No-Bake Banana Split Lasagna Recipe
Introduction
This No-Bake Banana Split Lasagna is a fun and delicious twist on the classic banana split dessert. Layered with creamy filling, fresh fruit, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, it’s perfect for warm days or any time you want an easy, impressive treat.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1 1/2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 (8-oz.) tubs Cool Whip
- 3 bananas, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 (20-oz.) can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 lb. strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
- Rainbow sprinkles, for topping
- Maraschino cherries, for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together crushed graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the crust.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Gently fold in 1 tub of Cool Whip until well combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Step 3: Arrange thinly sliced bananas over the cream layer, followed by an even layer of well-drained crushed pineapple, then finely chopped strawberries.
- Step 4: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the fruit layers. Sprinkle toasted and chopped walnuts evenly on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Step 5: Before serving, drizzle the top with chocolate syrup, then garnish with rainbow sprinkles and maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
- If you prefer a sweeter crust, increase the sugar in the crust mixture to 3 tablespoons.
- Use fresh pineapple if available, finely chopped and drained, instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- To make individual servings, layer the ingredients in parfait glasses following the same steps.
Storage
Store the banana split lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it contains fresh bananas, the dessert is best enjoyed within this time to prevent browning. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier slicing. Reheat is not recommended, as this is a no-bake chilled dessert.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling overnight. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I substitute the Cool Whip with fresh whipped cream?
You can use freshly whipped cream, but it may change the texture slightly and might not hold up as long. Stabilizing the whipped cream with a little gelatin can help maintain structure.
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No-Bake Banana Split Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Banana Split Lasagna is a delightful, layered dessert combining a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese and Cool Whip filling, and fresh fruit layers of bananas, pineapple, and strawberries. Topped with toasted walnuts, chocolate syrup, colorful sprinkles, and maraschino cherries, it’s a refreshing, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for warm weather or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- Cooking spray, as needed
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
For the Lasagna
- 1 1/2 (8-oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 (8-oz) tubs Cool Whip
- 3 bananas, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 (20-oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 lb. strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
- Rainbow sprinkles, for topping
- Maraschino cherries, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 15 minutes until the crust is set and firm.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gently fold in one tub of Cool Whip to maintain the airy texture. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, creating the first creamy layer of the lasagna.
- Layer the Fruit: Arrange thinly sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely. Next, evenly distribute the well-drained crushed pineapple over the banana layer. Follow this with a layer of finely chopped strawberries, making sure each layer is spread uniformly to create distinct, beautiful layers.
- Add the Final Toppings: Spread the remaining tub of Cool Whip over the fruit layers to finish off the lasagna. Sprinkle the toasted and chopped walnuts evenly on top for a crunchy contrast in texture.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the lasagna for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly.
- Serve: Just before serving, drizzle chocolate syrup over the top of the lasagna. Add rainbow sprinkles and maraschino cherries to garnish and provide a festive finish to this colorful and delicious dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is well drained to prevent the dessert from becoming soggy.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Use fresh fruit to maintain vibrant colors and flavors in your lasagna layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: No-Bake Dessert, Banana Split Lasagna, Layered Fruit Dessert, Cool Whip Dessert, Easy Summer Dessert
