Save It This Banana Split Icebox Pudding Bars recipe transforms all the nostalgia of a banana split sundae into a chilled layered dessert. No oven required and total summer energy this is my go-to for make-ahead treats when the weather is too hot to bake. With graham cracker crust, fluffy pudding, loads of fruit, whipped topping, and all the fancy sundae toppings it is always a highlight at picnics and parties.
When I introduced these bars at our summer block party last year they disappeared in record time and even the adults wanted seconds
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: These create a classic crunchy base choose fresh unflavored crumbs for the best taste
- Unsalted butter: Helps the crust hold together and brings richness use good quality butter for best flavor
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Provides luscious texture and simple prep look for real vanilla in the ingredient list
- Cold whole milk: Makes the pudding layer extra creamy use whole milk for a fuller mouthfeel
- Cream cheese: Adds tang and body to the pudding layer soften for easy blending and smooth results
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps the filling set sift before measuring to avoid lumps
- Bananas: Must be ripe but not too mushy for the best color and flavor pick speckled yellow ones without brown spots
- Strawberries: Bring tart freshness to balance the sweet slice just before assembling for vibrant color
- Crushed pineapple: Gives that tropical burst and moistness drain really well to avoid soggy bars
- Whipped topping: Adds a light fluffy finish use thawed for easy spreading and an even layer
- Chocolate syrup: Delivers the classic banana split chocolate moment pick a thick syrup so it does not run everywhere
- Chopped roasted peanuts: Provide salty crunch choose unsalted or lightly salted for best balance
- Maraschino cherries: These finish each slice with color and fun drain well and wait to top just before serving
Instructions
- Prep the Pan:
- Line a nine by thirteen inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving extra over two sides to help you lift out the bars later
- Make the Crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until every crumb looks glossy and damp then press very firmly and evenly into the pan so the layer is compact Freeze this crust for fifteen minutes to help it set and not fall apart later
- Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl use an electric mixer or strong whisk to beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until perfectly smooth No lumps means no surprise tangy bites
- Prepare the Pudding:
- In another bowl whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for at least two minutes until very thick and creamy Let it sit just a minute to finish thickening then fold into the cream cheese mixture Gently mix until there are no streaks left You will have a silky rich filling
- Layer the Pudding:
- Use a spatula to spread the pudding mixture evenly over the chilled crust Take time to reach all corners for neat sharp bars later
- Add the Bananas:
- Slice bananas and shingle the pieces in a single generous layer over the pudding Try to cover the pudding completely for every bite to get some banana
- Layer the Strawberries:
- Hull and slice strawberries and scatter an even layer over the bananas again aiming for even coverage for great texture and color
- Add Pineapple:
- Sprinkle well-drained crushed pineapple over the strawberries breaking up any clumps and pat with a paper towel if there is too much moisture
- Spread the Whipped Topping:
- Spoon whipped topping over the fruit and use a clean spatula to gently spread it out Make sure the fruit stays put underneath and smooth the top as much as you can
- Finish with Toppings:
- Drizzle chocolate syrup back and forth in zigzags on top of the whipped topping then sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts for crunch
- Chill to Set:
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours so the layers firm up and flavors meld Overnight is even better for slicing neatly
- Slice and Serve:
- Lift the chilled bars out using the parchment handles Cut into twelve squares or rectangles and just before serving crown each piece with a maraschino cherry for the ultimate banana split effect
Save It I am always amazed how just one bite brings back memories of joyfully eating banana splits at the old ice cream shop My favorite part is always the swipe of creamy pudding that catches both banana and strawberry in the same forkful
Storage Tips
Cover leftover bars tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to forty eight hours The crust will soften as it sits but the flavor is still dreamy If prepping ahead wait to add cherries until right before serving for prettiest results
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use chocolate graham crackers or even vanilla wafers for the crust For a dairy-free version swap in non-dairy whipped topping and oat or almond milk in the pudding If avoiding nuts use mini chocolate chips or toasted coconut instead of peanuts
Serving Suggestions
Pile the bars on a bright summer platter and serve chilled Add sprinkles for a birthday look or offer extra toppings in little bowls so everyone can build their favorite You can even drizzle caramel sauce for a sundae bar spin
Cultural and Historical Context
The banana split is a timeless American classic often attributed to Pennsylvania in the early nineteen hundreds It captures the spirit of soda fountains and summer celebrations transforming those flavors into a modern easy dessert brings nostalgia to every bite
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries in place of strawberries when in season Add sliced peaches for extra sweetness during late summer months In winter use drained mandarin oranges for a festive twist
Success Stories
Every summer these bars get requests at every family gathering even my picky nephew has dubbed these as the best dessert of the season Make them for a potluck and watch them vanish from the table
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the bars completely except for cherries wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and topping with fresh cherries The texture of the fruit will be slightly softer but the flavors stay wonderful
Save It Serve chilled for the best banana split experience every time These bars will be the talk of every summer picnic