Banana Split Lush

This decadent Banana Split Lush is reminiscent of the banana split icebox cake my Mom used to make for us when we were kids. It’s layered with creamy cheesecake filling, sweet pineapple, and sliced bananas, then drizzled with chocolate and showered with plenty of colorful sprinkles. Add a layer of fresh strawberries if you like, along with a generous handful of toasted nuts. Top it all off with fluffy whipped cream and maraschino cherries, then step back and watch this irresistible dessert disappear!

Easy Banana Split Lush Recipe

Lush desserts are easy, no-bake layered desserts that can be made with all kinds of delicious flavor combinations. This Banana Split Lush is a fun way to enjoy all the classic flavors of a banana split without worrying about melting ice cream! With creamy layers, sweet bananas, pineapple, chocolate, and colorful toppings, it’s a decadent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Serve it at summer picnics, backyard gatherings, office parties, potlucks, church suppers, or special family celebrations. It’s the kind of easy Southern dessert that looks impressive on the dessert table and disappears in a hurry!

Key ingredients you’ll need to make no bake Banana Split Lush: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Crust – Graham cracker crumbs, toasted walnuts, melted butter and sugar form the butter crust.
• Cream Cheese – Cream cheese for the creamy cheesecake-like layer.
• Sugar – Powdered sugar for sweetness.
• Fruit – Canned crushed pineapple and fresh banana for a fruity flavor.
• Pudding Mix – Instant white chocolate or cheesecake instant pudding mix plus cold milk or half and half tp make.
• Cool Whip – Whipped topping for the topping.
• Chocolate – Store-bought hot fudge sauce to drizzle the top.
• Garnish – Maraschino cherries and sprinkles.

How to Make Banana Split Lush Recipe

• Make Graham Cracker Crust – In a medium mixing bowl mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts, granulated sugar and melted butter. Press firmly onto the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden and set. Cool completely.
• Make Cream Cheese Layer – Whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, drained pineapple and whipped topping until fluffy and evenly combined. Spread evenly over the graham cracker crust.
• Bananas – Top the pineapple-cream cheese with a layer of banana slices.
• Make Pudding Layer – Whip together instant white chocolate pudding with cold milk until thickened, but still pourable. Pour over the bananas.
• Frost Top – Spread the top with the remaining whipped topping.
• Garnish – Drizzle the top with chocolate fudge and garnish with the remaining toasted walnuts and maraschino cherries.
• Refrigerate – Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Banana Split Lush Dessert

• One 13×9-inch deep baking dish or cake pan.
• Electric mixer. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
• Large bowl, medium bowl.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Offset icing spatula or silicone spoon to spread the cream cheese and whipped cream layers.
• Sharp knife and chopping board to prep the bananas.
• Food processor.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Cream Cheese – You could swap out full fat cream cheese using Neufchatel cheese with no other adjustments needed.
• Additional Fruit – If you’d like to add a layer of fresh sliced strawberries to this dessert you can! You can add a layer of freshly sliced strawberries (about 2 cups) or drizzle the banana layer with strawberry ice cream topping, if desired. See how to make homemade Strawberry Sauce here.
• Hot Fudge – I highly recommend using a thick fudge sauce for the topping and not chocolate syrup.
• Nuts – You can use pecans, macadamia nuts or almonds in place of walnuts. The method of toasting in the oven would be the same.
• Graham Crackers – You can use chocolate graham crackers for a chocolate twist.
• Topping Options – I use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to decorate the top of this banana split lush. You could also use a large Ziploc bag with the tip of a corner snipped to drop one generous dollop of Cool Whip on each individual serving piece and then decorate with a maraschino cherry. Doing it this way makes for such a pretty presentation, every serving looks the same.
• Cover the Bananas to Prevent Browning – When covering the banana slices with pudding, make an effort to spread to the edge of the dish to seal the and protect them from oxidizing too quickly. Doing so will delay browning.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – For the layers to set adequately allow at least 4-6 hours of chill time in the refrigerator before cutting and serving. It will keep overnight as well.
• Leftovers – Store Banana Split Lush covered with plastic wrap in the the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer – Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy.

More Southern Style Lush Desserts to Make

These types of desserts seem to have a thousand names and in my kitchen, each one spells delicious. More luscious dessert recipes you may like to try:

• This island inspired Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Lush is like a staycation.
• Two favorites are combined in this recipe for Caramel Banana Pudding Lush.
• This Black Forest Lush recipe will make a stunning addition to your holiday desserts menu.
• Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert is a tasty alternative to pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.
• Banana Pudding Lush is one more way to enjoy this iconic southern dessert.
• You may also like to try this Pina Colada Banana Bread  from Mom on Timeout with a cup of coffee or hot tea.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13 x 9 inch Dish
• Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set