Description

Ever dreamed of a dessert that captures the fun of a banana split but in a creamy, no-bake cake form? Meet the Chocolate Banana Split Cake! This delightful treat layers a buttery graham cracker crust with sweet bananas, tangy pineapple, creamy vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and rich chocolate, all topped with more bananas and a cookie crumble.

Ingredients

For the Crust

Crushed Graham Crackers (2 cups): Form a buttery, crunchy base.
Melted Butter (½ cup): Binds the graham crackers and adds richness.

For the Layers

Bananas (2, sliced): Add sweet, creamy fruitiness reminiscent of a banana split.
Crushed Pineapple (20 oz can, drained): Brings a tangy, tropical flavor.
Instant Vanilla Pudding (3.4 oz package): Creates a smooth, creamy layer.
Cold Milk (1½ cups): Thickens the pudding mix.
Heavy Whipping Cream (1½ cups, or whipped topping): Adds a light, fluffy layer.
Powdered Sugar (⅓ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the whipped cream’s flavor.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup, melted): Provides a rich, chocolatey drizzle.
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies or Chocolate Graham Crackers (for layering): Add a crunchy, chocolatey layer.

For the Topping

Bananas (1–2, sliced): Add fresh fruit for garnish.
Chocolate Drizzle: Enhances the chocolate flavor and visual appeal.
Crushed Cookies or Graham Cracker Crumbs: Add texture and a finishing touch.

Substitutions and Variations

Crust: Use crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or a gluten-free graham cracker alternative.
Pineapple: Swap for sliced strawberries or mango for a different fruit flavor.
Pudding: Use banana or chocolate instant pudding for a flavor twist.
Whipped Cream: Use store-bought whipped topping (1½ cups) for convenience.
Chocolate Chips: Replace with milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter or milder flavor.
Cookies: Use crushed Oreos, chocolate wafers, or omit for a simpler layer.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and cookies, and ensure the pudding mix is gluten-free.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups crushed graham crackers and ½ cup melted butter until well mixed.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or pan.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
Prepare the Pudding Layer:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3.4 oz package of instant vanilla pudding and 1½ cups cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Let the pudding set for 5 minutes in the fridge.
Whip the Cream:
- In a large bowl, beat 1½ cups heavy whipping cream with ⅓ cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form (about 2–3 minutes). Alternatively, use 1½ cups pre-made whipped topping.
Assemble the Layers:
- Remove the crust from the fridge. Spread 2 sliced bananas and the drained 20 oz can of crushed pineapple evenly over the crust.
- Spoon half of the prepared pudding over the fruit, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Add a layer of chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate graham crackers, breaking them as needed to fit.
- Spread the remaining pudding over the cookie layer.
- Top with a layer of whipped cream, spreading it evenly.
- Melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the whipped cream.
Chill:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to set the layers and meld the flavors.
Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving, top with 1–2 sliced bananas, an additional drizzle of melted chocolate, and a sprinkle of crushed cookies or graham cracker crumbs.
- Slice into 9–12 squares and serve chilled.

Cooking Tips

Drain Pineapple Well: Pat the drained pineapple with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy crust.
Slice Bananas Evenly: Cut bananas into thin, uniform slices for even distribution and a polished look.
Chill Thoroughly: Overnight chilling helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Clean Slices: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for neat squares.