Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake is everything you love about a banana split, but in a more elegant and easy-to-prepare form. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with the crunchy graham cracker crust, and the toppings add just the right amount of fruity sweetness and chocolatey richness. Best of all, it’s a no-bake dessert, meaning less time spent in the kitchen and more time spent enjoying the delicious results! Perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just a fun family treat, this cheesecake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 bananas, sliced
1/4 cup maraschino cherries
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form a crust. Press down firmly to ensure the crust is compact and even.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust.
Add the Toppings: Top the cheesecake with banana slices, maraschino cherries, crushed pineapple, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set and firm up.
Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy this sweet, refreshing treat!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (or overnight)

Variations

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in place of the heavy cream for a vegan version of this cheesecake.
Nut Crust: If you like extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the graham cracker crust mixture.
Other Toppings: You can customize the toppings by adding other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts for additional texture.
Chocolate Crust: Swap the graham cracker crust with a chocolate cookie crust for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This cheesecake needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days. If you have leftovers, it’s best to keep them chilled and consume within a few days for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a regular pie pan instead of a springform pan?

Yes, you can use a regular pie pan, but a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake cleanly. If you use a pie pan, you may need to serve directly from the pan.

Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping my own cream?

Yes, you can substitute the homemade whipped cream with store-bought whipped topping if you’re short on time, but whipping your own cream will give the cheesecake a richer texture.

Can I make this cheesecake a day ahead?

Yes, this cheesecake needs to be chilled for at least 4 hours or overnight, so making it ahead of time works perfectly. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Can I add more chocolate to this cheesecake?

Absolutely! You can drizzle more chocolate syrup over the top or even mix chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a richer chocolate flavor.

Can I use frozen fruit for the toppings?

While fresh fruit works best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen fruit if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.

Is this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, this cheesecake is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free alternative for the crust.

Can I use a different fruit instead of pineapple or bananas?

Sure! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different flavor.

How do I make sure the cheesecake sets properly?

Be sure to chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the filling to firm up properly. If you find it’s still too soft, you can place it in the freezer for 30 minutes to help it set.

Conclusion

Chilled Banana Split Cheesecake is a fun and indulgent dessert that brings together the classic flavors of a banana split in a creamy, no-bake cheesecake form. With a sweet, buttery crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and an irresistible topping of fruit and chocolate, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a family treat, it’s the perfect dessert to cool off with during warmer months. Enjoy every bite of this refreshing and decadent dessert!

Chilled Banana Split Cheesecake: A Sweet, No-Bake Delight

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Chilled Banana Split Cheesecake is a creamy, no-bake dessert that combines the classic flavors of a banana split in a cheesecake form. With a graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, and topped with bananas, maraschino cherries, pineapple, and chocolate syrup, it’s a fun and indulgent treat.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (or overnight)
Yield: 8-10 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form a crust. Press down firmly to ensure the crust is compact and even.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust.
Add the Toppings: Top the cheesecake with banana slices, maraschino cherries, crushed pineapple, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set and firm up.
Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy this sweet, refreshing treat!