If there was ever a dessert that tasted like childhood summers, this Banana Split Icebox Cake is it. With layers of traditional banana split ingredients, it’s a cool, creamy treat that keeps folks coming back for just one more bite. It’s easy, it’s nostalgic, and it might just steal the show at your next cookout.
You know about “icebox cakes,” right? Old-fashioned, no bake desserts that have been around for decades. They’re layers and layers of crispy cookies with either pudding or whipped cream and sometimes fruit.
You layer it all up, put it in the “icebox” overnight and the crispy cookies turn into moist cake-like layers. Yum. It’s the kind of dessert that shows up events and quietly steals the spotlight.
One of the most popular recipes I’ve ever published is my Strawberry Icebox Cake. And no wonder! What’s not to like about strawberries and whipped cream?
So, I was thinking about that recipe and whether I could do something a little different with it when the thought of a banana split popped into my head with this recipe following immediately behind.
It’s very similar but instead of all strawberries, it also has layers of banana and pineapple and is finished with chopped salted peanuts, maraschino cherries (of course! what’s a banana split without a cherry on top?), and both chocolate and caramel ice cream toppings.
Hope you enjoy this easy, no bake banana split cake as much as we do. It’s a winner!
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: None
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Servings: 8
Primary Ingredient(s): Graham crackers, whipping cream, strawberries, bananas, crushed pineapple, salted peanuts, ice cream toppings, cherries
Skill Level: Easy
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy with no baking needed making it a good choice for hot summer days.
- Nostalgic, classic banana split flavors, right down to the cherry on top.
- No-fuss, make-in-advance showstopper of a recipe.
- The whipped cream transforms the graham crackers into a soft, cake-like texture.
Ingredient Notes
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- Fresh Strawberries – Classic banana splits are made with three scoops of vanilla ice cream each topped with a different fruit–strawberries, banana, and pineapple. The fresh strawberries are combined with a little sugar and allowed to sit for a few minutes to draw out the juices.
- Banana – Choose a banana that’s ripe but still firm enough to hold its shape. A few brown spots on the peel usually suggest that it’s ripe enough.
- Canned crushed pineapple – Lightly drain any excess juice from the pineapple, but don’t squeeze it dry. You do want to keep just a little juice.
- Heavy whipping cream – Please take the 5 minutes needed to make whipping cream. You just can’t get the same taste or texture from “whipped topping.”
- Graham crackers – Classic, plain graham crackers are what you want. They soften as the dessert chills and create almost cake-like layers.
- Peanuts, sauces, and cherries – These go on just before serving. The salted peanuts add crunch, and the caramel and chocolate syrups bring the whole banana split flavor together. And yes, it needs the cherry on top. Always.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Banana Split Icebox Cake
- Prep and slice the fresh strawberries, then toss them in a small bowl with a tablespoon of sugar. Let the strawberries sit for about 15 minutes. The sugar will draw out moisture and make the strawberries nice and juicy.
- While the strawberries are doing their thing, make the whipped cream. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the rest of the sugar along with the vanilla, then give it a quick mix just until it’s all evenly combined.
- To assemble the cake, you can use a 9×5 loaf pan, a platter, or whatever serving dish you like. Spread a little whipped cream on the bottom, then place three graham crackers on top. Add a layer of sliced bananas, then spread a third of the whipped cream over that.
- Next, place three more graham crackers on top of the bananas. Add the sweetened strawberries and spread on another third of the whipped cream.
- For the final layer, add the last three graham crackers, followed by the lightly drained pineapple and the rest of the whipped cream.
- Cover the whole thing and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight if you have the time. It needs time for the graham crackers to soften to the right texture.
- Just before serving, top it off with a sprinkle of chopped salted peanuts, a drizzle of caramel and chocolate syrup, and, of course, a few maraschino cherries. Because it’s not really a banana split without a cherry on top. Right?
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the resting time. It needs at least 8 hours to achieve a soft, cake-like texture. If you try to serve it too soon, the graham crackers will still be crunchy.
- Use ripe but firm bananas. Nobody likes a mushy brown banana.
- Drain the excess liquid off the pineapple, but don’t press it out. A little juice adds flavor without making the cake soggy.
- Real whipped cream makes all the difference. I know it’s tempting to grab a tub of Cool Whip, but homemade gives this dessert its rich, creamy texture.
- To serve a crowd, double the recipe and build it in a 9×13 dish. Just keep the layers in the same order and plan for a little extra chill time.
Recipe Variations
- Go nut-free – If allergies are a problem, try substituting the peanuts with crushed pretzels for a salty crunch without the nuts.
- Use chocolate graham crackers – Use chocolate graham crackers for a subtle cocoa flavor that pairs beautifully with the whipped cream and fruit.
- Make it mini-sized – Create individual servings in custard cups or ramekins. They’re just right for cookouts or kids’ birthday parties.
How to Store
You can store any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the fruit tends to break down a bit too much, and the texture of the graham crackers can get too soft. Freezing is not recommended.
More Recipes You’ll Like
- My No-Bake Banana Fudge Pie is a creamy, crowd-pleasing dessert with layers of banana, fudge, and pudding all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust.
- On days when you want something simple and refreshing, Raspberries and Cream is a lovely option. Serve it chilled in your prettiest dessert glasses.
- Nothing says summer in the South quite like Homemade Peach Ice Cream. It’s made the old-fashioned way with a custard base and fresh, juicy peaches. And it’s worth every bit of the effort.
- For a treat that’s pure nostalgia in a glass, you can’t go wrong with Coke Floats. They’re just as simple and delightful as you remember, made with your favorite cola and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich
- Strawberry S’mores Ice Cream
- Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Questions About Banana Split Icebox Cake
Cut bananas turn brown when exposed to the air. So, if you’re careful to cover the bananas completely with whipped cream, it’s not much of a problem. If you want to be extra sure, though, you can take a moment to toss the banana slices with a touch of lemon juice. But don’t use much because it can affect the flavor of the dessert.
Yes, you can substitute other cookies for the graham crackers. Vanilla wafers, shortbread, or even chocolate wafers are all good choices. Keep in mind that different cookies may absorb moisture differently, which can slightly alter the texture of the cake.
Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
Thank you for stopping by. It means a lot to have you here.
Recipe
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Banana Split Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoons sugar divided
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 9 graham crackers
- 1 ripe banana sliced
- 1 ½ cups crushed pineapple (about 12 ounces) lightly drained
- ¼ cup chopped salted peanuts
- ¼ cup caramel ice cream topping
- ¼ cup chocolate ice cream topping
- 12 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Combine the sliced fresh strawberries with one tablespoon sugar and toss gently to combine. Allow the strawberries to sit for about 15 minutes.1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, 1 tablespoon sugar
- While the strawberries sit, prepare the whipped cream. Beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the remaining sugar and the vanilla and beat just until combined.1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla
Assemble the cake in a 9×5 loaf pan or on a platter or serving dish. Make layers in this order:
- Layer 1 – Place a small amount of the whipped cream on the bottom of the pan and top with three graham crackers; Top the graham crackers with the sliced banana. Top the bananas with 1/3 of the whipped cream.whipped cream, 3 graham crackers, 1 ripe banana
- Layer 2 – Three graham crackers, the sweetened, sliced strawberries, and 1/3 of the whipped cream.3 graham crackers, sliced strawberries, whipped cream
- Layer 3 – Three graham crackers, the lightly drained pineapple and the remaining 1/3 of the whipped cream.3 graham crackers, 1 1/2 cups crushed pineapple, whipped cream
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, top with the chopped salted peanuts, caramel and chocolate ice cream toppings, and maraschino cherries.¼ cup chopped salted peanuts, ¼ cup caramel ice cream topping, ¼ cup chocolate ice cream topping, 12 maraschino cherries
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
— This post was originally published on March 25, 2015. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
I’m Lana Stuart, an award-winning cookbook author, food blogger, and lifelong cook raised deep in Southwest Georgia. I started Lana’s Cooking in 2009 to share the tried-and-true recipes I grew up with. Around here, the food is full of flavor, the traditions run deep, and there’s always room at the table.
In your icebox Banana split cake, I like it because you don’t have to use raw eggs, like in the traditional Banana split cake. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never made an icebox cake. This recipe makes me want to give it a go!
Hope you will give it a try, Brenda. I think you’ll like it!
Ice box pies were my favorite as a kid. I would always open the fridge and steal a few bites. I couldn’t resist! I love the banana split version.
There may have been a few nibbles stolen from this one. Just maybe :-)
This cake look like it could turn any occasion into a party. How fun and colorful. I’m loving all the delicious layers. Pinning and hope to make this one day soon. Thanks, Lana.
Thanks, Renee.
I don’t think I’ve ever had an icebox cake but after seeing this one, I definitely want to try! They sound delicious and this one looks like a fun one to start with. :)
They’re a fun, old fashioned dessert, Erin. And so easy to make. No baking!
What a delicious and easy dessert! This is one of those recipes that the entire family will love!
Yes, all ages love this dessert, Martha. I mean, who doesn’t like a banana split, right?
I have a feeling that the next time your grandkids come to visit, they are going to be begging for this cake. It looks wonderful, Lana!
I think I’ll surprise them, Dara. They’re going to love it!
Gosh;, what a delicious looking dessert. Never had an Ice-box cake before. Shall make this for the family at Easter and surprise them.
Thank you.
Deirdre
Hope they enjoy it, Deirdre.
I could totally go with a slice of that right now with my cappuccino. It has bananas so it totally would work for breakfast yeah ; )
Totally appropriate for breakfast!
Well, I’m officially craving this sweet goodness! Yowzer… I’m definitely pinning this to my “Recipes to try” board. #nomnomnom
I do hope you’ll give it a try, Kelly. It’s one of the easiest recipes in my collection.
Mmm that sounds amazing! I’ve never made an icebox cake before but they sound delicious…will have to try it!
They are delicious and so very easy!
I need more ice box cakes in my life. This is gorgeous!
You do, Ashley. And there are many, many types to choose from.
I haven’t made an ice box cake in years! Your banana split version looks terrific—it would be perfect for Memorial Day!
It would, Liz! It’s great all year round, but particularly appropriate for that occasion.