No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe

When you’re craving something that combines the classic indulgence of a banana split with the rich, creamy goodness of a cheesecake—look no further than this No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake. It’s the dessert you’ll be dreaming about, with layers of smooth cream cheese filling, sweet bananas, and all the iconic toppings—chocolate, pineapple, and whipped cream. The best part? No oven required! This cheesecake is super easy to make, perfect for a quick dessert that looks like it took hours to prepare. If you want to wow your family, friends, or even yourself, this is the treat you need to try. Believe me, it’s every bit as good as it sounds, and then some.

Why You’ll Love No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake

Cool and Creamy:

There’s nothing like the cool, creamy texture of cheesecake on a hot day, and this no-bake version is perfect for those lazy summer afternoons or when you’re just craving something indulgent without the effort.

Perfectly Balanced:

This dessert has the best of all worlds. Sweet bananas, creamy cheesecake filling, and the crunchy graham cracker crust combine in perfect harmony. Add in the chocolate, pineapple, and whipped cream toppings, and it’s like your favorite banana split in cheesecake form!

Quick and Easy:

No need to turn on the oven! This is a no-bake recipe, so it’s an easy, foolproof way to get a showstopping dessert on the table with minimal effort.

Customizable:

Want to make it extra decadent? Add extra chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts. You can easily tweak the toppings to fit your preferences and make this treat your own.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs: For that signature crunch.
• Butter: To hold the crust together and give it that rich flavor.
• Sugar: Just a touch for sweetness.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese: The base of the filling, smooth and creamy.
• Sugar: To sweeten the filling just enough.
• Heavy cream: To create that velvety texture.
• Vanilla extract: For a touch of warmth.
• Bananas: Sliced and layered for that classic banana split flavor.

For the Toppings:

• Whipped cream: Light, fluffy, and perfect for topping it all off.
• Chocolate syrup: For that rich chocolate drizzle.
• Pineapple: Chopped, to add that tropical sweetness.
• Maraschino cherries: Because what’s a banana split without a cherry on top?
• Chopped nuts (optional): For some added crunch and flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Make the Crust:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
2. Press Into a Pan: Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (or a regular pie dish). Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

3. Mix the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
4. Add the Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat again until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Layer the Bananas: Slice bananas and layer them on top of the crust, creating a nice even layer. You’ll want the bananas to be as even as possible to ensure each bite gets a good balance of fruit and cheesecake filling.

Assemble the Cheesecake:

6. Spread the Filling: Carefully spread the cheesecake filling over the bananas, smoothing it out to cover them completely. The filling should be nice and thick.
7. Chill the Cheesecake: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set.

Add the Toppings:

8. Top with Whipped Cream: Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the fridge and top it with a generous layer of whipped cream.
9. Add Chocolate Syrup: Drizzle chocolate syrup generously over the whipped cream for that classic banana split flavor.
10. Add Pineapple and Cherries: Scatter the pineapple chunks over the whipped cream, and top with maraschino cherries for a fun, colorful touch.
11. Add Nuts (Optional): If you like, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.

Serve and Enjoy:

12. Slice and Serve: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan, slice the cheesecake, and serve. Enjoy the creamy and tropical goodness in every bite!

How to Serve No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake

As a Showstopper Dessert:

Serve this cheesecake as the grand finale to any gathering, from family dinners to potlucks. It’s sure to be the talk of the party, and everyone will love the creamy, fruity, and chocolatey layers.

With Extra Toppings:

For extra indulgence, consider adding some chocolate shavings, toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of caramel on top. You can never have too many toppings when it comes to a banana split-inspired dessert!

Pair with Ice Cream:

If you want to go all-out, serve this cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the cheesecake’s creamy texture and the bananas.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Bananas:

For the best flavor and texture, make sure to use fresh bananas. They’ll give the cheesecake that delicious, sweet banana split flavor.

Let It Set:

Don’t rush the chilling process. It’s important to allow the cheesecake to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps it hold together and makes slicing much easier.

Customize the Toppings:

Feel free to adjust the toppings to your liking. Add chopped strawberries, crushed pineapple, or even chocolate chips for a personal twist on this classic dessert.

Use a Springform Pan:

If you want to make slicing and serving easier, use a springform pan. It’s perfect for cheesecakes, as it allows you to easily remove the sides once the cheesecake has set.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 330
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or overnight)

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

A1: Yes! In fact, this is the perfect dessert to prepare in advance. It needs a few hours (or overnight) to chill and set, so making it the day before is ideal.

Q2: Can I use a store-bought crust?

A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust. Just be sure to skip the steps for making the crust, and go straight to layering the bananas and cheesecake filling.

Q3: Can I add other fruits to this cheesecake?

A3: Yes, you can definitely get creative! Try adding strawberries, blueberries, or mango for a twist on the classic banana split.

Q4: How can I make this cheesecake dairy-free?

A4: To make this dessert dairy-free, swap out the cream cheese for a non-dairy cream cheese alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and find a dairy-free whipped cream option.

Q5: Can I use a different type of nut?

A5: Absolutely! If you prefer almonds, pecans, or cashews, feel free to swap them in for the walnuts.

Q6: Can I freeze this cheesecake?

A6: Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q7: Can I use frozen bananas for the topping?

A7: Fresh bananas work best for the topping, as frozen bananas may become too mushy. But if you don’t mind the texture change, frozen bananas can still work!

Q8: Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

A8: Yes! You can make this in a regular pie dish or a 9-inch round cake pan. Just be careful when serving, as the edges won’t release as easily as with a springform pan.

Q9: How long will this cheesecake last?

A9: If stored properly in the fridge, this cheesecake will last for up to 4-5 days.

Q10: Can I add caramel to this cheesecake?

A10: Yes! Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness. It’ll complement the bananas and chocolate perfectly!

Conclusion

This No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake is the dessert of your dreams. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. With its layers of rich cheesecake filling, sweet bananas, and tropical toppings, it’s like your favorite banana split but in cheesecake form. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, this dessert is sure to be a hit! So go ahead—treat yourself to a slice of heaven.

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