Description
This Banana Split Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert inspired by the classic banana split. It features layers of creamy banana pudding blended with cream cheese and whipped topping, nestled between layers of Graham crackers. Finished with vanilla and chocolate icing, cherries, rainbow sprinkles, and mixed nuts, this cake offers a nostalgic and refreshing treat, perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or holidays.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box Graham Crackers
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant banana pudding mix
- 14 ounces cool whip
- 2 cups milk
Toppings
- Mixed nuts ice cream topping (to sprinkle on top), about 1/4 cup
- 1/2 container store-bought vanilla icing (approx. 7-8 ounces)
- Rainbow sprinkles, about 2 tablespoons
- 12 maraschino cherries
- 1/2 container chocolate icing (approx. 7-8 ounces)
Instructions
- Prepare pudding mixture: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and instant banana pudding mix. Mix on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add remaining pudding ingredients: Add 10 ounces of cool whip and 2 cups of milk to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until well combined and thickened. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Assemble base layer: Spread the remaining 4 ounces of cool whip evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange a layer of Graham crackers on top, covering the surface completely.
- Add pudding layers: Spoon about one-third of the pudding mixture evenly over the Graham cracker layer. Repeat this layering two more times, ending with the pudding mixture as the top layer.
- Top with nuts and freeze: Sprinkle mixed nuts over the final layer. Place the assembled cake in the freezer for 4 hours to set and chill thoroughly.
- Decorate with icing and toppings: Using a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip, pipe the vanilla icing decoratively on top of the cake. Garnish the icing with maraschino cherries and rainbow sprinkles.
- Drizzle chocolate icing: Microwave the chocolate icing for 30 seconds to soften, then transfer to a piping bag. Drizzle the chocolate icing artistically over the top of the cake.
- Serve: Remove from freezer just before serving for a perfect chilled no-bake treat. Enjoy your Banana Split Cake!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is well softened for a smooth pudding mixture.
- Refrigerating the pudding mixture before assembling helps it firm and set better.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for optimal texture.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip (1M) for more decorative icing designs.
- Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American