Description
A delightful and creamy no-bake banana split cheesecake that combines a graham cracker crust with a luscious cream cheese filling layered with fresh bananas, crushed pineapple, and maraschino cherries. Topped with chocolate and caramel sauces, this dessert is perfect for any occasion and requires no oven time.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
Fruit & Toppings
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Additional banana slices, maraschino cherries, and chocolate pieces for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to create an even crust layer.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy filling.
- Assemble the first layer: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Layer the banana slices, drained crushed pineapple, and halved maraschino cherries over the cream cheese layer, distributing the fruit evenly.
- Add the remaining filling and sauces: Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top of the fruit layer, smoothing it out. Drizzle the chocolate syrup and caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Chill to set: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream, additional banana slices, maraschino cherries, and chocolate pieces for an attractive presentation and extra flavor layers.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
- Drain the crushed pineapple well to prevent the cheesecake from becoming too watery.
- This dessert needs to chill for at least 4 hours but can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
- For a firmer crust, you can bake the crust at 350°F for 8-10 minutes before adding the filling, though this is optional.
- Substitute whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for a fresher taste.
