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Banana Split Lush is a no bake layered lasagna dessert with all the flavors and textures of a classic banana split but in a one pan dessert!

Don’t miss these other banana split desserts – Banana Split Icebox Cake and these Banana Split Dessert Cups.

A square of lush with a fork bite taken out of the corner front.

Banana Split Lush Dessert Recipe (Lasagna Dessert)

If you love banana splits then you need to make this. A lush dessert is a layered dessert – also called dessert lasagna – with a graham cracker sprinkle crust, no bake pineapple cheesecake layer, a creamy strawberry jello layer, and finished off with whipped cream and all the banana split toppings like sprinkles, banana slices, hot fudge, and maraschino cherries.

Not only is this an impressive dessert that is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Let’s learn how to make this banana split dessert with all my tips for success.

A photo of a piece of the lasagna dessert

Ingredients Needed

Graham Cracker Funfetti Crust

Graham Crackers Crumbs : You can buy these at the store in a box in the baking aisle, or use whole graham crackers sheets that have been finely ground in a food processor, food chopper, or a Ziploc bag using a meat mallet or rolling pin to smash them into fine crumbs.
Rainbow Sprinkles : This adds a cute and fun ‘banana split twist’ to the crust, cause we all know the sprinkles are the best part of a banana split!
Butter : I use salted butter but if you prefer unsalted butter then that will work just fine also.

No Bake Pineapple Cheesecake Layer

Cream Cheese : For the best flavor and thick & creamy texture I highly recommend using full-fat cream cheese and not reduced-fat or lite.
Powdered Sugar
Crushed Pineapple : Make sure the pineapple has been well drained using a colander or fine mesh strainer to remove all excess juice from the pineapple.
Cool Whip

Strawberry Layer

Strawberry Jello Mix
Boiling Water
Cold Water
Diced Fresh Strawberries
Cool Whip

Banana & Whipped Cream Layer

Cool Whip
Chopped/Sliced Fresh Banana

Toppings & Garnishes

Chopped Walnuts
Hot Fudge Sauce : I would suggest not skipping the hot fudge sauce! It’s the perfect compliment to a banana split.
Strawberry Sauce : This is the ice cream sundae syrup and sauce that can be found by the other ice cream sundae toppings at the store. It is optional and you don’t even have to include if you can’t find it.
Maraschino Cherries

How To Make It (Printable Recipe Card Below)

Make The Crust : In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sprinkles, and melted butter until thoroughly combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.

Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 baking pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set the crust while you prepare the other layers.

Make The Pineapple Cheesecake Layer : In a bowl using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and combined. Mix in the crushed pineapple. Add the Cool Whip and mix on low speed until combined well.

Spread the pineapple mixture over top the crust in an even layer, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges and corners of the pan. Place the pan back in the fridge.

Make The Strawberry Layer : In a mixing bowl, whisk together the strawberry jello powder and boiling water until the jello has dissolved.

Stir in the cold water and chopped strawberries. Add in the Cool Whip and stir until combined well.

Spread the strawberry mixture over top the pineapple cheesecake layer inside the cake pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and place the pan back in the fridge for 1 hour or until the jello is set.

Banana Whipped Cream Layer : Add the Cool Whip and chopped/sliced banana into a bowl and stir together. Spread over top the strawberry layer for the final layer of the lush dessert.

Chill Time : Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for minimum of 4-6 hours, or up to overnight is even better.

Garnishes : When ready to serve, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over top of the dessert. Drizzle the hot fudge and strawberry sauce over the nuts. Cut the dessert into squares and then gently press a maraschino cherry onto each piece. Enjoy the dessert chilled from the fridge.

How To Store Leftovers

Banana split lasagna lush dessert should be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust will begin to get softer the longer it’s in the fridge, and the jello layer can leak some moisture.

I leave the lush dessert inside the pan covered with a lid, or plastic wrap, and store it that way. The dessert is best served fresh – after the required fridge time needed for the layers to set – and it’s best to serve it chilled straight from the fridge.

I don’t recommend freezing this dessert as the layers will develop an odd texture, and to be as thick and creamy, once frozen and then thawed.

Serving Suggestions

You can garnish the entire lush dessert with the toppings or garnish each slice as it’s served. It’s also a fun idea to set up a banana split style dessert bar, with bowls of different toppings, and then everyone can garnish and decorate their slice of dessert however they want. I recommend only adding maraschino cherries until right before serving.

A banana split with the dish of dessert next to it.

What Are Some Substitutions I Can Make?

Graham Cracker Crumbs : Use crushed vanilla wafers, Oreo cookies, crushed Teddy Grahams, or any other cookie for a different base flavor.
Rainbow Sprinkles : Opt for chocolate sprinkles for a chocolaty touch, or leave them out for less sweetness.
Strawberry Jello Mix : Try using strawberry banana jello, raspberry jello, or any other berry flavored jello you can find.
Strawberries : Replace with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries depending on preference or to match the jello flavor used. Strawberry is the traditional banana split topping which is why it’s in this recipe.

Banana Split Lush Dessert (Banana Split Lasagna)

Banana Split Lush Dessert Recipe (Lasagna Dessert)