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Banana Split Dessert - A Fun, Crowd-Pleasing Classic

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cream Layer: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream (or 2 cups whipped topping)
  • Fruit and Layers: 3–4 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
  • 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained very well
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 2 cups chocolate sauce or hot fudge (cooled)
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (peanuts or pecans)
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish
  • Optional: vanilla ice cream (softened slightly) for an extra layer

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch dish or line it with parchment for easy lifting. This helps keep layers neat when serving.
  2. Make the crust. Stir graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press it firmly into the dish using the bottom of a measuring cup.
  3. Chill the crust. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to set. A cold, firm base prevents soggy slices later.
  4. Mix the cream layer. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
  5. Spread the cream layer. Spoon the mixture over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Keep it even so the fruit sits nicely.
  6. Add bananas. Slice bananas just before using. Arrange them in a single, even layer. Tip: Toss slices lightly with a teaspoon of lemon juice to slow browning.
  7. Layer the pineapple. Press the drained pineapple between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Scatter it evenly over the bananas.
  8. Add strawberries. Layer sliced strawberries on top. For standout flavor, use ripe, sweet berries.
  9. Optional ice cream layer. If using ice cream, spread a thin layer of slightly softened vanilla over the fruit. Work quickly, then freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.
  10. Finish with chocolate and nuts. Drizzle cooled chocolate sauce or hot fudge over the top. Sprinkle with chopped nuts for crunch.
  11. Garnish. Add whipped cream swirls and dot with maraschino cherries. It’s a banana split—have a little fun with it.
  12. Chill and serve. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or freeze for 30–40 minutes if you added ice cream). Slice with a sharp knife and use a wide spatula to lift clean pieces.