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Creamy No Bake Banana Split Dessert Recipe Easy and Irresistible

creamy no bake banana split dessert - featured image

A quick and easy no bake dessert that captures the classic banana split flavors with creamy cottage cheese layers, fresh fruit, and a crunchy crust. Perfect for busy days and warm weather, this dessert is light, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese, small-curd
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or whipping cream (use coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced (not too mushy)
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) fresh pineapple chunks or canned, drained
  • 1 cup (100g) crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • Chocolate syrup or melted dark chocolate (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking dish. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
  2. Blend the creamy layer: Place cottage cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a blender or bowl. Blend or whip with an electric mixer until smooth and thick, about 2-3 minutes. Add more powdered sugar if needed to thicken.
  3. Slice the fruit: Peel and slice bananas into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Slice strawberries and chop pineapple into bite-sized chunks.
  4. Assemble the layers: Spread half of the creamy mixture evenly over the crust. Layer the bananas, strawberries, and pineapple evenly on top. Spread the remaining creamy mixture over the fruit and smooth with a spatula.
  5. Chill to set: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and dessert to firm up.
  6. Finish with toppings: Before serving, drizzle chocolate syrup or melted dark chocolate over the top. Add maraschino cherries and sprinkle chopped nuts if desired.

Notes

Use lemon juice on sliced bananas to prevent browning. Chill mixing bowls and beaters before whipping cream for better texture. For gluten-free, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour crust. Cottage cheese can be substituted with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives but will alter flavor and texture. Avoid freezing as it affects texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: no bake dessert, banana split, creamy dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, cottage cheese dessert, quick dessert, healthy dessert