Banana Split Lush is a Summer-y, light and sweet Banana Cream Lush dessert recipe topped with chocolate sauce, maraschino cherries and pineapple. Enjoy this delightful dessert at any Summer holiday, potluck or BBQ! (12 slices)
8ouncesCool Whip you can substitute the same amount whipped cream
2-3chopped pecans or walnuts
10ouncemaraschino cherriesmay be extra left over
20ouncepineapple chunksmay be extra left over
3 tbspchocolate sauce to drizzle over slices
1largebananasliced and added right before serving
Instructions
Bottom Graham Cracker Crust (for a no bake crust option): In a medium-large bowl, mix melted and cooled unsalted butter with finely ground, processed graham crackers. Press into the bottom of a 13X9 pan. Cover and chill until the next layer is ready.
Bottom Pecan Crust Layer (for traditional lush baked crust option): Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, melted and cooled butter, finely ground pecans and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes (25 mins works best for me) until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before adding any layers.
Cream Cheese Layer(2nd layer): Using a hand electric mixer, combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1-2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons works best for me). Mixture should be even and smooth. Spread evenly on top of the baked and cooled bottom pecan crust or no bake graham cracker crust.
Banana Cream Pudding Layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the milk and instant banana cream pudding mix until set. It may take 4-5 minutes to thicken. Spread evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.
Whipped & Toppings Layer: Using an offset spatula, spread thawed whipped topping on top of the banana cream pudding layer. Place the maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks on top of the whipped layer. For serving drizzle with chocolate sauce. Optionally, before serving you can serve with freshly sliced bananas. Optionally, you can freeze the Bananas Fosters Lush overnight (without the Bananas Fosters sauce) for more defined slices. Do not freeze if you substitute homemade whipped cream because it might not hold up like frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip.Enjoy!
Notes
I suggest using an offset spatula for spreading the layers and make sure it's clean before starting a new layer. After refrigerating, for serving to show more defined layers, you can just take a butter knife and "wipe" along the sides and the layers will show nicely. You can freeze the Banana Split Lush overnight (at least 6 hours) to get more defined slices. Make sure you use a sharp knife to cut down into the bottom crust first before removing with the spatula. It will defrost fairly quickly depending on the room temperature.