No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe

Craving a classic banana split but looking for something a little more indulgent and sophisticated? This No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth! It combines all the elements of a traditional banana split—bananas, strawberries, pineapple, and chocolate—layered with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, all without needing to turn on the oven. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, parties, or whenever you're in the mood for a cool, fruity treat. Ready to create a show-stopping dessert? Let’s dive in!

this Recipe

What is a No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake?

A No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake is a chilled dessert that layers a graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling, followed by fresh fruit, chocolate, and whipped cream—just like a banana split! Instead of baking the cheesecake, the filling sets in the refrigerator, making this dessert easy to prepare and perfect for hot days when you don’t want to use the oven. The end result is a delicious, nostalgic dessert that combines the best parts of a banana split with the smooth texture of cheesecake.

Ingredients List for No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full crackers)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 3 bananas, sliced

For the Fruit Topping:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained well)
• ¼ cup maraschino cherries, halved

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

For Garnish (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or peanuts)
• Chocolate syrup
• Additional maraschino cherries

Substitutions and Variations

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped cream alternatives, and replace the butter with a plant-based substitute.
• Other Fruit Options: Swap out strawberries and pineapple for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mango for a different flavor twist.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: For extra texture, mix ½ cup of chopped nuts into the graham cracker crust or sprinkle them on top.
• Caramel Drizzle: Swap the chocolate drizzle for caramel sauce or use both for an extra decadent dessert.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish or a springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down evenly. Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract and mix until combined.

In a separate bowl, whip 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. This will give the cheesecake filling a light, fluffy texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Layer

Remove the graham cracker crust from the refrigerator. Arrange a layer of sliced bananas over the crust. Then, spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the bananas, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Fruit Topping

Evenly distribute the sliced strawberries and drained crushed pineapple over the cheesecake filling. Halve maraschino cherries and sprinkle them over the fruit layer.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Drizzle

In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (but not boil). Remove from the heat and pour the hot cream over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Step 6: Drizzle the Chocolate

Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the fruit layer. You can use a spoon or transfer the ganache to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off for a more controlled drizzle.

Step 7: Chill the Cheesecake

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set completely.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, top the cheesecake with dollops of whipped cream, chopped nuts, extra maraschino cherries, or more chocolate syrup if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Draining the Pineapple: Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple well, as excess liquid can make the cheesecake soggy.
• Overmixing the Whipped Cream: When folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate the whipped cream and make the filling less airy.
• Skipping Chill Time: This cheesecake needs several hours in the fridge to set properly. Rushing this step will result in a soft, runny filling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake

• Chilled: This dessert is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you need a cool, refreshing treat.
• Pair with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent experience, serve slices of the cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.

Presentation Ideas for No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake

• Whipped Cream and Nuts: Add a finishing touch by piping whipped cream rosettes around the edges of the cheesecake and sprinkling chopped nuts over the top.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle more chocolate syrup or ganache over each slice just before serving for an elegant presentation.
• Extra Fruit: Garnish with extra slices of banana or strawberries to emphasize the fresh fruit flavors.

No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Chill Overnight for Best Results: While the cheesecake will set in about 4 hours, it’s best to chill it overnight for a firmer texture and better flavor.
• Use a Springform Pan for Easy Removal: A springform pan makes it easier to slice and serve the cheesecake cleanly without damaging the sides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert. It can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

How long will this cheesecake last in the fridge?

This cheesecake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when covered properly. If you plan to store it for longer, avoid adding the fresh fruit topping until the day you serve it.

Can I freeze No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake. However, it’s best to freeze it without the fruit topping, as the fresh fruit may become mushy when thawed. Freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the fruit and chocolate drizzle before serving.

Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust from the store. Just make sure to get one that fits a 9-inch pie or springform pan.

What if I don’t like maraschino cherries?

If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, feel free to skip them or replace them with another topping like fresh raspberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake is a fun, fruity twist on the classic banana split, combined with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. With layers of fresh fruit, a light cheesecake filling, and a decadent chocolate drizzle, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially during the warmer months. It’s easy to make, no oven required, and always a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, chill that cheesecake, and enjoy a slice of summer in every bite! Happy no-baking!

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