Easy No Bake Banana Split Pie Dessert Recipe

This No Bake Banana Split Pie Dessert has a cookie crumb crust, a layer of vanilla cream, and a chocolate layer laden with maraschino cherries and bananas. There’s no ice cream in this, but it is frozen and tastes divine! Top it off with your favorite chocolate syrup, some homemade whipped cream or perhaps a cup of Cool Whip, and this is one delicious way to a perfect Summer dessert!

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An Easy No-Bake Summer Dessert

The beginning of summer always has me trying to squeeze in the summer foods I’ve missed—summer salads and grilled fruit pies especially—and hence the need for this banana split pie.

After all, one must have a banana split at least once during the summer, right?

There’s something undeniably delightful about a classic banana split, with its vibrant colors, creamy ice cream, and an array of scrumptious toppings. 

But what if I told you that it’s possible to enjoy all those fabulous flavors in this simple no-bake dessert? 

That’s right – I’m talking about a luscious Banana Split Pie dessert that will leave your taste buds begging for more. 

So roll up your sleeves and get ready to embark on a sweet adventure!

This easy-to-follow recipe combines the best elements of a traditional banana split into a layered dessert that will surely become a family favorite. 

Why I Love This No Bake Banana Split Dessert

Truthfully, I love this no bake banana split dessert, not just because it’s the perfect dessert for summer but because I don’t have to create an ice cream sundae bar.

It takes time to put all the ice cream and toppings out, and it makes a real mess of my counter.

That might be one of the best things about this delicious banana split dessert!

Besides the fact that it tastes better than a banana split sundae. I am not joking!

When the moment finally arrives to unveil your masterpiece, carefully remove the plastic wrap and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature before slicing it with a knife dipped into hot water.

The sight of the creamy layers, the decadent toppings, and the sweet graham cracker crust will undoubtedly make this a classic dessert that you will want to serve again and again!

Serve huge slices of this at your next family gathering or special occasion, and be prepared for compliments!

How To Make This Banana Split Pie Dessert Recipe

Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a comforting treat during colder months, this no bake banana split pie dessert is a crowd-pleaser all year round.

STEP 1: Prepare the Crust

The first step is to create the buttery graham cracker crust, which is the foundation for all the following deliciousness. 

Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter, some chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, macadamias, or pecans), and a little sugar, and press the mixture into a pie plate. 

Place in the freezer to chill while you are making the filling.

Note that this isn’t a cream cheese filling, though many recipes I’ve seen use this for banana split desserts.

STEP 2: Make the First Layer

Note: This recipe does contain raw eggs. If you are worried, make sure to buy pasteurized eggs.

Whip butter, eggs, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. 

The sweet vanilla mixture adds a velvety texture and a delightful richness to the dessert.

Spoon this goodness into the chilled graham cracker crumb crust, then place it back in the freezer while making the chocolate banana layer.

STEP 3: Prepare the Top Layer

The third step is a necessary component that captures the essence of a classic banana split. 

Puree two ripe bananas and mix into the cocoa whipped cream layer.

For the whipped cream, you can either use heavy cream or Cool Whip. If using Cool Whip, be sure to adjust the sugar.

Combine the whipped cream with the cocoa, pureed bananas, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries.

Spread this in an even layer on top of the vanilla layer.

Note: If you are a pineapple lover and believe they are part of a banana split, drain a small can of crushed pineapple and spread over the vanilla layer before spooning on the cocoa layer.

No Bake Banana Split Pie Dessert Steps in Review

1. Make the crust.
2. Make the vanilla layer.
3. Spread with pineapple if using.
4. Top with the chocolate banana layer.
5. Now freeze!

I know you can’t wait to taste this heavenly blend of flavors reminiscent of hot summer days.

Banana Split Pie Dessert Toppings

After this no bake banana split dessert has frozen, it’s time to add your favorite—my favorite part.

• Top with more whipped cream, whipped topping, hot fudge sauce, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, fresh bananas, and peanuts!

• Add some extra maraschino cherries and chopped toasted pecans to this delicious dessert.

• Add fresh strawberries for a burst of vibrant color.

• Don’t forget a sprinkling of crushed Oreo crumbs for that extra touch of indulgence.

• If you like strawberry, hot fudge, or caramel sauce, add a drizzle of any or all of these, too!

The options are endless and entirely customizable to suit your preferences. 

Serve & Store

Once you’ve assembled your banana split pie dessert to perfection, cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. 

This will allow the flavors to meld together, creating what I call a crowd favorite!

Forget Dairy Queen, (or Fairy Queen which is what Alex called it ever since he learned to talk…we thought it was so cute, we never corrected him) whose hot fudge sundaes I grew up on; I adore this pie.

Give me a cookie crumb crust any day filled with a vanilla cream layer and topped with a chocolate-filled maraschino banana layer.

One must, of course, add whipped cream, Cool Whip or fresh heavy cream whipped into soft peaks.

But trust me, that swirly stuff out of the can works, too!

In my opinion, this banana split pie is better than the original dessert!

*This is an updated post from 2017.

Other Summer Dessert Recipes You Might Enjoy

Hot Fudge Sauce

Soft Serve Ice Cream

Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream

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