Description
This No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake is a creamy, fruity dessert that requires no oven time. Layered with sweet bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and finished with chocolate and nuts, it’s a refreshing treat perfect for warm weather or any occasion. The graham cracker crust provides a buttery base, complemented by a rich, whipped cream cheese filling that sets beautifully in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Fruit and Toppings
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or hot fudge sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Maraschino cherries for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan to create an even crust layer. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, blending carefully to keep it light and airy.
- Assemble first layer: Spread half of this cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing it out carefully.
- Add fruit layers: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the first filling layer. Then add the drained crushed pineapple followed by the diced strawberries, creating a colorful and flavorful layer of fruit.
- Top with remaining filling: Spread the remaining cream cheese filling over the fruit layers, smoothing the top to cover the fruit completely.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or drizzle hot fudge sauce over the top layer. If using nuts, sprinkle them now. Finally, top each individual serving with a maraschino cherry.
- Chill and set: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results, to allow it to firm up before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, assemble the cheesecake the night before serving.
- Ensure the fruit is well-drained to avoid a soggy crust or filling.
- You can use a springform pan for a more elegant, round presentation if preferred.
