Name: Layered Banana Split Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 240 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs (Finely crushed); 1/2 cup Butter (Melted); 8 ounces Cream cheese (At room temperature); 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1/4 cup Granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons Cold milk; 16 ounces Cool Whip topping (Divided); 1 container Frozen sliced strawberries (Thawed and drained (23-ounce)); 1 can Crushed pineapple (Drained (20-ounce)); 2 boxes Banana cream instant pudding ((3.4-ounce each)); 3.5 cups Cold milk (For pudding); Chocolate syrup (For drizzling); Maraschino cherries (Optional, for garnish); Chopped nuts (Optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, fruity, and delightfully nostalgic — this Layered Banana Split Dessert delivers all the best parts of a classic banana split without the mess of scooping ice cream for every guest. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust topped with fluffy cream cheese, bright strawberries and pineapple, silky banana pudding, and a cloud of whipped topping, finished with a drizzle of chocolate and maraschino cherries. Fun fact: layered desserts like this were a mid-century favorite because they felt fancy but were quick to assemble.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, family-friendly, and makes enough to feed a crowd. It comes together quickly with mostly pantry and fridge staples and no baking required. If you like sheet-pan desserts, you might also enjoy my twist on banana-split flavors over a pizza crust — try the banana split dessert pizza for another fun option banana split dessert pizza. Ready to make something creamy, colorful, and utterly shareable? Let’s dive in.

What is Layered Banana Split Dessert?

What’s in a name? Layered Banana Split Dessert is basically a deconstructed banana split presented in convenient, sliceable layers — why stand over the ice cream scooper when you can scoop with a fork? How did it get its name — did someone misplace a banana at a picnic? Maybe. Is it a little showy? Absolutely. It plays on that old kitchen truth that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” This dessert stacks familiar flavors in a confident, party-ready format. Curious yet? Grab a spoon and try it — you’ll see why people keep going back for another slice.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, layered texture: Each bite combines a crunchy graham base, a tangy-sweet cream cheese layer, bright fruit, velvety banana pudding, and light cool whip — the contrasts keep every forkful interesting and satisfying.
Budget-friendly and makes-ahead: Using pantry staples like instant pudding, canned pineapple, and frozen strawberries keeps costs low. Make it a day ahead to save time and let flavors meld — perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
Crowd-pleasing toppings: Chocolate drizzle, maraschino cherries, and optional chopped nuts add sweetness, color, and crunch — the finishing touches that make it look like you spent hours on it.

If you love other make-ahead desserts on the blog, this recipe pairs nicely with a quick fruit trifle or the layered banana split recipe for a similar flavor profile with different textures. Give it a try and bring it to your next gathering.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is no-bake, easy to assemble, and delivers a heavenly mix of creamy and fruity textures. Prep time is short — about 20 minutes of active work — but it requires chilling for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) for the layers to set. Expect a silky banana pudding layer, a rich cream cheese filling, and a crisp graham crust that holds everything together.

Approximate time:

Active prep: 20 minutes
Chill time: At least 4 hours, preferably overnight

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs, finely crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cold milk
16 ounces Cool Whip topping, divided (use half in the cream cheese layer and half on top)
1 (23-ounce) container frozen sliced strawberries, thawed and drained
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
2 (3.4-ounce) boxes banana cream instant pudding
3.5 cups cold milk (for pudding)
Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
Maraschino cherries, optional, for garnish
Chopped nuts, optional, for garnish

Directions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. In a bowl, combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form an even crust. Refrigerate while you make the next layers so the crust firms up.
In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces room-temperature cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cold milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes with an electric mixer. Gently fold in 8 ounces of the Cool Whip until fully combined. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham crust.
Evenly layer the drained strawberries and the drained crushed pineapple over the cream cheese layer. Spread the fruit so it covers the surface in a single, even layer.
In a separate bowl, whisk the two banana cream instant pudding mixes with 3.5 cups cold milk. Whisk for 2–3 minutes until the pudding is thick and smooth. Immediately spread the banana pudding over the fruit layer and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to firm up a bit.
Spread the remaining 8 ounces of Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top in a decorative pattern and garnish with maraschino cherries and chopped nuts if desired.
Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let flavors meld and layers set. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Layered Banana Split Dessert

What to Serve With

Fresh fruit platter: Sliced bananas, strawberries, and kiwi to echo dessert flavors and add freshness.
Coffee or espresso: A bold cup balances the sweetness of the dessert and is perfect for after-dinner treats.
Light salads: A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette works well when serving this dessert after a rich main course.
Vanilla or caramel ice cream: For guests who want extra creaminess, a small scoop on the side is a decadent addition.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Make sure the cream cheese is fully at room temperature; cold cream cheese can create lumps. If you forget to set it out, microwave for 5–7 seconds and recheck.
Thoroughly drain the frozen strawberries and canned pineapple to prevent a watery pudding layer. Pat with paper towels if needed.
Press the graham crust firmly into the pan to prevent the dessert from falling apart when sliced.
For a quicker set time, place the dish in the coldest part of your refrigerator or briefly chill in the freezer for 30–45 minutes before returning to the fridge (do not freeze solid).
Swap toppings: toasted coconut or crushed waffle cone pieces are fun alternatives to nuts.
Avoid assembling too early without covering; the top can absorb fridge odors. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep it cold — this dessert is best served chilled.
Freezing: You can freeze slices for up to 1 month. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note: texture may change slightly after freezing because of the whipped topping and pudding.
Reheating: This dessert is served cold and should not be reheated. If you prefer a slightly softer slice, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes. If using fresh strawberries, wash, hull, and slice them, then pat dry to remove excess moisture before layering. Fresh fruit gives a brighter flavor and texture.

Do I have to use Cool Whip, or can I make whipped cream?
You can substitute freshly whipped heavy cream sweetened with a tablespoon of powdered sugar. Stabilize it with a bit of mascarpone or gelatin if you want it to hold up longer.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie crumb for the crust and proceed as directed.

Can I substitute another fruit for pineapple and strawberries?
Absolutely. Sliced peaches, cherries, or mixed berries work well. Just ensure canned fruit is well-drained to avoid sogginess.

How far in advance can I assemble this dessert?
Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated. Overnight chilling improves flavor melding and firmness.

What if my pudding is too runny?
Make sure you whisk the instant pudding with cold milk for the full 2–3 minutes so it thickens. If it’s still loose, chill it for 10–15 minutes until it firms before spreading.

Conclusion

This Layered Banana Split Dessert is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing showstopper that brings the classic sundae into a sliceable, make-ahead format — perfect for weeknight parties, potlucks, or dessert-loving families. It’s easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and full of flavor contrasts that make every bite exciting. If you enjoy no-bake banana-flavored desserts, you might also like this lovely take on the idea found at No Bake Banana Split Dessert – Brown Eyed Baker. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and enjoy the smiles it brings.