Let’s assemble this fun and delicious layered banana split dessert:

1. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:

• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and the melted butter. Stir with a fork until all crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture resembles coarse, wet sand.
• Press this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to pack it down tightly.
• Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

2. Prepare the No-Bake Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps.
• Gradually add the 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar and the vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue beating until the mixture is well combined, light, and fluffy.
• Add the thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip) to the cream cheese mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped topping in until just combined and no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping and make the filling less airy.

3. Assemble the Dessert Layers:

• Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator.
• Spread half of the prepared cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust, creating a smooth layer.
• Fruit Layer: Arrange the slices from 2 bananas evenly over the first cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the very well-drained crushed pineapple over the bananas. Dot the layer with the halved maraschino cherries (pat them dry first to prevent color bleeding if desired).
• Second Cheesecake Layer: Gently spread the remaining half of the cheesecake mixture over the fruit layer, smoothing the surface carefully with your spatula.

4. Add Sauce Drizzles:

• Drizzle the chocolate syrup and the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer in a decorative zigzag pattern, or any pattern you like.

5. Chill Until Firm:

• Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the no-bake cheesecake to set completely and the flavors to meld. This chilling time is crucial for the dessert to firm up properly for slicing.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Just before serving, garnish the chilled dessert with dollops or swirls of additional whipped cream, fresh banana slices, more maraschino cherries, and/or chocolate pieces or shavings, if desired.
• Slice into squares and serve chilled.

An impressive no-bake dessert achieved with simple, fun layering