Gluten-Free No-Bake Banana Split Dessert
A layered frozen dessert that captures all the flavors of a classic banana split in convenient bar form. Built on a buttery graham cracker crust, this treat features a creamy vanilla pudding layer topped with fresh bananas, crushed pineapple, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for summer gatherings or when you want an impressive dessert without turning on the oven. The combination of textures and familiar banana split flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that can be made entirely ahead of time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Process graham crumbs and butter until mixture resembles wet sand, pat into greased 9x13 inch dish and freeze for 10 minutes
- 2
Whisk pudding mix and milk in small bowl, set aside to thicken
- 3
Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy, whisk in pudding mixture and pour over set crust
- 4
Layer sliced bananas over custard, followed by drained pineapple and whipped cream
- 5
Drizzle with hot fudge and top with maraschino cherries, cover and refrigerate minimum 6 hours or overnight
Tips
Squeeze crushed pineapple thoroughly in clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy layers
Freeze the crust briefly to ensure it holds together when adding the creamy layer
Allow pudding mixture to thicken before combining with cream cheese for best texture
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days
Must be made at least 6 hours ahead, better overnight
Cut into squares with sharp knife, serve chilled
Common Mistakes
Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid watery layers
Allow each layer to set before adding the next for clean cuts
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but dice it finely and pat dry. Fresh pineapple has more juice so extra draining is crucial to prevent soggy layers.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Covered tightly, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The bananas may brown slightly but the dessert remains delicious.
Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving for best texture.