fridge between servings. Banana Split cake will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. After about 4 days the bananas will start to brown slightly and the cake will start to get watery from the pineapple juices.

To Freeze – To extend storing even longer, this cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap it well. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

To Make Ahead – This cake is a great option for a make ahead dessert! Assemble the cake completely and store covered in the fridge 1-2 days before you want to serve it.

FAQs

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy ways to put your own spin on this classic no-bake dessert.

• Chocolate Banana Split Cake – Add a layer of chocolate pudding or spread chocolate sauce over the graham cracker crust for extra chocolate flavor.
• Oreo Banana Split Cake – Swap the graham cracker crust for crushed Oreo cookies mixed with melted butter.
• Strawberry Banana Split Cake – Add a layer of sliced strawberries alongside the bananas for even more fresh fruit.
• Peanut Butter Banana Split Cake – Drizzle melted peanut butter or warm peanut butter sauce over the cream cheese layer for a salty-sweet twist.
• Pineapple Banana Split Cake – Add a layer of well-drained crushed pineapple for a classic banana split flavor combination.
• Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust – Use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular ones to give the dessert a richer chocolate base.
• Nut-Free Banana Split Cake – Skip the chopped nuts and add extra chocolate shavings or sprinkles for crunch and color.
• Mini Banana Split Cakes – Assemble the layers in small individual dessert cups for an easy-to-serve option at parties and gatherings.

More No Bake Dessert Recipes to Try!

• No Bake Cheesecake
• No Bake Cookies
• Buckeyes
• Banana Pudding
• No-Bake Cheesecake Filling

Love desserts with delicious layers? Check out my list of 37 Layered Desserts.

I hope you enjoy this dessert as much as we did! I would love it if you would give me a star review and let me know in the comments what you think. The printable recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends! 

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.