Southern-Style Banana Split Cake: Perfect No-Bake Layered Dessert
A classic Southern-style banana split cake made with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cream cheese layer, fresh fruit, and whipped topping—an easy, nostalgic no-bake dessert perfect for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
¾ cup white sugar
¼ pound butter, melted
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
4 bananas, sliced
1 (15 oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained
1 (16 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (16 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained
12 oz crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, white sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl until evenly mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form the crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Layer the sliced bananas evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread the drained crushed pineapple over the bananas.
- Gently spread the whipped topping evenly over the fruit layer.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top and evenly scatter the drained cherries.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, preferably longer for best texture.
Notes
Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
Keep bananas fully covered to slow browning.
Walnuts can be substituted for peanuts if desired.
Chocolate drizzle or shavings make a great optional topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
