Banana Split Dessert: a heavenly dessert recipe perfect for BBQ's! (2024)

5 from 1 vote

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Author: Amanda Formaro

Bottom Graham Cracker Crust Layer (for no bake crust option):

• ▢ 10 ounces graham crackers 2 5-ounce packages, finely ground using a food processor or manually crushing
• ▢ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled

Bottom Pecan Crust Layer (for baked crust option):

• ▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
• ▢ 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped or food processor processed
• ▢ 1/4 cup granulated white sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

• ▢ 16 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
• ▢ 1 cup granulated white sugar
• ▢ 1.5 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

Banana Cream Pudding Layer

• ▢ 6.8 ounces instant banana cream pudding mix 2 3.4-ounce packages
• ▢ 4 cups milk

Whipped & Toppings Layer

• ▢ 8 ounces Cool Whip you can substitute the same amount whipped cream
• ▢ 2-3 chopped pecans or walnuts
• ▢ 10 ounce maraschino cherries may be extra left over
• ▢ 20 ounce pineapple chunks may be extra left over
• ▢ 3 tbsp chocolate sauce to drizzle over slices
• ▢ 1 large banana sliced and added right before serving

• Bottom Graham Cracker Crust (for a no bake crust option): In a medium-large bowl, mix melted and cooled unsalted butter with finely ground, processed graham crackers. Press into the bottom of a 13X9 pan. Cover and chill until the next layer is ready.

• Bottom Pecan Crust Layer (for traditional lush baked crust option): Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, melted and cooled butter, finely ground pecans and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes (25 mins works best for me) until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before adding any layers.

• Cream Cheese Layer(2nd layer): Using a hand electric mixer, combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1-2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons works best for me). Mixture should be even and smooth. Spread evenly on top of the baked and cooled bottom pecan crust or no bake graham cracker crust.

• Banana Cream Pudding Layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the milk and instant banana cream pudding mix until set. It may take 4-5 minutes to thicken. Spread evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.

• Whipped & Toppings Layer: Using an offset spatula, spread thawed whipped topping on top of the banana cream pudding layer. Place the maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks on top of the whipped layer. For serving drizzle with chocolate sauce. Optionally, before serving you can serve with freshly sliced bananas. Optionally, you can freeze the Bananas Fosters Lush overnight (without the Bananas Fosters sauce) for more defined slices. Do not freeze if you substitute homemade whipped cream because it might not hold up like frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip.Enjoy!