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Chocolate Banana Split Cake

Make this easy No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Cake! Features layers of graham cracker crust, bananas, pineapple, vanilla pudding, cookies, and whipped cream

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers (or vanilla wafers)
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup sugar

For the Layers:

  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz size)
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream OR 1 (8–12 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar (only if making homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (only if making homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
  • Chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate graham crackers, for layering (approx. 1-1.5 cups crushed or enough to cover layer)

For the Topping:

  • 1–2 bananas, sliced
  • Chocolate drizzle (from the melted chips or extra fudge sauce)
  • Crushed cookies or graham cracker crumbs

(Note: The original ingredient list for “Layers” included “1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (or whipped topping)”. The instruction for “Whip the Cream” then detailed making homemade whipped cream with “1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla”. The ingredient list for the topping just said “Whipped cream.” For clarity and assuming enough for layers and top, I’ll use the homemade components for the main description, noting Cool Whip as an alternative throughout). I will assume the 1.5 cups of cream makes enough for both a filling layer and a topping layer, though it might be tight.

Ensure Cool Whip is thawed if using, and heavy cream is very cold if whipping

Instructions

Let’s assemble this fun and delicious layered dessert:

1. Make the Crust:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers (or vanilla wafers), melted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Stir with a fork until all crumbs are moistened.
  • Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or pan.
  • Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to set while you prepare the other layers.

2. Prepare the Pudding Layer:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk until it begins to thicken (usually about 2 minutes).
  • Let the pudding sit and set for about 5 minutes.

3. Whip the Cream (if using homemade):

  • While the pudding sets, if making homemade whipped cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer.
  • Once it starts to thicken, gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside. (If using pre-made whipped topping like Cool Whip, ensure it’s thawed).

4. Assemble the Layers:

  • Fruit Layer: Remove the chilled crust from the fridge. Arrange slices from 2 bananas evenly over the crust. Spread the well-drained crushed pineapple over the bananas.
  • Pudding Layer 1: Spoon about half of the prepared vanilla pudding mixture over the fruit layer and spread gently.
  • Cookie Layer: Create a layer of chocolate sandwich cookies (broken into pieces if needed) or chocolate graham crackers over the pudding.
  • Pudding Layer 2: Top the cookies with the remaining pudding mixture, spreading it evenly.
  • Cream Layer: Gently spread a generous layer of the whipped cream (or about half of your Cool Whip if using a 16oz tub) over the pudding.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle about half of the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips over the cream layer.

5. Chill Until Firm:

  • Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set completely and the flavors to meld.

6. Garnish and Serve:

  • Just before serving, top the chilled dessert with fresh banana slices (from the 1-2 additional bananas).
  • Drizzle with the remaining melted chocolate.
  • Sprinkle with additional crushed cookies or graham cracker crumbs. Slice into squares and serve.

A delightful no-bake treat ready after chilling

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/chocolate-banana-split-cake/