No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. With layers of creamy chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped cream, sweet bananas, and crunchy graham crackers, it’s a delightful treat that brings together all the flavors of a banana split without the need for an oven. Perfect for a quick, no-fuss dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes, this trifle is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

• 1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix

• 2 cups cold milk

For the Whipped Cream Layer:

• 2 cups heavy cream

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Assembly:

• 4–5 bananas, sliced

• 1 cup crushed graham crackers

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• ½ cup maraschino cherries, halved

• Chocolate syrup (for drizzling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Pudding:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened.

2. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to firm up.

Make the Whipped Cream:

1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

2. Be careful not to overbeat the cream to maintain its fluffy texture.

Assemble the Trifle:

1. In a trifle dish or individual glasses, layer half of the chocolate pudding.

2. Add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of whipped cream.

3. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers and chocolate chips over the whipped cream.

Repeat the Layers:

1. Add the remaining chocolate pudding, followed by the rest of the sliced bananas, whipped cream, and toppings.

2. Finish with halved maraschino cherries and drizzle generously with chocolate syrup.

Chill & Serve:

1. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Scoop and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Swaps: While bananas are a classic, you can mix it up with strawberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.

• Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra texture and flavor.

• Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and the chocolate pudding mix for a dairy-free version.

• Boozy Twist: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the whipped cream for an adult version of this dessert.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need for reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the trifle is best when chilled for at least 2 hours, but you can prepare it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight.

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Absolutely! You can use vanilla, butterscotch, or even strawberry pudding mix for a unique twist on this dessert.

How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

To keep the bananas fresh, you can toss them with a little bit of lemon juice before layering them in the trifle.

Can I make this trifle in individual servings?

Yes! You can assemble this dessert in small glass jars or cups for individual servings, perfect for a party or gathering.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free options to make the dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use regular whipped cream instead of making it myself?

Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream as a shortcut, but homemade whipped cream offers a fresher, fluffier texture.

Can I freeze this dessert?

While the trifle is best served fresh, you can freeze individual servings. Just note that the whipped cream may lose some of its texture once frozen and thawed.

What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries, strawberries, or even a drizzle of raspberry syrup would work wonderfully as a substitute for maraschino cherries.

Can I add more layers?

Absolutely! If you prefer more layers, simply adjust the amount of pudding, whipped cream, and bananas to create a taller, more decadent trifle.

How can I make this dessert less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream and use a sugar-free pudding mix for a less sweet version.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle is a dessert that hits all the right notes—creamy, fruity, crunchy, and chocolatey. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a special celebration, this dessert will surely be the star of the show.