This no-bake Banana Split Cake has your name written all over it!
Some years ago, in a corner conference room adorned with college banners and inspirational posters, where everything from parent meetings to student mediations to annual celebrations took place, I was treated to my first Banana Split Cake.
This space, which sat kitty-corner to my office, was the setting for important school related happenings. Study groups…department meetings…annual reviews…birthday parties…you name it…
As part of the counseling team, my agenda was filled with events and small group activities that took place in this space. One such event that occurred a few times each year, was the birthday party we would take turns planning for each member of the department. I clearly recall the celebration that included this amazing cake.
You know the expression, It’s a keeper…?
This recipe proves that statement true.
Walk with me…
There it was, at the bottom of a small drawer filled with a hodgepodge of items collected through the years…half-packs of birthday candles, cocktail napkins which ask the question, ‘Why limit happy to just one hour?’, paper straws the color of balloons, and recipes on torn pieces of paper in a scrawl that only I can read. As I chipped away at organizing the drawer (in the name of spring cleaning), there it was – the email from Kathleen with the recipe from September 2011 that I so loved but had forgotten all about until this moment.
Five years later and I still had it…‘keeper‘…
And such a timely moment to make this discovery…
Today is Lucy’s 26th birthday! Wooohoooo!
I’d love to tell you that we’re sharing this cake tonight, however, our girl is celebrating with her sister on the west coast…in the sunshine (yay!!)…which means one thing…FaceTime… and I eat two pieces…mine…and hers…
I’ll do anything for my kids.
Buon Appetito!
Print
Banana Split Cake
- Category: Dessert
Description
This no-bake Banana Split Cake has your name written all over it!
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz. pkgs.) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 – 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, completely drained
- 6 – 8 medium sliced bananas, divided
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 pkgs. (4 serving size) vanilla flavor instant pudding & pie filling
- 2 1/2 cups thawed cool whipped topping, divided
- 1 cup chopped peanuts
- Chocolate sauce
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from the refrigerator to soften. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar and the butter.
- Press crumb mixture firmly onto bottom of a 13×9-inch pan. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- In the meantime, beat softened cream cheese and remaining 3/4 cup sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
- Spread cream cheese carefully over (frozen) crust. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- Top with pineapple.
- Slice 4 bananas and arrange over pineapple. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, pour milk and the two boxes of dry pudding mix. Beat with whisk for about 2 minutes, or until blended.
- Gently stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping.
- Spread mixture over banana layer.
- Top with remaining 1 1/2 cups whipped topping.
- Refrigerate for 5 hours.
- When ready to serve, add more slices of banana.
- Sprinkle with nuts, a drizzle of chocolate sauce and cherries.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator.
(I did a little investigating and it appears the recipe originated from Kraft. I adapted it to meet my needs for chocolate and peanuts and cherries…I’m sure you understand…)
Have a great weekend, my friends!! XO
CIAO!
I said it on FB, but the pics on this are INCREDIBLE. And I love the expression “kitty corner.” So you’re making me very happy today, Annie!
Hahaha! Yay! That makes me happy!! 🙂
What a gorgeous cake, Annie! And what stunning photos! And a late happy birthday to your girl!
You’re so sweet, Simone! Thank you, dear! 🙂
OH…MY….Goodness! This look fabulous. A huge Happy Birthday to your dear Lucy! This looks like a perfect way to celebrate!
Thank you so much, Kathy! Lucy and I appreciate that! 🙂
WHOA! That first picture is the definition of food porn!! My daughter would eat this up (that’s of course if there was any left after my husband and I got to it) 🙂
Why thank you!! Oh yeah – this cake takes a pretty picture! 🙂
This cake is gorgeous! I would also like two slices sent here :p
Two slices comin’ right up! Thanks, friend! 🙂
What an amazing cake. I love anything with bananas and this cake has fun written all over it! Hope your daughter had a wonderful birthday!!
Thank you, Christin! She had a beautiful day with her sister and friends in LA! 🙂
This cake sounds so incredible and your photos are absolutely drool-worthy! This is definitely perfect for a birthday – I wish I had a big slice!
There’s nothing like no bake – especially when it tastes this good and looks this festive! Thanks, friend! 🙂
The classic banana split! Your recipe looks amazing. I can never say no to cake, and two pieces are always better than one. Anything for the kids! and me 🙂
Why thank you, friend! This cake will likely make its way to the table quite a bit! 🙂
That is a gorgeous birthday cake! And happy belated birthdy to your daughter! I could eat a piece for her, if you still have some 😉 . Anyway, never, never had a piece of banana split cake, but I’m sure I’d love it! Reeeaaally love it! Beautiful shots and story!
Thank you, Nicoletta! Yep – we still have a little…come on over – I’ll put the coffee on! 🙂
You are the perfect mom to make the sacrifice to face time with the birthday girl, eat your cake, and hers too! The things moms have to do, right? Seriously, I’m sorry you couldn’t be with your girl on her 26th, but I know y’all were together via facet time and in your hearts. I’ll totally walk with you into this cake, friend! XO
Hahaha! I know…if eating her slice helps me to feel closer to her then I’ll do it!! 😉 You’re a sweetie! Thanks, friend! 🙂
Oh wow! I generally read your blog in the mornings, but today was crazy so I’m not getting to the computer until now, and I have to say I am thankful. Or this cake would have tortured me all day and demanded I eat it for breakfast… and then stay home and eat the entire cake until it was gone. 🙂 Fridays require cake (well, all days for that matter, but especially Fridays) and I could not think of a better cake to celebrate the weekend! GORGEOUS, Annie!! This cake has totally got is going on, plus it’s no bake!! Swoon! Banana splits are delicious, but this takes it to new levels of YUM, my dear! Pinned! I hope your daughter has a beautiful birthday! SO kind of you to eat a piece for her. 😉 I’d say you can eat a piece for me too, but I plan on making my own and eating the whole thing! Cheers to a fabulous weekend, lovely! xoxo
Hey friend! Well I’d never want to torture you so I’m happy it worked in the end!! 😉 Cheyanne – I really hope you have the chance to make this! You will love it. It’s beyond yummy. Really. I did a jig when I found the recipe! Thanks for wishing Luc well! Have a lovely weekend, my dear! xoxo
What a great way to celebrate your daughters birthday. Enjoy both pieces, lol. I love banana split anything, great cake! Take care. ?
It’s so festive looking, isn’t it?! I’ll enjoy it all! Thank you, my friend! 🙂
How pretty is this cake?! I’ve never had one quite like this before…I’m loving all of the fun toppings! Sounds perfect for birthdays or any other day!
It really is a fun cake and really – so delicious…it’s almost surprising how fabulous this tastes! Thanks, Gayle! 🙂
This is such a happy dessert! That first photo is killing me…where’s my piece? Happy Birthday to your daughter, and I can relate to being apart on these special days. Hugs to you, Annie!
Your piece is here waiting for you! Thank you so much, my friend! I’ll take those hugs! xo
Yep!! I see my name right on top along with the cherry. Years and years ago my sweet sister-in-law made the cake and I’d completely forgotten about it until I saw your post. Thank you!! This is a recipe to treasure. Buon fine settimana!
Awh! I love that! Now someone needs to make it for you again! Thanks, my friend! 🙂
I knew it. . .I knew it. When I saw the tease for this beauty pop up on my Insti feed. . . .I knew I would soon be seeing a banana split cake. Lucy is such a lucky young lady to have this made especially for her birthday. I bet once she sees it she will be so jealous that she isn’t there to devour a piece of her own. I think you should really rub it in on the FaceTime chat.
You are soooo good! I’ll have to do that – rub it in while I eat my and her piece! 😉 Thanks, Sweets!
You’ll eat my piece for me?! That’s so sweet and selfless! Heheh ❤️ I love you mama, and I wish I could be home celebrating with you tonight! xo.
ps. If you’re reading this, Karen.. Thank you! Chels and I are having a beautiful time!
Luc – I will do that for you! 😉 I love you, Sweeta! If you can’t be with us tonight, the only other place I’d rather have you is with your sis! Have fun, love! <3
Umm, yes please, Annie – big slice right over here! I saw this on IG first thing morning and boy oh boy that’s the way to wake up. Just gorgeous – and I think you’re just teasing us with that perfect chocolate drizzle!
Hahaha! Thanks, my friend! Yes – how lucky was I that the chocolate drizzle decided to cooperate on that one?! Have a lovely weekend, Geraldine! 🙂
You’re too kind ‘suffering’ it out and having a piece of cake for your daughter, lol!! This looks amazing! Banana split in cake form? A big YES please 🙂
See what a good mom I am? I’ll eat her piece for her…I mean – such a sacrifice! 😉 Thanks, my dear! 🙂
Ann, I love this cake. Your photos make it look so “dreamy” and delicious! Also, Lauren, if you are reading this, have a great birthday celebration with Chelsea!
Thank you, Karen! It is pretty dreamy…and so simple! 🙂