Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to impress your guests, this banana cream dessert with a graham cracker crust is the perfect choice. Combining the creamy richness of cream cheese and whipped topping with the sweetness of bananas and pineapples, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Easy to make, it’s sure to become a favorite at your gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust:
– 12 full graham cracker sheets, finely crushed
– 9 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Filling:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 4 medium bananas, sliced
– 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
– 16 ounces Cool Whip
– 1 jar maraschino cherries
– 1/2 cup crushed walnuts
– 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
No cooking required
Total Time
Several hours (including refrigeration)
Yield
Serves 12-15
Directions
1. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set aside.
4. In another medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
6. Arrange the sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer, pressing them slightly into the mixture.
7. Evenly spread the drained crushed pineapple over the banana layer.
8. Top with a layer of Cool Whip, spreading it evenly.
9. Sprinkle the crushed walnuts over the Cool Whip layer.
10. Drizzle the hot fudge sauce over the top.
11. Garnish with maraschino cherries.
12. Refrigerate the dessert for several hours or overnight before serving.
Indulge in this delicious creation that combines layers of flavor and texture, perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Press the Crust
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set aside.
Blend the Cream Cheese Filling
In another medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
Layer the Bananas
Arrange the sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer, pressing them slightly into the mixture.
Layer the Pineapple
Evenly spread the drained crushed pineapple over the banana layer.
Top with Cool Whip
Top with a layer of Cool Whip, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the Walnuts
Sprinkle the crushed walnuts over the Cool Whip layer.
Drizzle with Hot Fudge Sauce
Drizzle the hot fudge sauce over the top.
Garnish with Cherries
Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Chill the Dessert
Refrigerate the dessert for several hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier blending.
Banana Ripeness
Select ripe bananas for the best flavor; they should be yellow with some brown spots.
Pineapple Draining
Make sure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.
Cool Whip Alternative
If preferred, you can substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream.
Storage Advice
Keep leftover dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Crust
Begin by finely crushing the graham crackers using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs with melted butter and granulated sugar, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish to create a solid crust.
Blending Filling Ingredients
Soften the cream cheese and butter by leaving them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Use a mixer to blend the cream cheese, softened butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
Layering Components
After preparing the crust and filling, layer the ingredients in the following order: cream cheese mixture, sliced bananas, drained crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, crushed walnuts, and hot fudge sauce. Each layer should be spread evenly for a well-presented dessert.
Chilling the Dessert
Once all layers are added, refrigerate the dessert for several hours or, ideally, overnight. This allows the layers to set and meld together, enhancing the flavors and texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with other options like Oreo crust or a cookie crust depending on your preference.
How do I know when the cream cheese mixture is properly blended?
The cream cheese mixture should be smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for Cool Whip. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for the best texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
While not strictly necessary, refrigerating overnight allows the dessert to set properly and enhances the flavors.
Conclusion
This delicious dessert combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and fresh fruit atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. The layers of creaminess, fruitiness, and the slight crunch from the walnuts create a delectable experience that will leave everyone wanting more. The addition of hot fudge and cherries adds a delightful finish, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to chill it for the best texture and flavor!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Banana Cream Pie
Swap out the pineapple for extra bananas and add a layer of chocolate pudding between the banana and Cool Whip layers for a rich twist on the classic.
Pineapple Coconut Delight
Add shredded coconut to the crushed pineapple layer for an extra tropical flavor, and replace the walnuts with toasted coconut flakes.
Peanut Butter Banana Dream
Incorporate creamy peanut butter into the cream cheese filling and drizzle with extra peanut butter sauce on top before garnishing with cherries.
Berry Delight Trifle
Replace the bananas and pineapple with mixed fresh berries, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, for a lighter, tangy dessert.
Caramel Apple Crunch
Substitute the bananas with sliced apples and drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the Cool Whip layer for a fall-inspired treat.
