Description
Creamy banana split fluff salad brings nostalgic dessert flavors into a dreamy, no-bake treat perfect for summer gatherings. Cool whip, fresh fruit, and sweet toppings blend deliciously, promising smiles at your next potluck or family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients:
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 1 (20 ounces / 567 grams) can of crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup (175 grams) maraschino cherries, halved and drained
Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) container of whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
Optional and Complementary Ingredients:
- 2 cups (100 grams) mini marshmallows
- ½ cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup (90 grams) chocolate chips
Garnish:
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate syrup
- Extra chopped nuts
Instructions
- Craft a velvety foundation by whisking instant pudding mix with milk until it achieves a silky, slightly thickened consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate whipped topping into the pudding base, folding gently to create a light, airy texture that will serve as the salad’s creamy canvas.
- Slice ripe bananas into delicate rounds, then carefully fold them into the mixture, allowing their natural sweetness to infuse the dessert.
- Add crushed pineapple, draining excess liquid to prevent diluting the creamy base, and distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Introduce vibrant maraschino cherries, chopping them if desired, to provide bursts of color and tangy flavor.
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows and chopped nuts into the salad, creating delightful textural contrast and additional layers of taste.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips to enhance the dessert’s indulgent profile and mimic the classic banana split experience.
- Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to set into a cohesive, refreshing treat.
- Before serving, artfully garnish with extra maraschino cherries, a delicate drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts to elevate the presentation.
Notes
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent watery texture and maintain the salad’s creamy consistency.
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushy texture and ensure clean, distinct banana pieces.
- Customize the dessert by swapping pudding flavors or adding different mix-ins like graham cracker crumbs or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
- Consider preparing just before serving to keep bananas fresh and prevent browning; alternatively, toss bananas with a bit of lemon juice to slow oxidation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 to 10
- Calories: 278
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 56 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg