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    Home » Desserts » No Bake Banana Split Cake

    No Bake Banana Split Cake

    Published: Jul 15, 2023 by Linda Warren

    Jump to Recipe

    This cool and creamy No Bake Banana Split Cake is everything you could want for a summer picnic! An easy recipe that takes only 30 minutes and needs no baking, makes it the perfect dessert for the season.

    With layers of cool, creamy custard, fresh fruit, and a topping of cool whip, this ice box treat is like a banana split in cake form. It’s the perfect dessert to whip up for summer BBQs and friendly get-togethers.

    Slice of Banana Split Cake on plate with full cake in background.

    Table of contents

    • Cool and Creamy Desserts
    • What is a Banana Split?
      • Banana Split Origin
    • What is a Banana Split Cake?
    • Why This is the Best Banana Split Cake Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make A No Bake Banana Split Cake
    • Recipe Notes and Variations
    • Make Ahead
    • How to Store and Freeze
    • More Delicious Summer Desserts

    Cool and Creamy Desserts

    I love cool and creamy desserts that are simple to throw together and don’t heat up the kitchen. Recipes like No-Bake Grasshopper Pie, Coffee Ice Cream Pie, and Mango Pineapple Icebox Cheesecake fit my criteria as well as this easy No Bake Banana Split Cake. It's a family favorite I’ve been making for over 30 years.

    What is a Banana Split?

    A banana split is a type of ice cream dessert that is both traditional and popular in many parts of the world. It is typically composed of a lengthwise-split banana, three scoops of ice cream, various sauces or syrups such as chocolate, pineapple, and strawberry on each scoop, and then it's topped with nuts and whipped cream.

    The banana acts as the base of the dessert, and the ice cream and toppings are added on top. The final touch is often a cherry on top of the whipped cream.

    National Banana Split Day is celebrated annually on August 25th.

    Banana Split Origin

    The banana split was created by a 23-year-old apprentice pharmacist named David Evans Strickler in the town of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in 1904. Strickler enjoyed inventing sundaes at the soda fountain in the pharmacy where he worked, and the banana split was one of his creations.

    What is a Banana Split Cake?

    A banana split cake is a dessert that takes the components of a banana split sundae and transforms them into a layered cake form. It's a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the traditional banana split in a different way. It's like a giant banana split in cake form.

    This dessert typically consists of several layers. The base layer is often a crust made from crushed graham crackers, cookies, or even vanilla wafers.

    The next layer is a creamy filling, which can be custard, pudding, or sweetened cream cheese.

    The filling is then topped with slices of bananas, crushed pineapple, and sometimes a layer of strawberry pie filling or fresh sliced strawberries.

    The top layer is usually whipped topping and then garnished with chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, and chocolate syrup or hot fudge, mimicking the toppings on a classic banana split.

    While the banana split cake is inspired by the banana split dessert, its structure is more akin to a no-bake icebox cake or a layered pudding dessert than a traditional baked cake. It's a popular dessert for holidays, potlucks, and parties, as it can be made ahead of time and served chilled.

    Overhead of finished banana split cake with chocolate drizzle and cherries.

    Why This is the Best Banana Split Cake Recipe

    This banana split cake without cream cheese has a custard filling. Traditional ice cream is made with custard and so the cake mimics the dessert.

    This southern dessert offers up all the yummy flavors of your favorite banana split in an easy no-bake recipe. It’s a sweet, layered dessert that starts with a chilled graham cracker crust, followed by a creamy buttery filling, sliced bananas, crushed pineapple and all topped with fluffy Cool Whip.

    And you know it wouldn’t be a banana split dessert if it didn’t have a drizzle of hot fudge, a sprinkling of nuts, and, of course, a cherry on top.

    Dessert slice on plate showing layers.

    Ingredients

    Simple ingredients are all you need to make this easy no bake layered dessert.

    Ingredients for banana split dessert.
    • Graham Crackers
    • Butter
    • Eggs
    • White Granulated Sugar
    • Powdered Sugar
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Salt
    • Crushed Pineapple
    • Bananas
    • Cool Whip
    • Toppings: Fudge Sauce, Cherries, Chopped Nuts

    How to Make A No Bake Banana Split Cake

    Graham Cracker Crust

    Steps to make graham cracker crust.
    1. It only takes 4 ingredients to this simple crust – crushed graham crackers (these can be gluten-free), sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt.
    2. Mix together well.
    Patting graham cracker crust into baking dish.
    1. Press gently into a 9x13-inch pan. Note: If you press it down too firmly it will be difficult to cut and lift from the pan when serving.

    At this point, the crust can be frozen for about 10-15 minutes or can be baked for a bit crunchier texture for 10 minutes at 350°F then allowed to cool.

    Custard Layer

    Steps to make custard filling.
    1. Combine room temperature butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter has softened sufficiently for a smooth mixture, about an hour on the counter will do the job.
    2. Whip until light and fluffy about 3-4 minutes at medium speed. The mixture should be pale yellow in color.

    To Assemble

    Steps to layer dessert.
    1. Remove the crust from the freezer or use the cooled crust from the oven.
    2. Spread the custard evenly over the graham cracker crust.
    Banana layer of cake.
    1. The next layer is the sliced bananas. You want to use ripe but still firm bananas. Make sure to cover the custard completely.
    Pineapple layer for cake.
    1. Cover the bananas with the drained crushed pineapple. Spread evenly. This layer actually helps to prevent the bananas from browning (at least for a while).
    Spreading Cool Whip over pineapple.
    1. Spread the Cool Whip over the crushed pineapple to create a smooth top.
    Sprinkling nuts over cool whip.
    1. Time to decorate! Sprinkle on the chopped nuts. I like to use pecans but walnuts or even peanuts would be great.
    Drizzling chocolate over top.
    1. Next comes the fudge sauce drizzle. Make it easy by heating the fudge sauce slightly then pouring it into a small ziploc bag. Clip a small corner off and squeeze the chocolate over the topping.
    Adding cherries to top of dessert.
    1. Finish it off with cherries placed so that each slice or serving will have its own cherry. You can also wait until just before serving and pipe on some additional whipped cream on each serving then place the cherry on top. It’s your sundae – go for it!
    Overhead of finished cake.

    This creamy dessert is super popular whenever and wherever it is served. It is great for family gatherings, holidays like the 4th of July, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, as well as summer BBQs and picnics.

    It does take a little planning as it should chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours but is even better when made the day before. So indulge yourself with this easy No Bake Banana Split Layer Cake. Enjoy!

    Recipe Notes and Variations

    Some people get a little squeamish at the thought of a dessert with raw eggs but you can always use pasteurized eggs. I find this custard layer is lighter than a typical cream cheese filling.

    Here are a few alternatives to the recipe:

    • Banana Split Pie - Use 2 pie pans instead of a 9x13-inch pan. Or use 2 pre-made graham cracker crusts and you don't have to make the crust.
    • Banana Split Torte - Use 2 torte pans instead of a 9x13-inch pan.
    • Banana Split Trifle - Layer the graham cracker crumbs, filling, fruit, and whipped topping in a trifle dish. Top with hot fudge sauce, nuts, and cherries.
    • Substitute the custard with sweetened cream cheese. Just beat together 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1½ cups powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
    • Substitute the custard with a boxed vanilla or banana pudding prepared as directed on the package.
    • Use a vanilla cookie crust or Oreo cookie crust instead of a graham cracker crust.
    • Use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Chop the pineapple into small diced pieces and drain them.
    • Don’t care for pineapple? You can sub in some ripe sliced strawberries in their place.
    • Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the sliced bananas.
    • Make your own whipped cream in lieu of the Cool Whip. It will be a little richer but just as delicious.
    • Use caramel sauce instead of fudge sauce.
    • Let the kids add a few sprinkles to really up the fun factor!

    Make Ahead

    A banana split icebox cake is a great dessert to make 1 or 2 days in advance. Make it, chill it, serve it, and watch the smiles appear.

    How to Store and Freeze

    Store the cake and any leftovers in the refrigerator. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. The cake will last up to 3 days. After 3 days the bananas will start to turn brown and the pineapple juices will cause the cake to get watery.

    To freeze: Make sure the cake is in a freezer-safe container. Wrap it with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. the frozen cake will last up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

    More Delicious Summer Desserts

    Fresh Fruit Tart - brings all the summer flavors to the table. An almond shortbread crust holds a layer of creamy lemon cheesecake filling topped with your favorite fruits of the summer season.

    No Bake Mocha Cheesecake Minis - are small but decadent. Switch up the graham crackers to Oreo crumbs and layer with mocha cheesecake then top with whipped cream and an espresso bean to give you a gourmet dessert that only takes 20 minutes. 

    Frozen Raspberry Dessert from Kitchen Gidget is a cool and creamy dessert filled with ice cream, raspberries, fudge, and whipped cream.

    Creamy Raspberry Lemonade Popsicles - are an easy-to-make summer treat. Just 3 ingredients (yogurt, lemonade, and raspberries) are all it takes for a refreshing healthy snack on a hot day.

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    Closeup of cake with spice out.

    No Bake Banana Split Cake

    A cool, creamy No Bake Banana Split Cake is perfect for summer! Layers of custard, bananas, pineapple & Cool Whip with flavors of your favorite sundae.
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Chill Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 -15 servings
    Calories: 434kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    Graham Cracker Crust

    • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
    • 4 Tablespoons sugar
    • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt

    Custard Filling

    • 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
    • 1 cup salted butter room temperature
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Toppings

    • 4-5 ripe bananas sliced
    • 1 can (20-oz) crushed pineapple, drained or up to 3 8-oz cans, drained
    • 10 oz Cool Whip
    • Chopped nuts
    • Maraschino cherries drained
    • Chocolate fudge sauce

    Instructions

    • Butter the bottom of a 13”x9”x2” pan.

    Graham Cracker Crust

    • Prepare graham cracker crust by mixing all 4 ingredients together.
    • Gently press the crumbs into the bottom of prepared pan.
    • Freeze for 10-15 minutes or bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees then let cool completely on wire rack. This baking process will help keep the crust crispy.

    Custard Filling

    • While crust is chilling or baking, prepare the filling.
    • Combine all ingredients for filling and beat for 3-4 minutes at medium speed. When the mixture appears light and fluffy and is pale yellow in color it is done.
    • Pour into chilled or cooled crust.

    Toppings

    • Layer sliced bananas on top of filling.
    • Spread drained crushed pineapple on top of bananas.
    • Top with Cool Whip, spreading evenly to edges.
    • Decorate with a sprinkling of nuts then drizzle with fudge sauce and top with some cherries.
    • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours but it is best when made the day before and chilled overnight.

    Notes

    VARIATIONS
    • Cream cheese layer in place of custard - beat together 16-oz softened cream cheese, 1-½ cups confectioner’s sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla.
    • Use a boxed vanilla or banana pudding, prepared as directed on the package, in place of custard.
    • Sub ripe sliced strawberries for pineapple.
    • Make your own whipped cream in lieu of the Cool Whip. 
    • Let the kids add a few sprinkles to really up the fun factor!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 777IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg

    This post has been updated and was first published on June 27, 2021.

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    Comments

    1. CJ says

      July 18, 2023 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      My new favorite dessert recipe.
      Thank you so much for sharing.
      Absolutely loved it!
      I'm going to make it at Church potluck

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 23, 2023 at 9:17 am

        So happy you loved it! And it's perfect for a summer potluck. Hope everyone enjoys it.

        Reply
    2. Barbara says

      January 02, 2023 at 12:35 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds wonderful. I have one concern. Can it be made without the eggs? Is it safe to eat the eggs raw? Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        January 02, 2023 at 1:35 pm

        I have never had any problem with the egg custard not being cooked in the over 20 years I have made this recipe. That being said, if you feel uncomfortable with it you can make a regular cooked custard to replace it.

        Reply
    3. Hayley says

      July 26, 2021 at 6:11 am

      5 stars
      A real summer treat for anyone as this is no bake recipe! Such a delightful and beautiful looking cake

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 26, 2021 at 11:33 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    4. Chenée says

      July 25, 2021 at 8:46 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy -- just like a creamy banana split but in cake form!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 26, 2021 at 11:30 am

        Exactly!

        Reply
    5. Debbie says

      July 25, 2021 at 11:14 am

      5 stars
      I love no bake desserts in the summer and this Banana Split cake is now a new family favorite . This has all the flavors of a banana Split in one dessert without worrying about ice cream melting .

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 26, 2021 at 11:32 am

        So glad the family loved it. It's one of our family favorites too!

        Reply
    6. Jacqueline Debono says

      July 24, 2021 at 5:59 am

      5 stars
      I have loved banana split since I was a child! I've never thought of making it as a cake but love the idea, especially as it's no bake and looks pretty easy to make!

      Reply
    7. Tammy says

      July 23, 2021 at 12:15 pm

      5 stars
      A perfect summertime dessert and so beautiful too! Saving this for the family this weekend. This will be a sure hit!

      Reply
    8. Veronika says

      July 23, 2021 at 9:03 am

      5 stars
      This is a truly Summer dessert! There is so much flavor and the best part is you don't have to bake it! Going to make this recipe this weekend!

      Reply
    9. Linda says

      July 22, 2021 at 11:56 pm

      5 stars
      What a sweet treat! I love this no-bake idea and it's perfect for a quick summer treat!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 26, 2021 at 11:33 am

        I'm always for no-bake treats during the summer too and this one takes the cake. lol

        Reply
    10. Julia says

      July 21, 2021 at 3:23 pm

      Wow, sometimes I just don't want to crack open an oven to bake a dessert. This no bake recipe is so great, and I love that it's done in 30 minutes!

      Reply
    11. Adriana says

      July 21, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      5 stars
      What a perfect idea for a yummy dessert. I enjoy banana splits so much, and your idea sounds easy and hassle-free. Thanks for the inspiration.

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 21, 2021 at 2:38 pm

        It is super easy to make and is definitely a dessert for all of us who love banana splits!

        Reply
    12. Marta says

      July 21, 2021 at 8:02 am

      5 stars
      Looks like it is fun to make and fun to eat. Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        July 21, 2021 at 2:36 pm

        Absolutely! Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    5 from 14 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

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