Description
This No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake is a delicious and refreshing dessert that combines the classic flavors of a banana split with creamy cheesecake layers. It’s easy to prepare without any baking, featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy cream cheese filling, fresh bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup topped with chopped peanuts and maraschino cherries. Perfect for summer or any occasion where you want a fruity, creamy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Toppings
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- Maraschino cherries, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well blended. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add fruit layers: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the cheesecake layer, then spread the crushed pineapple on top, followed by the chopped strawberries. Ensure even distribution for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Add toppings: Drizzle the chocolate syrup evenly over the layered fruit, then sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top for crunch and texture.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set firmly.
- Serve: Just before serving, garnish the cheesecake with maraschino cherries placed evenly across the top. Cut into 12 slices and enjoy this no-bake treat chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent the crust or cheesecake from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute the graham cracker crust with a chocolate cookie crust for a richer flavor twist.
- Serve chilled for optimal texture and refreshing taste.
- This dessert is best prepared ahead of time to allow proper setting in the refrigerator.
