Layered Banana Split Dessert
Creamy, fruity, and perfectly layered — this Layered Banana Split Dessert is everything you love about a classic banana split without the need to stand over a hot stove.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted
Filling
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Cold milk
- 16 ounces Cool Whip topping, divided Use 8 ounces in the cream cheese mixture and 8 ounces for the top
Fruit Layer
- 1 container Frozen sliced strawberries, thawed and drained well (23-ounce)
- 1 can Crushed pineapple, drained well (20-ounce)
Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes Banana cream instant pudding (3.4-ounce each)
- 3.5 cups Cold milk (for pudding)
Toppings
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
- Chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Refrigerate while you make the filling.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with granulated sugar, cold milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps remain.
- Fold 8 ounces of the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and light. Spread this cream cheese-Cool Whip layer evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
- Layer the drained strawberries and crushed pineapple evenly over the cream cheese layer. Spread gently so you don’t mix the fruit into the cream cheese layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the banana cream instant pudding with 3.5 cups cold milk for about 2–3 minutes until thickened and smooth. Spread the banana pudding evenly over the fruit layer.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the banana pudding. Drizzle chocolate syrup on top and garnish with maraschino cherries and chopped nuts if desired.
- Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Drain the thawed strawberries and crushed pineapple very well to prevent the dessert from becoming watery.