If you love the nostalgic flavors of a classic banana split and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, then you are going to absolutely adore this No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe. It’s an effortless yet show-stopping dessert that layers luscious bananas, tropical pineapple, rich chocolate, and vibrant strawberry flavors into a smooth, fluffy cheesecake filling resting on a crunchy Oreo crust. The best part is that it requires no oven time, making it a perfect go-to for any occasion when you want a stunning treat that tastes like it took hours to prepare but only about 45 minutes of active work. Prepare to wow your family and friends with this playful and irresistible twist on two beloved desserts combined!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the crunchy base to the velvety filling and fruity layers, each component is simple but essential to bring this dessert to life.
- 20 Oreo cookies (with frosting): These crushed cookies form a rich and sturdy crust that perfectly complements the smooth cheesecake filling.
- 3 tbsp melted butter: Helps bind the cookie crust and adds a hint of buttery richness.
- 1 package unflavored gelatin: Gives the cheesecake its structure without baking, ensuring it sets beautifully in the fridge.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to dissolve the gelatin, activating its thickening power.
- 3/4 cup good quality chocolate chips: Melted for the chocolate layer, bringing deep, luscious flavor.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Softens the melted chocolate for a silky texture.
- 24 oz light cream cheese (3 packages): The creamy base of the cheesecake; using light cream cheese keeps it smooth without being too heavy.
- 2 bananas: Freshly sliced and soaked to prevent browning, these add classic banana split flavor and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained, juice reserved): Adds a tropical tang and keeps the filling moist and bright.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling evenly and dissolves perfectly for a smooth texture.
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream: Whipped into the cream cheese mixture for lightness and fluffiness.
- 1/3 cup strawberries, pureed (1/4 cup puree): Adds vibrant color and fresh strawberry flavor for the fruity layer.
- Sprinkles (cherries, etc for garnish as desired): Fun and bright finishing touches that bring the dessert’s playful spirit to life.
How to Make No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by grinding the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Then, stir in the melted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed. This step is crucial because it creates a firm yet crumbly base that supports the cheesecake layers without falling apart. Press the mix evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and set it aside to form a solid foundation.
Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over water and allow it to bloom. Then microwave on high for around 20 seconds to dissolve completely. Stir it gently until smooth and leave it to cool to room temperature. This ingredient is your secret weapon to getting a beautifully firm, sliceable cheesecake without baking.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Combine the chocolate chips and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid burning, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. Setting this aside will allow it to cool without seizing, preparing it for mixing into one of the cheesecake layers.
Step 4: Soak the Bananas
Slice your bananas and soak them in the reserved pineapple juice. This simple step prevents the bananas from browning and infuses them with extra tropical flavor, keeping your fruit layer fresh and vibrant.
Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Base
In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar and keep mixing until fully incorporated. Next, whip in the heavy whipping cream until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Gently stir in the cooled gelatin mixture to ensure everything sets perfectly while maintaining the airy texture.
Step 6: Layer the Cheesecake Mixture
Divide the cheesecake filling into three equal parts. First, layer the soaked banana slices on top of the Oreo crust, draining well to avoid excess moisture. Spread one portion of the cheesecake mixture over the banana layer, then stir the crushed pineapple into the second third and spread it evenly over the bananas. For the next layer, combine the melted chocolate with the next portion of cheesecake filling and spread it carefully over the pineapple. Finally, mix the strawberry puree into the last portion and gently spread it on top, creating a beautiful tri-colored effect.
Step 7: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the entire cheesecake for at least 3 to 4 hours, allowing all layers to firm up and flavors to marry. This chilling time is essential to transform your cake into the perfect sliceable dessert, ready to be garnished and served.
How to Serve No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Pick bright and playful garnishes that echo the traditional banana split toppings. Fresh cherries, rainbow sprinkles, or even small dollops of whipped cream bring color and texture contrast, making each slice come alive visually and in taste. These finishing touches elevate your cheesecake from delicious to downright festive.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with some light accompaniments that won’t overshadow its rich layers. A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small cup of coffee can balance the sweet intensity. For a fruitier touch, offer fresh sliced strawberries or pineapple chunks on the side, complementing the tropical notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving individual portions in clear glass cups or mason jars layered in the same three-flavor pattern. This method creates a stunning visual treat and portion control is a breeze. Alternatively, decorate the cake with banana slices and chocolate drizzle right before serving for added drama and delight. Presentation is half the fun and makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe is complete, store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, retaining its fluffy texture and vibrant flavors without drying out. Keeping it chilled also helps maintain the structure of your layered masterpiece.
Freezing
If you want to save this dessert for longer, freezing is an option. Wrap the cheesecake securely in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to retain its creamy consistency without condensation ruining the crust.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating. Bringing it to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing can help with easier cutting if it feels too firm. Avoid microwaving or warming as this will compromise the set texture and creamy layers.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light cream cheese?
Absolutely! Regular cream cheese can be used and will result in a richer, creamier cheesecake. Just keep in mind the overall fat content will increase slightly, but it won’t affect the setting or taste negatively.
What can I substitute for unflavored gelatin?
If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can try agar-agar powder as a vegetarian alternative. Use it according to the package instructions, but be mindful that it sets differently, and you may need to adjust quantities and chilling times.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
This particular No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe relies on dairy and gelatin, so for a vegan version, you would need to swap cream cheese and whipping cream for plant-based alternatives and use agar-agar or another vegan thickener. It requires a bit of experimentation to maintain the same texture and flavors, but it’s possible!
How ripe should the bananas be?
You want bananas that are ripe but still firm enough to slice neatly without turning mushy. Yellow bananas with a few brown spots are perfect because they’re sweet but hold their shape when soaked in the pineapple juice.
Can I make this cheesecake a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, making the No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe a day ahead is ideal because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the layers to set firm. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyous about this No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe that makes it a must-try for any dessert lover. It effortlessly combines playful flavors and stunning layers with simple preparation, creating a dessert that feels special yet approachable. So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to delight everyone around your table with this creamy, fruity masterpiece!
Print
No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A luscious and creamy No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake that layers Oreo crust, bananas soaked in pineapple juice, pineapple, chocolate, and strawberry purees for a delightful twist on the classic banana split dessert. Perfectly chilled and garnished with sprinkles and cherries, this cheesecake is a delicious, no-fuss dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 20 Oreo cookies (with frosting)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Gelatin
- 1 package unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup water
Chocolate Layer
- 3/4 cup good quality chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons milk
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz light cream cheese (3 packages)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
Fruit Layers
- 2 bananas
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained, juice reserved)
- 1/3 cup strawberries (pureed, approximately 1/4 cup puree)
Garnish
- Sprinkles
- Cherries or other garnishes as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a food processor, grind Oreo cookies until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and process until the crumbs hold together when pressed between your fingers. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
- Dissolve gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Microwave on high for 20 seconds until hot and then stir until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Melt chocolate: In a medium bowl, combine chocolate chips and milk. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until the mixture is melted and smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Soak bananas: Slice the bananas and soak them in the reserved pineapple juice to prevent browning and add flavor.
- Make cheesecake batter: Using a stand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add whipping cream and beat on high for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is fluffy. Stir in the cooled gelatin mixture thoroughly.
- Layer fruits and cheesecake mixture: Lay the drained banana slices in a single layer over the crust. Divide the cheesecake batter into three equal parts.
- First fruit layer: To one third of the cheesecake mixture, stir in the crushed pineapple. Spread this pineapple cheesecake mixture evenly over the banana layer.
- Chocolate layer: Add the melted chocolate mixture to the second third of the cheesecake batter and spread it evenly over the pineapple layer.
- Strawberry layer: Add the strawberry puree to the remaining third of the cheesecake mixture and spread this over the chocolate layer, smoothing the top.
- Chill and garnish: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3-4 hours or until fully set. Before serving, garnish with sprinkles, cherries, or any additional desired toppings.
Notes
- Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved and cooled before adding to prevent clumps.
- Soaking bananas in pineapple juice helps to keep them fresh and flavorful without browning.
- The cheesecake needs adequate chilling time to set properly; avoid rushing this step.
- You can substitute different berries for the strawberry puree to customize the flavor.
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy whipping cream for a creamy texture.
