No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe

Sweet No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Creamy, decadent, and bursting with flavor, this no-bake banana split cheesecake recipe will transport you to dessert paradise.

Summer’s sweetest treat combines the classic banana split with a luscious cheesecake base that melts in your mouth.

Rich cream cheese blends perfectly with ripe bananas, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Each spoonful promises a delightful mix of fruity and creamy textures that dance across your palate.

Chocolate drizzle, fresh bananas, and a crumbly graham cracker crust elevate this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Forget complicated baking techniques – this simple yet stunning dessert comes together in minutes.

Reasons to Make No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Tonight

  • Whip Up a Dessert Sensation: This no-bake banana split cheesecake transforms classic ice cream flavors into a creamy, dreamy dessert that'll make everyone's taste buds dance.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Delight: Skip the oven and enjoy a hassle-free recipe that comes together quickly with simple ingredients and no complicated baking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or summer parties, this dessert offers a nostalgic twist on the beloved banana split that appeals to all ages.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap out fruits, add different toppings, or adjust ingredients to match your preferences, making this recipe super flexible and fun to personalize.

What You’ll Need for This No-Bake Classic

Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy and tangy base that gives the cheesecake its signature texture and flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, silky filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped to create a light and airy texture in the cheesecake mixture.
Fruit and Toppings:
  • Bananas, Strawberries, Pineapple: Fresh fruits that bring a classic banana split flavor and colorful appearance to the dessert.
  • Whipped Cream, Chocolate Syrup, Maraschino Cherries, Nuts: Classic banana split garnishes that add extra sweetness, crunch, and visual appeal.

Simple Steps to Creamy, Dreamy Cheesecake

Step 1: Create Crunchy Crust Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan, creating a solid foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until ultra-smooth.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stirring consistently until the mixture becomes silky and well-combined.

Step 3: Prepare Fluffy Cream Topping

Whip heavy cream using an electric mixer, beating until stiff, cloud-like peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining its airy texture.

Step 4: Layer Fruity Foundation

Arrange fresh banana slices in an even, overlapping pattern directly on top of the graham cracker crust.

Step 5: Spread Creamy Mixture

Carefully spread the cream cheese and whipped cream blend over the banana layer, ensuring a smooth and even surface.

Step 6: Add Tropical Fruit Accents

  • Drain pineapple chunks
  • Slice fresh strawberries

Distribute these vibrant fruits across the cream cheese layer for added flavor and color.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing all layers to firm up and flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Before presenting, crown the dessert with:
  • Fluffy whipped cream.
  • Drizzled chocolate syrup.
  • Maraschino cherries.
  • Chopped nuts for delightful crunch.

Expert Tricks for a Perfect No-Bake Dessert

  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base that won't become mushy when adding fruit layers.
  • Cut bananas just before assembling to prevent browning and maintain fresh appearance in the dessert.
  • Pat pineapple and strawberries with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent watery cheesecake layers.
  • Use cold heavy cream and chill your mixing bowl to achieve stiff, stable peaks that hold their shape when folded into cream cheese mixture.
  • Allow cheesecake to set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance taste and achieve ideal texture.

Delicious Swaps and Creative Mix-Ins to Try

  • Vegan Banana Split Cheesecake: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut whipped cream, and swap butter for coconut oil in the crust.
  • Gluten-Free Tropical Delight: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Bliss: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar, and add mixed berries for a lighter version.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cream cheese mixture and use chocolate graham crackers for the crust.

Ways to Serve Banana Split Cheesecake with Flair

  • Tropical Beach Party Centerpiece: Showcase this vibrant cheesecake as the star dessert at your next summer gathering, surrounded by fresh fruit and colorful cocktails.
  • Party Slice Presentation: Cut into generous squares and serve on elegant white plates, adding a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a mini chocolate drizzle for extra flair.
  • Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack individual slices in clear containers for outdoor events, ensuring each portion looks Instagram-worthy with its beautiful layered design and bright fruit colors.
  • Romantic Date Night Treat: Plate the cheesecake with two forks, adding a romantic touch by creating a heart-shaped chocolate syrup design on top and sharing the decadent dessert together.

Keep Your Cheesecake Fresh for Days

  • Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep it in the original pan to maintain its shape.
  • Carefully cover the entire cheesecake with plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the wrap to track freshness.
  • Transfer the frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it slowly defrost for 8-12 hours to preserve texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. Refresh the toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and cherries to restore the original presentation.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s incredibly easy! There are no complicated techniques, and you don’t even need to bake anything. Anyone with basic kitchen skills can successfully make this dessert.

  • Do I need any special equipment?

All you need is a mixing bowl, electric mixer, and a 9×13-inch pan. Most home cooks already have these basic kitchen tools.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake needs to chill for at least 4 hours, so it’s perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it a day before your event.

  • How long will this cheesecake last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this no-bake cheesecake will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

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No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe

No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy no-bake banana split cheesecake brings classic dessert magic to your table with minimal effort. Layers of sweet banana, luscious cream cheese, and chocolate drizzle create a delightful summer treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Banana Split Cheesecake Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 34 medium bananas, sliced
  • 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chocolate sauce or hot fudge
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (peanuts or walnuts)
  • Whipped cream
  • Maraschino cherries
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter, firmly pressing the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to create a solid foundation.
  2. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until velvety, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
  3. Whisk heavy cream to stiff, voluminous peaks, then gently fold into the cream cheese base, creating a light and airy texture.
  4. Arrange ripe banana slices in an even layer across the graham cracker crust, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Carefully spread the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture over the banana layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  6. Distribute drained pineapple chunks and fresh strawberry slices evenly across the cheesecake surface.
  7. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours, allowing it to set completely and develop rich flavors.
  8. Just before serving, crown the cheesecake with dollops of whipped cream, drizzle with decadent chocolate syrup, and sprinkle with chopped nuts and vibrant maraschino cherries.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, firm bananas to prevent browning and maintain texture in the dessert.
  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess liquid making the cheesecake soggy.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
  • Customize toppings by using dairy-free whipped cream or sugar-free chocolate syrup for healthier alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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