Easy Banana Split Dessert Layered Bars

This no-bake Banana Split Dessert cake is visually vibrant and delicious dessert perfect for the summer season. And it won’t melt if you leave it out for a bit! It’s super easy to make and great for all your summer gatherings like potlucks, BBQs, birthday parties. 

Enjoy all the fun of a classic banana split in a no bake dessert with this simple and sublime Banana Split Dessert. It’s full of creamy banana flavor and the perfect dessert for any gathering of the season.

As easy as it is delicious, this layered banana pudding trifle dessert comes together quickly with simple ingredients and is great for potlucks, BBQs, birthday parties and any summer get-together. 

For a stunning presentation, you can serve it in a clear pan or trifle dish or layered into single-serve jars or clear plastic cups.

Why Try This Banana Dessert Recipe

Delicious – Full of creamy banana flavor, this dessert ”lasagna” is a delicious twist on the classic banan split, and a lot less messy.

Easy – With the help of a pudding mix, this no bake dessert couldn’t get any easier. Whip this banana lush up in no time and just allow some time for it to chill. 

Festive – This delicious dessert recipe is perfect for potlucks, summer parties, and BBQS. It looks stunning in a clear pan or layered into individual jars or cups for a fun twist.

Banana Split Dessert Ingredients

• Golden Oreo cookies – crushed/chopped in a food processor
• Butter – melted
• Cream cheese – softened to room temp
• Powdered sugar
• Banana instant pudding mix – you’ll need 2 packets
• Milk – whole or 2% work best
• Cool whip – or similar dairy whip topping
• Toppings– chocolate or fudge sauce, extra cool whip, sprinkles, and maraschino cherries, or your favorite sundae toppings

Equipment Needed To Make 

• Food processor
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish – clear is best.

Substitutions & Alterations

• Swap graham crackers or vanilla wafers for crushed Oreos
• Substitute strawberry or chocolate pudding for a flavor twist. 
• You can use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping for a slightly lighter version.
• Add some chopped nuts on top if desired.

How to Make Banana Split Dessert Squares

This is an abbreviated form of the full instructions found in the recipe card below. Follow the recipe card instructions when preparing this for the best results.

Step 1 – Crush the cookies in a food processor. 

Step 2 –  Add melted butter to the cookie crumb and press the cookie crust mixture into the bottom of the pan.

Step 3 – Prepare the cream cheese layer. Add half of the whipped topping and blend. Spread over the cookie mixture.

Step 4 – Whisk together the pudding mix packets with the milk until well combined.

Step 5 – Add the remaining half of the cool whip. Spread mixture over cream cheese layer.

Chill in the refrigerator for 6 hours, or overnight.

Step 6 – Add additional toppings if desired. 

How to Make Banana Pudding Trifle Dessert Bowls

To make individual Banana Pudding Trifles, prepare as directed, but divide the ingredient layers into clear plastic cups (like these pumpkin trifle cups and chill.

Time Saving Tips & Tricks

• Get a “family size” pack of Oreos to ensure you have enough cookies for the base layer. You can use additional cookies for topping decoration or garnish.
• Let the cream cheese soften by having it sit out for 20–30 minutes before mixing to avoid lumps in your creamy layer.
• Give the Banana Split no bake dessert at least 4 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator so the flavors meld and the layers can firm up.
• Top just before serving: Add whipped cream, chocolate syrup, nuts, and cherries right before serving for the freshest look.

How to Serve this Banana Split No Bake Dessert

Serve as is or top with your favorite sundae toppings like maraschino cherries, chocolate fudge sauce, and more whipped cream. Or serve with a scoop of chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry ice cream. Or all of these options combined!

For an easy-to-serve, visually vibrant party version, layer everything into clear plastic cups or mini mason jars and serve as a parfait with a spoon.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container or in the pan covered tightly with plastic wrap. Stored properly, this banana dessert should be good for 4-5 days.

What to Make Next

Keep going with the no bake simple desserts like my Easy Strawberry Tiramisu, My Chocolate Pudding Pie or my Easy Grasshopper Pie.

More Layered Dessert Recipes

• Lemon Lush
• Nutter Butter Lush Lasagna
• Eclair Cake
• Mint Lush

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