Welcome to your new favorite dessert discovery—No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake! Whether you’re hosting a summer party, surprising the family with something sweet, or just craving that classic banana split taste with a creamy twist, this recipe is your go-to. What makes it even better? It’s completely no-bake, meaning no oven stress and all the flavor.
At Recipes2Gather.com, we believe in creating joy through food—this dessert does exactly that. With layers of luscious cheesecake, fresh bananas, strawberries, crushed cookies, and chocolate drizzle, it captures the essence of an old-fashioned banana split in every bite. Inspired by our love for nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treats like our Christmas Cranberry Salad and German Chocolate Cookies, this no-bake dessert is both a showstopper and a breeze to make. Let’s dive in!
Key Benefits
This No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a smart, satisfying solution for anyone craving a homemade treat with minimal effort. Here’s why it belongs in your dessert rotation:
- No baking needed: Perfect for hot weather or busy schedules, this cake sets in the fridge. That means less time in the kitchen and no heating up your home.
- Kid-approved and party-ready: Its bright, colorful layers and banana-split flavor profile make it a natural centerpiece for birthdays, BBQs, or family gatherings.
- Creamy yet light: Thanks to the whipped cream cheese and whipped topping, this cheesecake feels indulgent without being too heavy.
- Customizable layers: You can easily switch up the fruit or add ingredients like crushed pineapple or toasted coconut based on what you have.
- Made ahead: This dessert holds up beautifully in the fridge overnight, making your event prep less hectic.
Plus, it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures—from the buttery chocolate cookie crust to the sweet banana-strawberry combo and a touch of crunch from chopped nuts or sprinkles. If you loved the flavor layering in our Pumpkin Dump Cake, this one’s going to hit the same spot.
Ingredients for No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake
Creating this no-bake beauty takes simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For-the-Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, crushed finely)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For-the-Cheesecake-Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup of heavy cream, beaten until it holds firm peaks
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
For-the-Toppings:
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts
- Optional: maraschino cherries, sprinkles
All ingredients are accessible and flexible. You can substitute light cream cheese or use gluten-free cookie crumbs to make it suit your needs. This recipe is meant to bring people together without sending anyone to the specialty store. For a lighter dairy-free option, try techniques similar to our Cottage Cheese Dessert Recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake
Follow this simple guide to assemble your banana split cheesecake masterpiece:
- Make the Crust:
Mix crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter in a bowl until fully combined. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and freeze it for 10 to 15 minutes to let it set. - Whip the Filling:
Use a big bowl to mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until the texture turns creamy and smooth. Fold in the whipped heavy cream gently, then stir in the crushed pineapple. - Assemble the Cheesecake Layer:
Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top using a spatula. - Add Fruit:
Arrange sliced bananas and strawberries on top of the cheesecake layer. Press them slightly into the filling to hold their place. - Decorate the Top:
Pipe or dollop whipped topping around the edges. Pour a generous swirl of chocolate sauce over the top, then scatter on some chopped nuts for crunch. Add maraschino cherries or sprinkles if desired. - Chill Before Serving:
Let the cheesecake chill in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours, or even better, overnight, so it sets up nicely. - Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully release from the pan, slice with a warm knife, and serve chilled.
Each step is designed to be intuitive and quick—just like we do in our Hello Fresh Brownies Guide.
Creative Twists for Your No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake
Want to level up or tweak this treat to make it your own? Let’s look at some clever ideas and playful ways to switch things up:
- Use stabilized whipped cream if preparing ahead to ensure a neater presentation.
- Try a graham cracker crust if chocolate isn’t your thing.
- Add a strawberry glaze or drizzle raspberry preserves for extra fruit-forward flavor.
- Stir in some mini chocolate chips to catch those fun little pops of chocolate in every bite.
- Swap out fruits depending on season—mango, raspberries, or cherries also work beautifully.
- Go nut-free by skipping the chopped nuts or replacing with crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
If you enjoyed customizing our Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer, you’ll have just as much fun mixing this recipe up to match your mood or pantry.
Serving Suggestions for No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake
This cake shines in any setting, but here are a few thoughtful ways to serve it that elevate the experience:
- Serve chilled slices with a drizzle of chocolate and caramel syrup for a full sundae effect.
- Pair with iced coffee or a fruity punch like our Shirley Temple Punch for a festive treat.
- Slice and store in cupcake liners for easy party serving.
- Make minis in jars or ramekins for single-serve fun—perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
Whatever the occasion, this dessert brings the fun and nostalgia of an old-school banana split to your modern table with no mess, no stress.
Helpful Resources on No-Bake Banana Cheesecake
- For expert advice on how to make stabilized whipped cream, check out The Kitchn’s detailed guide.
- Discover why bananas are great in desserts with this Healthline article on banana nutrition.
- Check out Bon Appétit for some fresh ideas on how to make no-bake pie crusts that really stand out.
- Learn how to safely store no-bake cheesecakes at Serious Eats.
Conclusion
From backyard cookouts to special birthdays, the No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that gets people smiling and asking for seconds. It’s vibrant, creamy, and just plain fun—yet it’s also practical enough for weekday desserts.
Whether you’re reminiscing about diner-style sundaes or introducing your kids to a new favorite, this cheesecake is pure joy in every layer. Simple to prep, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress—it embodies the Recipes2Gather.com mission of making cooking joyful and effortless.
Print
No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Delight Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 4 hours (with chill)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nostalgic no-bake dessert with creamy layers of cheesecake, bananas, and strawberries on a chocolate cookie crust—fun, fruity, and fabulous.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup whipped heavy cream
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Mix crumbs and butter, press into pan, chill.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, fold in whipped cream and pineapple.
- Assemble: Spread filling over crust.
- Add Fruit: Layer bananas and strawberries on top.
- Decorate: Pipe whipped cream, drizzle syrup, add nuts.
- Chill: Refrigerate 4+ hours before slicing.
Notes
Best served fresh or within 2–3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, banana split, summer dessert
FAQs
How many days can I keep this cheesecake chilled?
If you pop it in a sealed container, it’ll stay tasty in the fridge for around three days.. The banana slices may brown slightly, but the flavor remains great.
Can I freeze this no-bake cheesecake?
Yes! Wrap it snugly and it’ll hold up in the freezer for a solid month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping alternatives, and a vegan cookie crust for a delicious plant-based version.
What’s the best way to slice it cleanly?
Use a knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between slices for that perfect presentation.
Can kids safely join in and help make this recipe?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic recipe for kids to help layer, decorate, and assemble since there’s no baking or sharp tools involved.