No Bake Banana Split Lush Dessert is a heavenly, eye-catching treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake, the fruit-forward punch of banana split flavors, and the effortless simplicity of a refrigerator dessert. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something elegant that doesn’t require the oven, this luscious no‑bake dessert delivers on taste and presentation. In just a few steps, you’ll layer creamy sweet cheese filling, bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and whipped topping over a crisp chocolate crust. Chill, garnish, and serve—your dessert is ready to delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this No‑Bake Banana Split Lush Dessert because it offers all the indulgence of a banana split, fruity, creamy, chocolatey- without the fuss of baking. It’s a make‑ahead showstopper that holds beautifully and slices into neat squares. The textures contrast delightfully: crisp chocolate crust, silky cream cheese layer, juicy fruit, and a whipped topping crown. Plus, it’s versatile; you can tweak the fruits or crust to suit your crowd. It’s a guaranteed hit for potlucks, family dinners, or casual get‑togethers.
Ingredients
For the Crust
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2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (see notes)
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1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lush Filling & Layers
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12 ounces (1½ bricks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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½ cup granulated sugar
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16 ounces (2 tubs × 8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
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3 bananas, thinly sliced into rounds
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20 oz can crushed pineapple, fully drained
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1 pound strawberries, finely chopped
For the Topping / Garnish
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1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
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Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
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Maraschino cherries, for topping
Notes
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If you don’t have chocolate graham crackers, you can use 20 Oreo cookies (without the filling) plus 6 tablespoons melted butter instead.
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Make sure the pineapple is thoroughly drained so the dessert doesn’t become soggy.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make No Bake Banana Split Lush Dessert
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Prepare the pan: Lightly coat a 9×13‑inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until moistened and evenly combined. Firmly and evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the greased pan. Place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let it set.
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Cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in one tub (8 oz) of the thawed Cool Whip, combining until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
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Fruit layers: Over the cream cheese layer, add a layer of banana slices, then spread the drained crushed pineapple, then follow with the chopped strawberries in an even layer.
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Top with whipped layer: Spread the remaining Cool Whip tub evenly on top of the fruit layers, making a smooth top. Sprinkle the toasted, chopped walnuts over this layer.
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Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate until fully chilled and set—ideally overnight, but at least 4 hours.
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Garnish & serve: Just before serving, drizzle chocolate syrup over the top, and place maraschino cherries in decorative spots (one cherry per square or cluster edges). Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Helpful Tips
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Softening cream cheese: Leave it on the counter for at least 30 minutes ahead so there are no lumps during mixing.
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Fruit prep timing: Don’t slice bananas too far ahead—they tend to brown. Alternatively, toss banana slices lightly in lemon juice to slow browning.
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Drain pineapple well: Use a fine mesh sieve or paper towels to ensure no excess juice seeps into the dessert.
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Layer gently: When spreading fruits or whipped topping, handle carefully to avoid disturbing the layer beneath.
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Serving tip: Use a thin, sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts for clean squares.
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Presentation trick: Pipe extra whipped cream around each square or drizzle chocolate in a lattice pattern for visual appeal.
Substitutions And Variations
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Crust substitute: Use Oreo cookie crumbs (about 20 cookies, filling removed) plus 6 tbsp melted butter.
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Different fruits: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or mango.
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Nut options: Use pecans, almonds, or skip nuts entirely for nut‑free version.
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Chocolate twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer or sprinkle on top.
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Tropical version: Add mango pieces, kiwi slices, or coconut flakes.
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Sugar alternative: Substitute sugar with powdered sugar or a sweetener of your choice one‑to‑one (adjust to taste).
Storage Instructions
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Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep stored in the refrigerator.
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It stays fresh and maintains structure for up to 4–5 days.
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Avoid freezing, as thawing will typically ruin the texture of the whipped topping and fruit layers.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 12 servings from the 9×13 pan):
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Calories: ~258 kcal
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Carbohydrates: ~36 g
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Protein: ~4 g
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Fat: ~12 g (Saturated ~6 g)
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Cholesterol: ~26 mg
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Sodium: ~136 mg
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Fiber: ~2 g
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Sugar: ~24 g
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Potassium: ~262 mg
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Vitamin A: ~321 IU
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Vitamin C: ~22 mg
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Calcium: ~77 mg
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Iron: ~0.4 mg
Serving Suggestions
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Serve chilled in square slices, topped with an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup and a maraschino cherry.
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Accompany with a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream for extra indulgence.
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Plate with a mint sprig or fresh fruit slices (banana, strawberry) for an elegant finish.
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Serve with coffee or dessert wine (if dietary‑appropriate) for a complete dessert course.
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Great as a make‑ahead dessert for potlucks, BBQs, birthdays, or holiday gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About No‑Bake Banana Split Lush Dessert
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes — this recipe is ideal for preparing a day in advance. Because it needs time to chill and set, making it the night before your event ensures the layers firm up nicely and the flavors meld together.
Will the fruit layers make the dessert soggy over time?
If you properly drain the crushed pineapple and gently layer the fruits, sogginess is minimized. Avoid overly juicy or ripe fruit, and keep the dessert refrigerated until serving.
Can I use a different whipped topping?
You may substitute homemade whipped cream (whip heavy cream + powdered sugar) in place of Cool Whip or use another stabilized whipped topping. Just ensure it holds its shape.
What if I need a nut‑free version?
Simply omit the walnuts or replace with a seed like pumpkin seeds or toasted coconut flakes for crunch. The dessert remains lovely without nuts.
How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Slice bananas close to serving time or lightly toss slices in lemon juice to slow oxidation. This keeps the dessert visually bright.
Can I change the crust to something else?
Definitely — use Oreo cookie crumbs, chocolate wafers, or even a graham cracker crust for variation. Just adjust butter accordingly so the crust holds together well.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for spending your time with this No‑Bake Banana Split Lush Dessert recipe! I absolutely love this dessert because it’s effortlessly stunning, bursting with flavor, and easy to pull together—no oven required. I hope making and tasting it gives you as much pleasure as I get from serving it to friends and family. May your slices be creamy, your fruit vibrant, and your gatherings sweeter because of it. Enjoy every bite, and happy dessert making!
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No Bake Banana Split Lush Dessert
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This No Bake Banana Split Lush Dessert is a layered treat with a chocolate graham cracker crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, bananas, pineapple, and strawberries, all topped with Cool Whip, walnuts, and cherries. It’s perfect for summer parties or potlucks—no oven needed!
Ingredients
Crust
2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Lush Layers
12 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
16 oz Cool Whip (2 × 8 oz tubs), thawed
3 bananas, sliced into rounds
20 oz crushed pineapple, drained
1 lb strawberries, chopped
Topping
1/3 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
Maraschino cherries
Instructions
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Prepare the pan: Lightly coat a 9×13‑inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
-
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until moistened and evenly combined. Firmly and evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the greased pan. Place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let it set.
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Cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in one tub (8 oz) of the thawed Cool Whip, combining until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
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Fruit layers: Over the cream cheese layer, add a layer of banana slices, then spread the drained crushed pineapple, then follow with the chopped strawberries in an even layer.
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Top with whipped layer: Spread the remaining Cool Whip tub evenly on top of the fruit layers, making a smooth top. Sprinkle the toasted, chopped walnuts over this layer.
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Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate until fully chilled and set—ideally overnight, but at least 4 hours.
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Garnish & serve: Just before serving, drizzle chocolate syrup over the top, and place maraschino cherries in decorative spots (one cherry per square or cluster edges). Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Swap graham crackers for 20 Oreo cookies (filling removed) + 6 tbsp melted butter.
Lightly toss bananas in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Ensure pineapple is well-drained to avoid soggy layers.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 258
- Sugar: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g