Description
Delightful no-bake banana split cheesecake merges classic dessert flavors into a creamy, indulgent treat. Layers of banana, chocolate, and strawberry create a cool summer dessert that delights palates without requiring oven time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
- 2 fresh bananas
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/2 cup strawberries (sliced)
Base and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream (or 1 cup Cool Whip)
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by combining crumbs with melted butter, firmly pressing into a springform pan’s base. Chill for 15 minutes until solidified.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety and uniform, incorporating vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy filling with smooth consistency.
- Carefully spread the creamy mixture evenly across the chilled graham cracker crust, ensuring a level surface.
- Strategically layer freshly sliced bananas across the cheesecake surface, creating an elegant and uniform arrangement.
- Distribute drained pineapple chunks between banana slices, adding tropical brightness to the dessert’s composition.
- Intersperse vibrant strawberry pieces throughout the fruit layer, enhancing visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
- Prior to serving, crown the cheesecake with billowy whipped cream, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
- Drizzle rich chocolate syrup in artistic patterns across the whipped cream surface.
- Garnish with glossy maraschino cherries and sprinkle chopped nuts for textural contrast and visual intrigue.
- Chill for an additional 15 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure pristine presentation.
Notes
- Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in lemon juice to maintain their fresh, vibrant color and prevent oxidation.
- Enhance crust stability by adding a tablespoon of sugar to the graham cracker mixture, helping it bind together more effectively and create a crunchier base.
- Achieve ultra-smooth cheesecake filling by ensuring cream cheese is completely at room temperature before mixing, eliminating potential lumps and creating a silky texture.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, making the dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg