This No-Bake Banana Split Pie is cool and creamy and made for warm-weather dessert cravings. With a graham cracker crust, a simple chocolate layer, cream cheese-sweetened condensed milk filling, crushed pineapple, sliced bananas, and fluffy Cool Whip, this easy no-bake dessert tastes like a classic banana split in pie form with very little effort.
This no bake banana split pie recipe comes together in about 20 minutes of hands-on prep and chills in the fridge until ready to serve, making it perfect for summer parties, birthdays, cookouts, or anytime you need an easy make-ahead dessert. If you like no-bake desserts, try my signature strawberry Jell-O pie next.
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Shortcut Notes
- No-bake dessert: No oven time required. The refrigerator does all the work while the pie chills and sets.
- Store-bought crust: Using a pre-made graham cracker crust keeps prep simple and saves time.
- Easy make-ahead recipe: This pie is perfect to prep earlier in the day or even the night before for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Heavy whipping cream: Used to make a quick chocolate ganache layer.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into the warm cream for a smooth, glossy chocolate base.
- Pre-made graham cracker crust: A store-bought graham cracker pie crust keeps this recipe quick and easy.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature for the creamiest filling.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, creamy filling.
- Crushed pineapple: Be sure to use crushed pineapple in juice, not syrup. Syrupy pineapple can make the filling overly sweet and wet. Drain the pineapple very well to help the pie set properly.
- Bananas: Use ripe bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots. Bananas that are too green will not be sweet enough, while overripe bananas can become mushy and release too much moisture.
- Whipped topping: Thawed Cool Whip creates a light, fluffy topping layer.
- Optional toppings: Pick your favorite banana split toppings. Whipped cream, chopped pecans, chocolate syrup or chocolate sauce, and maraschino cherries are great for garnish if you want the full banana split experience.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming and small bubbles form around the edges. Do not boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a small mixing bowl and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the graham cracker crust and spread into an even layer. Refrigerate or freeze for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly set.
While the chocolate layer chills, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and well-drained crushed pineapple until smooth and creamy.
Spoon the filling over the chocolate layer and spread evenly. Arrange the sliced bananas over the filling.
Spread the whipped topping over the bananas, smoothing to the edges of the pie.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Decorating with whipped cream, chopped pecans, chocolate syrup, and maraschino cherries, if desired, just before serving.
Substitutions
- Graham cracker crust: Swap for an Oreo crust or chocolate cookie crust for a deeper chocolate flavor. You can also make a homemade graham cracker crust with graham cracker crumbs and melted butter if preferred.
- Cool Whip: Instead of Cool Whip, you can use homemade stabilized whipped cream.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips make the pie sweeter, while dark chocolate chips add a richer flavor.
- Pecans: Swap for your favorite chopped nuts like chopped peanuts or walnuts if preferred.
Behind the Recipe
My top tip is to drain the pineapple really well. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out excess moisture so the cream cheese filling sets properly.
Also, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut for neat, bakery-style slices. Wait to add cherries and chocolate syrup until serving so the topping stays clean and pretty.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Please take a moment to leave a rating and review—it helps me create high-quality recipes and lets others know what to expect.
FAQ
Yes. This pie is great for making a day in advance. Just wait to add optional toppings until serving.
📖 Recipe
No Bake Banana Split Pie
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple very well drained
- 1–2 bananas sliced into rounds
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
- Optional toppings: whipping cream, chopped pecans, chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming and small bubbles form around the edges. Do not boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a small mixing bowl and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the graham cracker crust and spread into an even layer. Refrigerate or freeze for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly set.
- While the chocolate layer chills, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and well-drained crushed pineapple until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the filling over the chocolate layer and spread evenly. Arrange the sliced bananas over the filling.
- Spread the whipped topping over the bananas, smoothing to the edges of the pie.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Decorating with whipped cream, chopped pecans, chocolate syrup, and maraschino cherries, if desired, just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Carol says
Another must try pie! I'm glad you mentioned in the notes that I shouldn't freeze it because that's exactly what I was going to do. I'll resist the urge and enjoy it refrigerated instead.
Carol says
This sounds sooo refreshing! I love banana splits!
Kelsey Smith says
Hope ya'll love my recipe. If you give it a try, please leave a rating.