This Banana Split Cheesecake has all your classic ice cream sundae flavors. Layers of creamy banana cheesecake, strawberry pie filling, and a fun chocolate topping creates a delicious dessert that everyone loves.
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In college, I worked as a waitress at Friendly's. One of my favorite desserts to make and serve was the banana split sundae. There is just something about the combination of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and banana that is so delicious.
Over the years I have been inspired to add those flavors to different banana split desserts. Some of our favorites are banana split pie, banana split cake, and this dessert salad.
Since we love cheesecake, I decided to add the sundae flavors to a full sized cheesecake too. I changed the toppings on this banana pudding cheesecake and added a graham cracker crust. The end result was the most delicious banana split cheesecake!
Bonus: Love cheesecake? Check out our favorite 37 cheesecake recipes.
Why You Will Love This
This banana cheesecake with ice cream toppings is a gorgeous dessert to make for summer parties, picnics, or potlucks. It looks impressive, but is actually quite easy to make.
- Combination of banana cheesecake and banana split toppings makes it taste so good.
- Takes the flavors in a banana split sundae to a whole new level.
- Easy and fun to customize with your favorite ice cream toppings.
- Great dessert for special holidays or fun family gatherings.
Main Ingredients
Grab your favorite sundae toppings and basic cheesecake ingredients and get ready to make this easy banana split cheesecake.
- Graham Cracker Crust - A mixture of graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter makes an easy cheesecake crust.
- Cream Cheese - Full fat cream cheese gives the cheesecake the creamiest texture.
- Granulated Sugar - Sweetens the cheesecake filling and also helps to smooth out the cream cheese.
- Large Eggs - Adds a smooth and rich flavor to the filling.
- Bananas - You will need a few ripe bananas for this recipe. Make sure they are yellow and not brown with spots. Set one aside to use for the topping after the cheesecake has baked.
- Strawberry Pie Filling - Strawberry is a traditional flavor for a banana split, but you can also use cherry or triple berry.
- Chocolate Chips - Adding hot heavy whipping cream to the chocolate will make a smooth and creamy chocolate ganache.
- Banana Split Toppings - Whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, mixed nuts, banana slices, and maraschino cherries with stems make a fun topping.
BruCrew Tip: Looking for a no bake version? Try this easy no bake banana split dessert.
How To Make a Banana Split Cheesecake
Make this banana split cheesecake recipe in 3 easy steps. Start by making the crust, adding the cheesecake filling, then decorating the top with your favorite toppings. It sounds like a lot of steps, but you got this!
Graham Cracker Crust
- Crush the graham crackers into crumbs using a food processor. In a small bowl mix together the crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Dump the mixture into a 10-inch springform pan and pat them down evenly in the bottom of the pan.
Banana Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla extract, flour, and mashed banana and beat the mixture again.
- Whisk the eggs and gently mix into the batter just until combined. Do not over beat the batter.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry pie filling on top of the cheesecake and swirl gently.
- Place cheesecake in oven and bake until the sides are set and the center is still wiggly like Jello.
- Let the cheesecake cool for 1-2 hours on the counter. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to cool completely.
Banana Split Toppings
- Remove the sides of the springform pan and place the cheesecake on a serving platter or plate.
- Place heavy cream and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Place in microwave and heat for 1 minute. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate ganache on the center of the chilled cheesecake. Use an angled spatula to spread it out, letting some of the chocolate drip over the sides.
- Top with rainbow sprinkles and mixed nuts and let the chocolate set before decorating.
BruCrew Tip: Add whipped topping, maraschino cherries, and banana slices right before serving.
Storage Recommendations
In the Refrigerator - Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
In the Freezer - Wrap the entire cheesecake or single slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer safe container. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating and serving.
FYI: For best results, freeze the cheesecake without the chocolate and toppings.
Tips and Tricks
- Set the cream cheese out ahead of time, so it can soften. Room temperature cream cheese is easier to beat into a creamy consistency.
- Preheat your oven and place a large sheet pan on the very bottom rack of the oven. Fill it halfway with water for a steam bath. This is so much easier than a water bath. Plus, you don't have to worry about water seeping in and ruining a perfectly good cheesecake.
- Do NOT use overripe bananas in the cheesecake because they will cause the filling to bake a little bit brown.
- Change up the fruit swirls with this cherry pie filling.
- Line your springform pan with parchment paper, so that you can easily remove the entire cheesecake from the pan.
- When you bake the cheesecake, place the pan on the oven rack directly ABOVE the steaming pan of hot water.
- Quickly dip banana slices in lemon juice or pineapple juice right before serving the cheesecake, so they don't turn brown.
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FAQs
This banana cheesecake serves up to 14 people. It really depends on how small or large you cut your slices.
Yes you can. Before adding the toppings, simply wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
It really does have all the same flavor and taste of a banana split! It's like having an old-fashioned banana split sundae in cheesecake form!
No, you can bake a cheesecake without the traditional water bath. We like to bake our cheesecakes with a pan of water underneath the cheesecake. This creates a steamy atmosphere while the cheesecake bakes.
The steam keeps the cheesecake from drying out as it bakes. Plus, using a steam bath keeps the water from leaking into the cheesecake pan.
More Cheesecake with Fruit
- Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
- Orange Cream Cheesecake
- Blackberry Cheesecake
- Key Lime Cheesecake
- Banana Pudding Cheesecake
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Recipe
Banana Split Cheesecake
This creamy Banana Split Cheesecake is swirled with strawberry pie filling and topped with a chocolate ganache making it taste like the classic ice cream sundae.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake
- 4 - 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup smashed bananas
- 4 large eggs
- 1 - 21 ounce can strawberry pie filling
For the Topping
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
- maraschino cherries, with stems
- sprinkles and chopped nuts, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°. Place a large sheet pan on the bottom rack of the oven and fill halfway with water.
- Line the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan with parchment paper, so you can remove it easier later.
- Combine the graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla, flour, and mashed banana and mix again.
- Whisk the eggs and gently mix into the batter just until combined. Do not over mix.
- Pour the cheesecake batter onto the prepared crust. Drop spoonfuls of pie filling on top of the cheesecake and swirl gently.
- Place the cheesecake on oven rack directly over the steaming pan of water. Bake 1 hour and 40 minutes. Turn oven off and crack door for 5 minutes.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place on a wire rack. Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan.
- Let the cheesecake cool for 1-2 hours on the counter, then place the pan in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight.
- Remove the sides of the springform pan and place the cheesecake on a serving platter or plate.
- Place the heavy cream and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, then stir until melted and creamy.
- Pour the chocolate on top of the chilled cheesecake and smooth it out letting some of the chocolate drip over the sides. Top with sprinkles and mixed nuts. Let set.
- Before serving, decorate with Cool Whip swirls, cherries, and banana slices.
Notes
- Set the cream cheese out ahead of time, so it can soften. Room temperature cream cheese is easier to beat into a creamy consistency.
- Preheat your oven and place a large sheet pan on the very bottom rack of the oven. Fill it halfway with water for a steam bath. This is so much easier than a water bath. Plus, you don't have to worry about water seeping in and ruining a perfectly good cheesecake.
- Do NOT use overripe bananas in the cheesecake because they will cause the filling to bake a little bit brown.
- Change up the fruit swirls with this cherry pie filling.
- When you bake the cheesecake, place the pan on the oven rack directly ABOVE the steaming pan of hot water.
- Quickly dip banana slices in lemon juice or pineapple juice right before serving the cheesecake, so they don't turn brown.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 661Total Fat: 45gSaturated Fat: 26gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 148mgSodium: 335mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 2gSugar: 43gProtein: 9g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*The post for Banana Split Cheesecake was first published January 2013. It was updated with new pictures and tips and republished February 2023.
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Heather @French Press
what an exciting new adventure for your family!
Jocelyn Brubaker
It will definitely be an adventure at times I'm sure, but we are trusting God to provide every step of the way!!!
Veronica
Congratulations to you and your family on the new changes! It doesn't happen often enough in life that we get to follow our calling! And this cheesecake looks beyond amazing!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Yes, I think sometimes people either don't have the option or don't take the option to follow in their lives. We are excited for the next phase of life!!!
Laura
A waffle cone crust? Genius! Congratulations to your family on your husband's new path!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you and yes, it was a fun new twist for the cheesecake.
Cassidy
I am AMAZED with this yummy looking Banana Split Cheesecake and it's so cute! I found you over at Couponing & Cooking 🙂 Good luck with things.
cass-eats.blogspot.com
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Cassidy! This cheesecake was super AMAZING 😉
sally @ sallys baking addiction
Congrats on new beginnings to you and your family Jocelyn. It's an exciting time and by the grace of God and your love, determination, and positive attitude (you have one girl!), I know this can be the right path for you all. And eating more cheesecake is now on my 2013 list as well. 😉
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Sally. That means so much to me. And cheesecake should always be on our list!!!
Sue {munchkin munchies}
I really enjoyed your post! You inspired and touched me with your sweet testimony and one-word resolution(I like that idea)! God bless you and your family in the new year...sometimes living with less "things" sounds liberating:) BTW, your cheesecake does look amazing!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much! I am glad to hear how much you liked the post. I don't put that much personal stuff out there that often so it means a lot to know you enjoyed it. Less is definitely sometimes more.
Heidi
(I read the post after my last comment, so now I have more to say!) Good luck with the new family adventure! It sounds like it will be well worth it! I hope your blog goals work out, too. I think one of my goals needs to be to eat less cheesecake (instead of more)!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Heidi!!! It will be a fun adventure! Haha to your goal...less cheesecake isn't as much fun 🙂
Heidi
This not only looks yummy, but it looks like a lot of fun!
Liz
Sounds like 2013 is going to be a great year for you and your family, Jocelyn! Looking forward to sharing it with you through your blog 🙂 BTW, the cheesecake looks wonderful....to bad I didn't live closer!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I wish you were close enough because I would definitely share some with you 🙂 It is going to be a great year, and I can't wait to keep sharing it here!!!
Lisa @ Flour Me With Love
Congratulations on your husband's new job! What a wonderful new adventure. God will provide what you need. It may seem hard at times, but that's what makes us stronger 😉
The cheesecake looks amazing! My husband loves anything banana split so this will be a hit at our house. Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday!
Jocelyn Brubaker
You are so right. The hardest things are what make us the strongest! I love all things banana split too!!!
Tani
I have a stomach bug and feel awful but I so want to make and eat this right now. 6am. I think I will make it for Friday shh don't tell anyone.
Also, wishing you the best pin your new adventure.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you. I sure hope you are feeling better now. Stomach bugs and cheesecake isn't the best mix I'm thinking!! I can't wait to hear what you think of it though!!!
Brandy Miller
Congratulations and best of luck! We have talked to our own pastor about the challenges of living in a high cost of living area on a small income. It is a huge challenge, but can also be very rewarding! We have a small, tight-knit community and our pastor is one of our most favorite people!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Brandy!!! It will be a challenge to live with less, especially with 3 kids getting older and needing more. But I am so thankful to have so many fun blog opportunities opening, and those are helping to pay some of the little bills 🙂
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl
Congratulations on the big changes ahead. I know that your family will be stronger for them! I love all of your blogging goals, too...especially the "go to a conference" one, since I get to meet you!
Oh, drooooooling over this cheesecake!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much for the encouragement Ashley! And I can't wait to meet you in June...it is going to be soooo much fun!!!
Sandi
Proud of you sis! I'm excited to see where the Lord leads you and your family over this next year!! And I hope one of those adventures is with us on vacation! ;0)
Jocelyn Brubaker
Awe thanks girl!!! I can't wait to see where He leads us too!!! And vacation adventures...hhhmmm what do you have in mind?
Sandi
I'm thinking anywhere I can get a tan!
Ally's Sweet and Savory Eats
You are right. He will provide. Good luck!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you!! He always does, doesn't He?
Amy@A Blossoming Life
First that cheesecake looks absolutely amazing! Second, good luck! My husband and I are kind of facing the same thing with except that I am not having a job and we will have to remain on his sole income that is completely based on commission! He's an insurance sale man! But I know that God will provide for us and even it is hard we will still be ok! This is my first time here and I will definitely be coming back I think we have a lot of stuff in common!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I am so happy you stopped by and commented because it does sound like we have some things in common. You can do it...God always provides just what we need at the times we need it the most. I will definitely have to check out your blog girl 🙂
Mandy
Good luck with your new adventure! We live on a small income, but we are blessed and always have our needs met. I am home with our kids and no amount of money could make me change that. P.s. Amazing cheesecake!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I think we appreciate things even more when we have less. Hopefully that is one of the lessons we can teach our children too. They have gotten spoiled over the past few years and it is something my husband and I have been wanting to change in their lives.
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake
I'm so excited for you and your family as you embark on this new adventure! I'm amazed by your faith and trust in The Lord! I know He will provide for you all! I will keep you all in my prayers as you make this transition! I'm going to blogher food too! We will definitely have to meet up! 🙂 and this cheesecake looks wonderful!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much for your sweet comment and your prayers. I appreciate that so much! And, YES we need to meet up at BlogHer...that would be so fun!!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
Congratulations on the big changes Jocelyn! It's so hard to make such a big change, and I know you can do it. Love the word resolution, and the blogging goals too!
And...waffle cone crust. OMG - GENIUS!
{What plugins are you using for popular and recent posts???? Me likey...}
Jocelyn Brubaker
It is definitely a big life change, but we know it is where we need to be at this time. Thanks for your support! The plug in is called Top Posts and Pages. I thought it was supposed to only be on the side bar...but surprise it is in the post too. I'm still trying to decide if I like it there.
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
Congrats on your family's new life adventure, Jocelyn! Such an exciting {though I also know somewhat nerve-wracking} time!! (btw ... I made banana split cheesecake this summer ... so good, isn't it? I was leery, but ended up loving it)
Have a great week!
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
Jocelyn Brubaker
It will definitely be an adventure and probably very nerve wracking, but I'm confident that it will all work out! Did you post your banana split cheesecake? I would love to check it out!!!
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
I sure did post the Banana Split Cheesecake, Jocelyn!
Can't wait to hear more about your family's new direction!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
So I just popped over and I do remember that cheesecake...haha I even commented on it then. It is still just as gorgeous!!!