Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: Enjoy the beloved banana split taste in a creamy, fluffy dessert.
- No Ice Cream Needed: Perfect for warm days or make-ahead parties.
- Easy to Prepare: Just mix, chill, and serve.
- Crowd Pleaser: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual desserts.
- Fruit and Crunch: Loads of fresh fruit with marshmallows and nuts for texture.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple (100% juice, undrained)
- 3.4 oz package banana cream instant pudding mix
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup mixed nuts dessert topping (plus 3 tablespoons for garnish)
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
- 8 oz container whipped topping (thawed)
- 10 oz jar maraschino cherries, stems removed, halved, and patted dry (plus extra whole cherries for garnish)
- 2 large (or 3 medium) ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- Optional: canned whipped topping and chocolate syrup for garnish
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple with juice.
- Sprinkle the banana cream instant pudding mix over the pineapple and stir until dissolved.
- Fold in mini marshmallows, mixed nuts, and mini chocolate chips.
- Gently fold in half of the whipped topping.
- Add the halved cherries, sliced bananas, and the remaining whipped topping. Mix carefully.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve in individual bowls, topped with canned whipped topping, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, reserved nuts, and extra whole cherries.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned for a fresher flavor.
- Add other fruits like strawberries or kiwi for more variety.
- Substitute walnuts or pecans for mixed nuts if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat or whipped cream topping alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Bananas may brown quickly; brush slices with lemon juice to slow browning (may affect flavor).
- Serve chilled; not suitable for freezing.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and chill at least 1 hour before serving.
How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Brush or dip banana slices in lemon juice, but note it may add a slight sour taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, easily doubled or tripled for larger groups.
Is this gluten-free?
Check pudding mix ingredients, but most banana cream puddings are gluten-free.
Can I use fresh cherries?
Maraschino cherries are traditional, but fresh cherries can be used.
What kind of nuts work best?
Mixed nuts or chopped walnuts and pecans complement the texture nicely.
Is this dessert dairy-free?
No, but you can try dairy-free whipped toppings and pudding alternatives.
Can I substitute mini marshmallows?
Regular marshmallows cut into small pieces work too.
How sweet is the dessert?
It’s moderately sweet; adjust with less sugar in whipped topping or drizzle.
Can I add more chocolate?
Yes, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate.
Conclusion
Banana Split Fluff captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic banana split in a creamy, no-ice-cream dessert salad. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it offers a delightful combination of fruity sweetness, marshmallow fluff, crunchy nuts, and chocolate chips, sure to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Banana Split Fluff
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No bake, mix and chill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Banana Split Fluff is a sweet, creamy, and crunchy dessert salad bursting with all the classic banana split flavors and toppings—but without the ice cream or melting worries. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat filled with fruit, marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
20 oz can crushed pineapple (100% juice, undrained)
3.4 oz package banana cream instant pudding mix
1½ cups mini marshmallows
½ cup mixed nuts dessert topping (plus 3 tablespoons for garnish)
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
8 oz container whipped topping (thawed)
10 oz jar maraschino cherries, stems removed, halved, and patted dry (plus extra whole cherries for garnish)
2 large (or 3 medium) ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
Optional: canned whipped topping and chocolate syrup for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple with juice.
- Sprinkle the banana cream instant pudding mix over the pineapple and stir until dissolved.
- Fold in mini marshmallows, mixed nuts, and mini chocolate chips.
- Gently fold in half of the whipped topping.
- Add the halved cherries, sliced bananas, and the remaining whipped topping. Mix carefully.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve in individual bowls, topped with canned whipped topping, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, reserved nuts, and extra whole cherries.
Notes
Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned for a fresher flavor.
Add other fruits like strawberries or kiwi for more variety.
Substitute walnuts or pecans for mixed nuts if preferred.
For a lighter version, use low-fat or whipped cream topping alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
