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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Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
Oh my this looks decadent! Would love for you to link up this or anything else at my link party on Tuesday's over at memoriesbythemile.com
Hope to see you there, have a great weekend.
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
Trish - Mom On Timeout
This cheesecake is just ridiculous. In the VERY best way possible 🙂 I love your goals for this year and reading through your post and your family's commitment to God's will was inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
amy @ fearless homemaker
Congratulations on the exciting new changes, Jocelyn! Sounds like you have quite an amazing adventure ahead. =) And you know what else looks amazing? This cheesecake! My banana-loving husband would adore this!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Amy. We are excited to see what happens this year!!! Bring on the adventures!
Lisa @hoopla palooza
this cheesecake has me amazed! and anything that brings you closer to God will be worth it and is far far better than any amount of money you can get 🙂 i wish you all the best!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much! I couldn't agree more with what you said. I appreciate your comment so much!
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama
Freaking. Out. You have outdone yourself, this is a cheesecake masterpiece!
Maureen
It is so amazing, all the things God has planned for you and you family. Can't help but get shivers of excitement for you. I believe you will all exceed your wildest dreams with faith in God's love.
love the cheesecake!!! my favorite food!!!
Sarah
This site looks delicious and so does this cheesecake. Blessings for your new adventure- God is great!
Holly Lefevre
It is so pretty...think that would keep me form eating it...no!
Nichi - The Mandatory Mooch
Jocelyn, best wishes on your new adventure. Many blessings your way!! Nichi
Joan@Chocolateandmore
It's called a leap of faith for a reason. Just keep trusting God, he's always been there for me. Oh and eat more cheesecake, it really does help. When you figure out Elements, let me know. I use it but I know I'm missing out on all the really cool stuff.
Britni
YAY! Congrats on your family's new changes this year! I'm so excited for you! Awesome news!! Oh, and I have patience issues too 🙂
Karyn - Pint Sized Baker
YUM! This is a wonderful looking and sounding cheesecake! You should pimp it to Cheesecake Factory! Good luck with the life changes. And I'm with you on #2! I've used Elements a few times, but I am so much more comfortable with Picasa, I turn to that when I am in a time crunch (which is everyday).
Medeja
It looks just gorgeous!
Melissa
Oh my! This recipe looks so good! I love cheesecakes, I need to make this soon!
Im a new follower. =)
Tiffanee
WOW!! That looks totally amazing!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Tiffanee!!!
Bonnie @ Uncommon
What an exciting adventure to embark on! God will provide and I am sure you will be "amazed" at what lies ahead. Steppng out is such a testimony of commitment! Have a piece of that incredibly yummy cheesecake and enjoy!! Looking forward to celebrating 2013 with you! 😉
Chandra@The Plaid and Paisley Kitchen
Thanks for linking up at Show Me Your Plaid Monday's! Good luck to you and your family on your husbands new career move! I can't wait to meet you in June! It's going to be like ONE HUGE SLUMBER PARTY!!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Woo Hoo to meeting in June...I can't wait! Definitely one big slumber party.
Sandra
Thank you for your testimony - many blessings to you and your family as you begin this new phase. God is good ... all the time!
Lisa
This looks so delicious!! Anything that combines bananas and chocolate makes my mouth water.
Jocelyn Brubaker
I am with you...I love everything chocolate and banana!!!
Tanya Schroeder
I think it's a rare individual who can leave something comfortable and step out do what they believe they are called to do. Hats off to you husband for listening to the call and hats off to you and your children for supporting him. It seem you and your husband both found your calling! You calling being cheesecakes! And this amazing blog.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Tanya. We are excited for this new adventure!!!