Description

Banana Split Fluff is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines the classic flavors of a banana split into a light, fluffy, and fruity treat. Featuring instant banana pudding, crushed pineapple, fresh bananas, strawberries, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts, and maraschino cherries, this dessert is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion where you want an easy and crowd-pleasing sweet dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Mixture

1 (3.4 ounce) box instant banana pudding
1 (40 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed

Fruits & Mix-ins

3 large ripe bananas, sliced
16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
4 cups mini marshmallows
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained well (reserve some for topping)
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
½ cup chopped peanuts or walnuts (plus extra for topping)

Toppings

Whipped cream (for topping)
Sprinkles (for topping)
Additional chocolate chips (for topping)
Additional chopped nuts (for topping)
Additional maraschino cherries (for topping)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and the juice from the crushed pineapple until the mixture is smooth and has thickened. This creates the flavorful base of the dessert.
Incorporate the Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the banana pudding and pineapple mixture until fully combined, imparting a light and fluffy texture to the dessert.
Add Fruits and Mix-ins: Fold in the sliced bananas, chopped strawberries, mini marshmallows, maraschino cherries, semisweet chocolate chips, and chopped nuts carefully, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the banana pudding mixture without smashing the fruit.
Chill to Set: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 2 to 4 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and helps the dessert to set into a deliciously firm fluff.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, decorate the top with additional chocolate chips, chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, dollops of whipped cream, and sprinkles to enhance both appearance and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute walnuts with peanuts or pecans depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.
Make sure the Cool Whip is fully thawed before folding in to ensure a smooth mixture.
For a nuttier flavor, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the fluff.
This dessert holds well for up to 24 hours refrigerated, making it great for preparing ahead of time.
For a lower sugar option, use sugar-free instant pudding and skip the sprinkles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American