Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Banana Split Dessert

Teresa Ambra

Banana Split Dessert is one of the most wonderful desserts you will ever taste. It is so yummy and delicious! What’s not to like about banana splits? If you like ice cream-style Banana splits, you will love this dessert. It has a graham cracker layer, then a frosting/pudding/cheesecake layer, followed by a banana layer, a pineapple layer, then a cool whip layer. Finally, it’s topped with walnuts and maraschino cherries. Wonderful!

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This is an amazingly spectacular dessert. It’s creamy texture is so luscious, but then it has just enough crunch from the crust, walnuts and the maraschino cherries to make it really scrumptious  and mouth watering. This is a great dessert for any time of the year but it is really extra special during the holidays or Valentine’s Day. With the beautiful red cherries on top this dessert looks so elegant and presents really nicely for company.

I have no idea where this recipe originated. I’ve seen it all over the Internet and in several of my cookbooks. This recipe was given to me by Beth Stanley when we living in Florida in the 1980s. Beth and Ted were friends of ours from our Sunday school class.

I’ve changed the recipe up a bit. Originally, you are supposed to cream a powdered sugar mixture for 20 minutes! Yes, that’s right, 20 minutes! After doing this once, with no difference between the texture from what it was after about a minute of mixing, I stopped mixing that part more than just what it takes to be creamy. (This did not expand like beating egg whites).

Our family loves this delicious dessert. We think you will enjoy it to. For a spectacular holiday dessert you need to try this out some time.

When I initially posted this recipe in July 2012, and then updated again in January 2013, I was using an iPhone 3 for a camera. My pictures were not as sharp as I would have liked and they had a few too many props.

I recently remade this recipe (December 2016) for a Christmas party for our Sunday school class. Banana Split Dessert was a winner! Everyone wanted a piece and even the kids were eating multiple slices of this delectable dessert.

I recommend making dessert this the day you plan to serve it, otherwise the bananas will start darkening. If you are looking for a wonderful company dessert look no farther. You won’t be able to stop drooling over this one!

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Banana Split Dessert is festive, beautiful and an excellent choice for special occasions.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

This side view shows the layers.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Banana Split Dessert is elegant enough for holiday entertaining like Christmas, New Years or Valentine’s Day.

Here’s what I did.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

I used these ingredients.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Melt butter in bowl. Add graham cracker crumbs. Stir all ingredients together.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Press crumbs down into a 9×13″ glass baking dish.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Soften butter in mixing bowl. Add eggs, vanilla and powdered sugar.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Cream all ingredients together with an electric mixer.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Spread the mixture over top of the graham cracker crust.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

The next layer is bananas. While the recipe doesn’t call for you to soak the bananas in lemon juice, I swirl the sliced bananas in a little juice and then pat dry with paper towels before layering the bananas on top of the dish. This way the bananas won’t discolor as quickly.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Place two layers of bananas on top of previous layer. This is about 8 bananas.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Drain crushed pineapple. Press all the pineapple juice out through the holes in a colander. Sprinkle pineapple over top of bananas.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Spread Cool Whip over top of pineapple layer. Add toasted coconut and finely diced pecans or walnuts.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Add maraschino cherries. Rinse maraschino cherries and pat dry so the cherry juice doesn’t stain the cool whip. Add maraschino cherries on top.  Refrigerate a few hours before serving.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Now Banana Split Dessert is ready to serve!

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Each bite of Banana Split Dessert is filled with pineapple, cherries and bananas. Wow!

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Everyone loves Banana Split Dessert. It’s like eating Banana Splits without the ice cream! It’s time to eat a slab of this delicious dessert!

Here’s the recipe.

BANANA SPLIT DESSERT

(Recipe adapted from Beth Stanley, when we attended First Baptist Church Indian Rocks, Largo, FL)

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Banana Split Dessert

Teresa Ambra
Banana Split Dessert is an outstanding vintage recipe. This festive, gorgeous dessert is like eating a banana split with a cheesecake layer instead of ice cream. It's filled with bananas, pineapple, toasted coconut, maraschino cherries and walnuts or pecans. Delightful for holidays and special occasions.
4 from 20 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 488 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 small cookie sheet to toast coconut
  • 1 toaster oven or regular oven to toast coconut
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter softened (1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 7-8 large ripe bananas sliced and dipped in lemon juice to prevent discoloration; I used 8 bananas
  • 16 oz. can crushed pineapple drained
  • 12 oz. container TruWhip or other non-dairy whipped topping
  • 1 cup crushed walnuts or pecans
  • 10 oz. jar maraschino cherries drained, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1/2 cup coconut toasted

Instructions
 

  • Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a small mixing bowl.
  • Press into 9x13” pan.
  • Combine powdered sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla and mix well with an electric mixer.
  • Pour over graham cracker crust.
  • Layer bananas, (8 bananas make about 2 layers of the bananas), then add drained, crushed pineapple over top.
  • Spread non-dairy whipped topping over top.
  • Sprinkle with walnuts or pecans and toasted coconut.
  • Rinse, drain and pat dry the cherries. (The cherries must be dry or they will leak into the whipped topping.)
  • Place maraschino cherries on top.
  • Refrigerate a few hours before serving.

Notes

NOTE: I recommend serving this dessert the same day you make it rather than the following day so the bananas stay fresh.
 
NOTE: Preparation time does not include time necessary to refrigerate dessert before serving.
 
NOTE: The original recipe called for mixing the powdered sugar layer for 20 minutes. I didn’t feel like this accomplished anything for the consistency of the layer, so I usually only mix for 5 minutes.
 
NOTE: This vintage recipe does use uncooked eggs in the layers.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 5gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 105mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 4gSugar: 43gVitamin A: 643IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bananas, cherries, cherry dessert, coconut, cream cheese, dessert, pineapple, pineapple dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Banana Split Dessert[/b]
Recipe Type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Beth Stanley when we attended First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, Largo, FL
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 15
This festive, gorgeous dessert is like eating a banana split with a cheesecake layer instead of ice cream. It’s filled with bananas, pineapple, maraschino cherries and walnuts.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp. melted butter or margarine
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 sticks softened butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 7 bananas, sliced and dipped in lemon juice to prevent discoloration (I used 8 bananas)
  • 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 12-oz. container cool whip (I used a 16-oz. container)
  • 1 cup crushed walnuts
  • 1 small jar maraschino cherries
Instructions
  1. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
  2. Press into 9×13” pan.
  3. Combine powdered sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla and mix well.
  4. Pour over graham cracker crust.
  5. Layer bananas, (8 bananas make about 2 layers of the bananas), then drained crushed pineapple over top.
  6. Spread cool whip over top.
  7. Then sprinkle with walnuts and place cherries on top.
  8. Refrigerate a few hours before serving.
Notes
I recommend serving this dessert the same day you make it rather than the following day so the bananas stay fresh.[br][br]If you like coconut, you can add that before the walnut layer.[br][br]Preparation time does not include time necessary to refrigerate dessert before serving.
Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Try Banana Split Dessert the next time you need to make a special occasion dessert.

Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Doesn’t Banana Split Dessert look terrific?

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Banana Split Dessert

Teresa Ambra
Banana Split Dessert is an outstanding vintage recipe. This festive, gorgeous dessert is like eating a banana split with a cheesecake layer instead of ice cream. It's filled with bananas, pineapple, toasted coconut, maraschino cherries and walnuts or pecans. Delightful for holidays and special occasions.
4 from 20 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 488 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 small cookie sheet to toast coconut
  • 1 toaster oven or regular oven to toast coconut
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter softened (1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 7-8 large ripe bananas sliced and dipped in lemon juice to prevent discoloration; I used 8 bananas
  • 16 oz. can crushed pineapple drained
  • 12 oz. container TruWhip or other non-dairy whipped topping
  • 1 cup crushed walnuts or pecans
  • 10 oz. jar maraschino cherries drained, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1/2 cup coconut toasted

Instructions
 

  • Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a small mixing bowl.
  • Press into 9×13” pan.
  • Combine powdered sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla and mix well with an electric mixer.
  • Pour over graham cracker crust.
  • Layer bananas, (8 bananas make about 2 layers of the bananas), then add drained, crushed pineapple over top.
  • Spread non-dairy whipped topping over top.
  • Sprinkle with walnuts or pecans and toasted coconut.
  • Rinse, drain and pat dry the cherries. (The cherries must be dry or they will leak into the whipped topping.)
  • Place maraschino cherries on top.
  • Refrigerate a few hours before serving.

Notes

NOTE: I recommend serving this dessert the same day you make it rather than the following day so the bananas stay fresh.
 
NOTE: Preparation time does not include time necessary to refrigerate dessert before serving.
 
NOTE: The original recipe called for mixing the powdered sugar layer for 20 minutes. I didn’t feel like this accomplished anything for the consistency of the layer, so I usually only mix for 5 minutes.
 
NOTE: This vintage recipe does use uncooked eggs in the layers.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 5gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 105mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 4gSugar: 43gVitamin A: 643IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bananas, cherries, cherry dessert, coconut, cream cheese, dessert, pineapple, pineapple dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

35 Comments

  • Shelley S

    January 27, 2024 at 7:33 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve been looking for this recipe with the raw eggs. Other options are just not as good. I’m still old school so I do beat mine for 20 mins ( thank goodness for my kitchenaid stand mixer though), I add sliced strawberries and omit the coconut and drizzle with chocolate on top. My family begs me to bring this to gatherings. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Teresa Ambra

      January 28, 2024 at 7:44 pm

      Yes, we’ve always loved this recipe!

  • charlotte

    February 8, 2021 at 3:06 pm

    But this has raw eggs in it ,doesn’t it?

    1. Teresa

      February 10, 2021 at 12:31 pm

      Hi Charlotte. It does have raw eggs in it. We’ve eaten it dozens of time and never gotten sick.

      1. dianne

        April 17, 2021 at 5:50 pm

        I have also made this recipe since the 1970’s. I have never been sick…well almost sick the time I stood in front of the tv watching oh well I can’t remember now lol…..and I ate the entire cake all by myself while standing in place watching the tv…I think it took me all of 20 minutes to eat the whole thing.
        I will say regarding the raw eggs….just make sure the eggs were cold when you bought them..unless of course you have your own hens….and that they were into the fridge soon after you got them home. Also, I only beat the egg, sugar, butter mixture until it is well blended and appears to be sorta ‘curdled’, and then pour it over the crumb crust.

        1. Teresa

          April 19, 2021 at 7:10 am

          Hi, Diane. Yes this is a fabulous recipe. Thanks for sharing your tips.

    2. Moira

      January 27, 2024 at 11:04 pm

      Interesting tidbit on raw cookie dough. It’s not the eggs, typically, that can make you sick, but the uncooked flour. Uncooked flour can harbor e. coli, such as it is, and when it does, there’s your sick vector.

      1. Teresa Ambra

        January 28, 2024 at 7:43 pm

        Thanks for the tip.

  • Dawn Tomberlin

    May 10, 2020 at 4:14 am

    Hi, this recipe is delicious, I too have eaten this dessert many time with raw eggs and it’s something about the beating process that makes it safe I think. Also when I make this dessert I float the bananas in the drained pineapple juice, that keeps the bananas from turning brown and doesn’t change the taste like lemon juice can do. Love your recipes! Happy cooking, Dawn

    1. Teresa

      May 11, 2020 at 6:23 am

      Hi Dawn, so glad you enjoy the recipe. We’ve made this for decades and never had any problem. Have a great week.

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  • Tammy Sargent

    December 23, 2018 at 10:49 pm

    The first time I had this wonderful dessert was in 1975 at a friends house. I loved it so much that I asked for the recipe, & my mother made it every year for over 20 years on Christmas. I have consumed who knows how many raw eggs in that length of time & wouldn’t have it any other way because it’s that layer that really brings it all together for me. The only difference I see in this recipe is the coconut. Never had it that way, but I’m sure it’s just as delicious. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe back in 2012, because I actually lost the original years ago. I have searched for years for this just for the raw egg layer. Everything else I remembered, but could never get that just quite right!

    1. Teresa

      December 24, 2018 at 7:07 am

      Hi Tammy. Yes, I have a lot of those old-timey recipes on this blog. I think I tasted it for the first time around 1980. I’ve consumed this many times without ever getting sick from raw eggs. I’m so glad you love the recipe. It’s one of our favorites too. Thanks for sharing your story with me. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

  • Ramona

    August 4, 2018 at 6:21 am

    This recipe is also delicious without the eggs. It’s more like a buttercream frosting layer. Melts in your mouth. Tried this at work when a co-worker brought it in. It was devoured in minutes!

    1. Teresa

      August 4, 2018 at 9:14 am

      Hi Ramona. So glad you like the recipe. It’s one of our favorites too.

  • Anonymous

    December 27, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    am I missing something???? no mention of how many gram crackers. no mention of coconut…. and raw egg? not sure how well that would go over …

    1. Teresa

      December 27, 2016 at 7:33 pm

      The recipe states 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; toasted coconut is to your desire – maybe a quarter or half cup or so. Yes, it does have raw eggs. Everyone we serve it to, loves this recipe and no one has ever gotten sick from eating it.

      1. DIANE WALKER

        May 21, 2019 at 9:09 am

        I have a similar recipe: No Egg but with a brick of cream cheese. I wisp some hot fudge on top instead of coconut. Tasty!

        1. Teresa

          May 21, 2019 at 12:51 pm

          Hi, Diane! I love the suggestions. I’m sure it’s delicious. Thanks for stopping by.

          1. Lm

            February 11, 2020 at 12:52 pm

            Just like I remember it from the late 1970’s. A recipe that my friend’s mom clipped from the Houston chronicle and been making it ever since!

          2. Teresa

            February 11, 2020 at 1:04 pm

            Yes, I’ve been making it almost that long, too. I got it from a friend, but it wouldn’t surprise me if her mom clipped it from a newspaper in Florida where we lived at the time. 🙂

          3. Gina Conners

            August 22, 2021 at 1:30 pm

            Can I Substitute vanilla instant pudding for raw eggs

          4. Teresa

            August 22, 2021 at 2:46 pm

            Hi Gina. You can try it but I can’t guarantee the outcome. 🙂

  • Lillian Delaughter

    May 17, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    4 stars
    I do mine a little different. After the cream mixture is applied i add pecan meal and then Strawberry Pie filling. Then I add the rest in the order you did. Try it my family loves it.

    1. Teresa

      May 17, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Sounds wonderful, Lillian. I’ll have to give it a try that way.

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  • Sharon Nehring Powers

    February 14, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    I love this recipe, but no longer make it because the eggs aren’t cooked. Any suggestions for substituting eggs in this recipe?

    1. Teresa

      February 14, 2013 at 3:36 pm

      You might consider substituting some vanilla or banana cream pudding mix instead.

    2. Lisa Robertson

      March 25, 2016 at 11:19 am

      I used egg substitute, which is pasteurized, so it is safe to eat raw. You cannot taste raw eggs, so no one knows, but it is safe to eat. And it tastes the same as we always remember!

      1. Teresa

        March 25, 2016 at 7:28 pm

        Sounds wonderful, Lisa and such a good idea.

      2. Teresa

        March 29, 2016 at 3:38 pm

        Love that idea, Lisa. Thanks for sharing.

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