This dessert requires no baking and has all the best ingredients from a traditional banana split. Use this recipe to make a slam-dunk dessert at your next gathering!

Ingredients

Serves 16

Crust

• 2 1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
• 1 stick Butter (melted)

Layers

• 3 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 (8 oz) block Cream Cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cups Butter (softened)
• 4 Bananas
• 1 (20 oz) can Pineapple Chunks
• 1 (16 oz) container Cool-Whip
• Hot Fudge Sauce (optional)
• 1 cup Walnuts or Pecans (optional)
• 1 (4 oz) jar Maraschino Cherries (optional)
• 1 tbsp Sprinkles (optional)

 Directions

1. Crush graham crackers (or pulse in food processor) into crumbs.
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
3. Firmly press mixture in the bottom of 9 x 13 glass dish to form crust.  Put in freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up.
4. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cups softened butter, and the powdered sugar until creamy.
5. Spread cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust.
6. Add layer of sliced bananas over the cream cheese mixture.
7. Spread pineapple chunks over the bananas.
8. Evenly spread the Cool-Whip over the fruit (rubber spatula works best).
9. Top with the chopped nuts and maraschino cherries, if desired.
10. Drizzle the chocolate fudge over the dessert and then scatter with sprinkles, if desired.
11. Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting to allow layers to set.
12. Cut, serve and enjoy!

Tips

• This recipe can be made healthier with these replacements:
  • Sugar-free or Fat-free Cool-Whip (instead of regular Cool-Whip)
  • Neufchâtel cheese or reduced fat cream cheese (instead of regular cream cheese)
• If you aren't a fan of pineapple chunks, you can put them into a food processor to get more finely cut pineapple bits.
• Suggested twists to this recipe (for those who want to experiment!):
  • Use chocolate graham crackers (instead of honey graham crackers)
  • Add a layer of strawberries on top of the bananas
  • Mix and match which toppings you use, depending on your preferences...I personally think sprinkling some coconut on top would be delicious!

For other delicious dessert recipes, check out my other recent posts:

• Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
• Terrific Turtle Cheesecake
• Dump Cake