Description
Enjoy a sweet, creamy, and fruity treat with this easy No-Bake Banana Split Cake recipe. Combining fresh bananas, creamy layers of cream cheese and whipped topping, and classic banana split toppings like maraschino cherries, chocolate syrup, and nuts, this chilled dessert is perfect for warm days and gatherings. No oven or baking skills required, making it a delightful and effortless dessert for all skill levels.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 3 to 4 fresh ripe bananas, sliced
- Maraschino cherries (about 10-12 for topping and garnish)
Base
- 2 to 3 cups vanilla wafers (about 120–150 grams)
Creamy Filling
- 8 oz (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), chilled
Toppings
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or preferred nuts)
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Filling: Blend the softened cream cheese with the chilled whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and airy, creating a luscious base that perfectly complements the fresh fruit.
- Layer the Base With Vanilla Wafers: Arrange a single, even layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of your chosen cake pan to form a crisp foundation that absorbs moisture without becoming soggy.
- Add a Layer of Bananas: Slice the ripe bananas evenly and spread them over the vanilla wafer layer, ensuring each bite has a fresh fruity punch.
- Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread half of the creamy filling over the banana layer, smoothing with a spatula for an attractive appearance.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of vanilla wafers followed by another layer of sliced bananas, then spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top.
- Top With Cherries, Nuts, and Chocolate: Decorate the cake’s surface with maraschino cherries, sprinkle chopped nuts evenly, and drizzle generous amounts of chocolate syrup to mimic the classic banana split toppings.
- Chill to Set: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to meld and firm up for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and softest texture.
- Chill cream cheese but keep it softened to blend better and maintain shape.
- Layer gently to prevent mashing bananas and keep distinct layers.
- Use fresh or crisp vanilla wafers to avoid a soggy base.
- This cake tastes best after resting overnight to let flavors fully blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: No-bake cake, banana split dessert, creamy banana cake, easy no oven dessert, chilled banana cake