Banana Split Icebox Cake: A No-Bake Dessert Worthy of Summer Memories
A childhood sundae, now in chilled Banana Split Icebox cake form
Growing up in Ohio, summer meant long bike rides, backyard sprinklers, and banana splits at the local ice cream shop. It was the kind of sundae that made you pause—layers of whipped cream, sticky pineapple, chocolate syrup, and that one cherry on top. Fast forward to a sticky Portland evening last July—I was sweating in a tank top, staring into my fridge, craving that same nostalgic joy but with zero interest in turning on the oven.
Banana split icebox cake might sound like a retro throwback—and it is—but it’s also one of the smartest no-bake tricks to pull off in summer. I made mine on a warm Portland night, skipping the oven and letting layers of graham crackers, pudding, and fruit chill into something magical. According to the National Ice Cream Retailers Association, the original banana split was born in 1904, and that playful spirit still lives on in every creamy bite of this chilled cake. You just layer, refrigerate, and slice—it’s nostalgic and refreshingly easy.
Banana Split Icebox Cake: How to Make It No-Bake Style
Banana split icebox cake is a no-bake summer treat with creamy layers of pudding, bananas, whipped topping, and classic sundae toppings. Easy, chilled, and perfect for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Freezer Treats
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups whipped topping (vegan or regular)
1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
2 cups plant-based milk
1 sleeve graham crackers
2 bananas, sliced
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
Maraschino cherries for topping
Instructions
1. Whisk together pudding mix and milk, then fold in half the whipped topping.
2. In a rectangular pan, place a single layer of graham crackers.
3. Spread a layer of pudding mix, then top with sliced bananas, pineapple, and strawberries.
4. Repeat layers, ending with pudding and remaining whipped topping.
5. Drizzle chocolate syrup over top and garnish with cherries.
6. Chill for 4–6 hours or overnight before slicing.
Notes
Toss bananas in pineapple juice to prevent browning.
Add peanut butter drizzle or chopped nuts for a fun twist.
Can be frozen in slices for longer storage.
Table of Contents
Why this Banana Split icebox cake works so well for gatherings
This banana split icebox cake became my secret weapon for potlucks and birthdays. You can prep it the night before, chill it until the layers settle into dreamy softness, and bring it out looking like a sundae in sheet-cake form. No baking, no stress, and no leftover slices because, honestly, it disappears.
If you’ve ever fallen for our No-Bake Strawberry Pie or Frozen Vegan Pops, you’ll love this too. It’s creamy, light, and stacked with summery flavor. The banana split icebox cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a reminder that something simple and sweet can turn any ordinary day into a memory.
How This Banana Split Icebox Cake Comes Together Without an Oven
Banana Split Icebox Cake ingredients that mimic your favorite sundae
Think of this banana split icebox cake as a love letter to the classic sundae—with a structure that works without melting. You’ll start with graham crackers as your base, replacing the waffle cone crunch. Then comes the creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping, standing in for scoops of soft-serve. Next? Layers of banana slices, crushed pineapple, and strawberries. A rich chocolate drizzle goes on top, along with maraschino cherries that shout “banana split” without saying a word.
What’s special about this banana split icebox cake isn’t just its flavor—it’s the texture. The layers settle together in the fridge overnight, becoming sliceable like a cake, but tasting like a frozen sundae dream. It’s one of those no-bake recipes that feels like it took hours but comes together in under 20 minutes.
Tricks to keep your Banana Split Icebox Cake creamy, not soggy
The secret to a well-structured banana split icebox cake? Strategic layering. Make sure your bananas are tossed lightly in lemon or pineapple juice to keep them from browning. Drain your pineapple well so it doesn’t soak the graham layers. And when you spread the pudding and whipped topping, do it gently to avoid pulling up the bottom layers.
This is one of those summer desserts that’s forgiving but benefits from a few smart moves. And just like our Icebox Cake or Chia Jam Filling Guide, structure matters. When it’s done right, this banana split icebox cake doesn’t just hold together—it slices like a chilled bakery cake and vanishes fast.
Customize Your Banana Split Icebox Cake for Any Crowd
Gluten-free, dairy-free, or high-protein banana split icebox cake twists
This banana split icebox cake is easy to love—and even easier to adapt. If you’re baking (or rather, not baking) for guests with dietary needs, switch to coconut whipped topping and almond milk pudding to go dairy-free. For a gluten-free version, use certified GF graham crackers or layered almond flour cookies. You can even sneak in some plant-based protein by adding silken tofu to the pudding layer or blending in nut butter with the whipped topping.
If you’ve tried our No-Bake Mango Coconut Chia Cups or No-Bake Pumpkin Pie, you already know a great dessert can be flexible and still delicious. This banana split icebox cake just happens to be one of the most adaptable in your fridge.
Banana split icebox cake topping ideas for every season
Keep it classic with maraschino cherries and chocolate drizzle, or level up with seasonal toppings. Try fresh raspberries and dark chocolate curls in spring. In fall, go with maple syrup, toasted walnuts, and a pinch of cinnamon. Winter? Add crushed peppermint and vegan fudge drizzle. Even better—slice bananas and freeze them slightly before layering for a cool bite.
Each version of this banana split icebox cake delivers that nostalgic dessert table moment without needing to preheat a thing. Whether it’s summer BBQs, school celebrations, or just a Tuesday night, this no-bake favorite always rises to the occasion.
Banana Split Icebox Cake Shelf Life and Make-Ahead Tips
How Long Banana Split Icebox Cake Lasts in the Fridge or Freezer
Once assembled, your banana split icebox cake will hold beautifully in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The graham crackers will soften into a cakelike layer, and the flavors will blend even more. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil or a fitted lid to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. If you want to plan even further ahead, this dessert also freezes surprisingly well. Slice and freeze it in individual squares, then thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
We’ve tested this banana split icebox cake alongside freezer-friendly treats like Vegan Frozen Pineapple-Coconut Yogurt Bark and Frozen Vegan Pops, and it holds up with similar texture and flavor. The trick is slicing before freezing for easier serving later.
Best Ways to Prep Banana Split Icebox Cake Ahead of Time
Want a showstopper without any day-of stress? This cake is your friend. Build it the night before, cover it, and let it chill. The longer it sits (up to 24 hours), the more the layers meld into perfect slices. Just remember to add whipped topping and cherries shortly before serving if you want a picture-perfect finish.
A few small tricks go a long way with this banana split icebox cake: use a serrated knife for slicing, wipe the blade between cuts, and serve it slightly chilled—not frozen—for the best texture. Whether you’re pulling it from the fridge or freezer, it’s always a hit.
Final Thoughts on This Banana Split Icebox Cake
This banana split icebox cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration in every slice. With its chilled layers of pudding, whipped topping, fresh fruit, and a nostalgic cherry on top, it captures the joy of a classic sundae without ever needing to preheat your oven. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just cooling down after a long day, this no-bake treat hits the sweet spot between indulgent and effortless.
From the graham cracker crust to the creamy filling, every layer of this banana split icebox cake delivers flavor, texture, and that feel-good dessert energy. It’s endlessly adaptable, easy to prep ahead, and always a crowd-pleaser. When your fridge holds something this fun, dessert becomes the highlight of the day.
If you enjoyed this, don’t miss our No-Bake Chocolate Tart or 3‑Ingredient Cloud Cake—because at What to Whip Up, we believe the best desserts come with no baking, just layers of love.
Frequently Asked Questions about Banana Split Icebox Cake
What are some fun facts about the banana split?
The banana split was invented in 1904 by a pharmacist named David Strickler in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Originally sold for just 10 cents, it became a soda fountain staple. The classic banana split features a banana sliced lengthwise with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, topped with chocolate syrup, pineapple, strawberries, whipped cream, and cherries—just like the layers in this banana split icebox cake.
Why is it called an icebox cake?
“Icebox cake” refers to desserts made by layering cookies or crackers with whipped cream or pudding, then chilling them until the layers soften and meld into a cake-like texture. Before electric refrigerators, people used literal iceboxes, and these no-bake cakes became a staple summer dessert. This banana split icebox cake follows the same tradition—zero oven time, all chill.
How long does banana split cake last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, banana split icebox cake lasts about 3–4 days in the refrigerator. For best results, keep it tightly covered and avoid overexposing the bananas, which may brown slightly. To serve later, you can freeze individual slices and thaw them as needed.
Why is it called a banana split?
The name “banana split” comes from the signature way the banana is sliced down the middle and spread to cradle the scoops of ice cream and toppings. This signature style inspired the stacked layers of our banana split icebox cake—no scoops needed, just chill and slice!