Banana Split Pie: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Banana Split Pie: Just the name conjures up images of creamy, dreamy deliciousness, doesn’t it? Imagine taking all the best parts of a classic banana split – the sweet bananas, the rich chocolate, the juicy pineapple, the crunchy nuts, and of course, that bright red cherry on top – and transforming it into an easy-to-make, no-bake pie that’s guaranteed to be the star of any gathering.

While the exact origins of the banana split are debated, its popularity exploded in the early 20th century, quickly becoming an American soda fountain staple. This banana split pie pays homage to that iconic dessert, offering a convenient and crowd-pleasing twist. It captures the essence of the original in a sliceable, shareable format, making it perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or simply a delightful treat on a warm evening.

What’s not to love? The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. The creamy filling melts in your mouth, while the various toppings provide bursts of sweetness, tanginess, and crunch. Plus, the no-bake aspect makes it incredibly simple to prepare, even for novice bakers. Forget slaving away in the kitchen – this banana split pie is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this delightful dessert!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ? cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• For the Banana Layer:
• 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream
• For the Chocolate Ganache:
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• For the Toppings:
• Whipped cream
• Chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, or walnuts)
• Maraschino cherries
• Chocolate syrup
• Sprinkles (optional)

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, I like to start by mixing together the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for a consistent flavor throughout the crust.
2. Add the Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter into the graham cracker mixture. Stir well until all the crumbs are moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand. This is crucial for the crust to hold its shape.
3. Press into the Pie Plate: Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch pie plate. Using the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers, firmly press the crumbs evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. I find that a little extra pressure on the sides helps prevent crumbling later.
4. Pre-bake the Crust (Optional): For a sturdier crust, you can pre-bake it. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool completely before adding the filling. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it, especially if you’re planning to chill the pie for an extended period.
5. Chill the Crust: Whether you pre-baked it or not, place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other layers. This will help it set and prevent it from becoming soggy. I usually chill it for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Banana Layer

1. Slice the Bananas: Peel and slice the bananas into approximately ¼-inch thick rounds. I prefer using bananas that are ripe but still firm, as they hold their shape better.
2. Toss with Lemon Juice: In a bowl, gently toss the banana slices with lemon juice. This will help prevent them from browning and add a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the pie. Make sure all the slices are coated.
3. Arrange on the Crust: Remove the chilled graham cracker crust from the refrigerator. Arrange the banana slices in a single, even layer over the bottom of the crust. You can overlap them slightly if needed. Try to cover the entire surface of the crust for the best flavor distribution.

Making the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is completely softened before you begin. This is essential for a smooth and lump-free filling. I usually leave it out at room temperature for at least an hour.
2. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, beating on low speed until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling too thin.
4. Incorporate Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
5. Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will add lightness and airiness to the filling.
6. Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
7. Pour over Banana Layer: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the banana layer in the pie crust. Spread it out smoothly with a spatula.
8. Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set completely and the flavors to meld together.

Preparing the Chocolate Ganache

1. Combine Chocolate and Cream: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
2. Pour Hot Cream over Chocolate: Pour the hot heavy cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for about 1 minute to allow the heat to melt the chocolate.
3. Stir Until Smooth: Gently stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. If there are any stubborn chocolate pieces, you can microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
4. Cool Slightly: Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the pie. This will prevent it from melting the cream cheese filling. I usually let it cool for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Pour over Cream Cheese Filling: Once the ganache has cooled slightly, pour it evenly over the cream cheese filling. Spread it out smoothly with a spatula.
6. Chill Again: Return the pie to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes to an hour to allow the ganache to set.

Assembling the Banana Split Pie

1. Add Whipped Cream: Just before serving, top the pie with dollops of whipped cream. You can pipe it on using a piping bag for a more decorative look, or simply spoon it on.
2. Sprinkle with Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle the whipped cream with chopped nuts. I like to use a combination of peanuts, pecans, and walnuts for a variety of flavors and textures.
3. Add Maraschino Cherries: Place a maraschino cherry on top of each dollop of whipped cream. This adds a classic banana split touch.
4. Drizzle with Chocolate Syrup: Drizzle chocolate syrup over the entire pie. You can also add a drizzle of caramel syrup if you like.
5. Add Sprinkles (Optional): If you want to add a little extra fun, sprinkle the pie with sprinkles.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pie and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures! I find that this pie is best served cold.

Conclusion:

This banana split pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic trip to simpler times, a celebration of classic flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious slice. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the iconic banana split sundae but wants a more shareable, less messy, and equally impressive presentation. The creamy, dreamy filling, the burst of fruitiness from the bananas and pineapple, the satisfying crunch of the graham cracker crust, and the decadent chocolate drizzle all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone begging for seconds.

But the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! No baking required, just a little bit of chilling time, which makes it the perfect make-ahead dessert for parties, potlucks, or even just a special treat for your family on a weeknight. Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours; this recipe allows you to create a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort.

And while the recipe as written is absolutely divine, feel free to get creative and put your own spin on it! For a more tropical twist, try adding some shredded coconut to the graham cracker crust or incorporating mango chunks into the filling. If you’re a peanut butter lover (like me!), a swirl of peanut butter into the chocolate drizzle would be absolutely heavenly. You could even experiment with different types of fruit – strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries would all be delicious additions.

Serving suggestions? A dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top are classic, of course. But you could also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent experience. For a fun presentation, consider serving individual slices in small parfait glasses.

I’m confident that this banana split pie will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, and it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The combination of familiar flavors and the ease of preparation make it a winner in my book.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a homemade banana split pie.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? Did you serve it at a party? What did your family think? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your banana split pie adventures! Happy baking (or rather, chilling!) and enjoy! I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it! Your feedback helps other bakers discover this amazing dessert.