Ingredients

Cooking spray

2 cups crushed graham crackers

1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter

2 tablespoons sugar

Pinch kosher salt

1 1/2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

2 (8-oz.) tubs Cool Whip

3 bananas, thinly sliced into rounds

1 (20-oz.) can crushed pineapple, well drained

1 pound strawberries, finely chopped

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Chocolate syrup, for drizzling

Rainbow sprinkles, for topping

Maraschino cherries, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.

Step 2: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat softened cream cheese with sugar until light and fluffy. Gently fold in one tub of Cool Whip until well combined. Spread this cream mixture evenly over the chilled crust.

Step 3: Layer the sliced bananas evenly over the cream layer, followed by the drained crushed pineapple and chopped strawberries. Spread the remaining tub of Cool Whip on top and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.

Step 4: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the lasagna to firm up.

Step 5: Just before serving, drizzle chocolate syrup over the top, then add rainbow sprinkles and maraschino cherries for a classic banana split finish.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe bananas to ensure the best flavor and texture. To prevent browning, slice bananas just before assembling the layers.

Swap walnuts for pecans or skip nuts altogether for a nut-free version.

If you prefer a lighter dessert, substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, but keep the creaminess by maintaining Cool Whip.

For extra chocolate flavor, sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers.

Storage

Store the banana split lasagna in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, you can add extra chocolate syrup or fresh fruit if desired. This dessert is best served chilled and should not be frozen, as the cream layers may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this no-bake lasagna actually benefits from chilling overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.

What can I use instead of Cool Whip?

You can use whipped heavy cream or a homemade whipped topping, but the texture may be slightly different. For a lighter option, whipped coconut cream works well if you’d like a dairy-free alternative.