Description
This No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle is a luscious and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring layers of rich instant chocolate pudding, fresh bananas, whipped cream, crunchy graham crackers, chocolate chips, and maraschino cherries, it’s a delightful twist on the classic banana split that requires no baking. Simply layer, chill, and serve for a decadent treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Pudding
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- 4-5 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to set.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Assemble the Trifle – First Layer: In a trifle dish or a large glass bowl, spread one-third of the prepared chocolate pudding evenly across the bottom.
- Layer Bananas: Add a layer of sliced bananas evenly over the pudding.
- Add Graham Crackers: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers evenly on top of the bananas.
- Layer Whipped Cream: Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the graham crackers.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Sprinkle chocolate chips and halved maraschino cherries evenly on top of the whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times: pudding, bananas, graham crackers, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and cherries. Finish with a final layer of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Drizzle chocolate syrup across the top of the trifle and garnish with additional chocolate chips and maraschino cherries. Refrigerate the trifle for 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning and maintain texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whipped topping.
- Prepare the pudding and whipped cream ahead of time to speed up assembly.
- For added crunch, you can lightly toast the graham cracker crumbs before layering.
- This dessert can be customized with other fruits like strawberries or pineapple for variety.
