Looking for an irresistible dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion? This No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle is the ultimate treat for banana split fans. With layers of creamy chocolate pudding, fresh bananas, fluffy whipped cream, and a variety of sweet toppings, this dessert offers all the classic flavors of a banana split in a simple, no-bake trifle format.
Ingredients:
Chocolate Pudding Layer:
1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
Whipped Cream Layer:
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
4-5 bananas, sliced
1 cup crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved
Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
Directions:
Prepare the Chocolate Pudding:
Start by making the chocolate pudding. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Once thickened, place the pudding in the refrigerator to set for 5 minutes.
Make the Whipped Cream:
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Whisk until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The whipped cream will provide a light, airy texture to balance the richness of the chocolate pudding.
Assemble the Trifle:
Now comes the fun part—assembling the trifle. You can use a traditional trifle dish or a large glass bowl for this. Start by layering one-third of the chocolate pudding at the bottom of your dish. Next, add a layer of sliced bananas. Sprinkle a layer of crushed graham crackers over the bananas, followed by a generous layer of whipped cream. Add chocolate chips and halved maraschino cherries on top of the whipped cream.
Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream on top. The layers should look visually appealing, with each ingredient showing through.
Garnish and Serve:
For the finishing touch, drizzle the top of the trifle with chocolate syrup. Add a sprinkle of additional chocolate chips and maraschino cherries to garnish. For the best flavor, chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the trifle time to firm up a bit.
Serving Tips:
Chill Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
Use a Clear Dish: To showcase the beautiful layers, use a clear glass trifle dish or a large glass bowl. This will make your dessert visually stunning and add an extra touch to your presentation.
Garnish Creatively: Drizzle with extra chocolate syrup and top with additional maraschino cherries, chocolate chips, or even crushed nuts for a personalized touch.
Scoop Gently: Use a large spoon or a trifle server to gently scoop out servings, ensuring that each bite contains a nice portion of all the layers.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dessert will keep for up to 2 days. However, the bananas may brown slightly, so it’s best enjoyed within a day or two.
Avoid Freezing: Since this trifle contains whipped cream and bananas, it’s not recommended to freeze it. The texture of the whipped cream and bananas will change once thawed.
Keep Toppings Separate: If you’re making this trifle in advance for a special event, consider storing the whipped cream, chocolate chips, and maraschino cherries separately and adding them just before serving. This will prevent them from becoming soggy and preserve the trifle’s fresh appearance.
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FAQs:
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! The No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. For the best results, wait to add toppings like chocolate syrup and cherries until right before serving.
Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the chocolate pudding mix with vanilla or even butterscotch pudding for a unique twist on this dessert. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the trifle will change depending on the pudding flavor you choose.
Can I make this dessert without bananas?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of bananas or need a banana-free dessert, you can substitute the bananas with other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries. The other layers will still provide the delicious creamy texture and chocolatey goodness.
How can I make this trifle dairy-free?
To make this dessert dairy-free, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping. Use a dairy-free chocolate pudding mix and substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk to make the entire trifle dairy-free.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because you want to indulge in something sweet, this No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle is a decadent and easy-to-make dessert that layers creamy chocolate pudding, fresh bananas, whipped cream, and delightful toppings like maraschino cherries and crushed graham crackers. Perfect for banana split lovers, this no-bake dessert is ideal for parties, gatherings, or any occasion when you crave a sweet, chilled treat. Ready in just 20 minutes, with a chilling time of 1 hour, it’s a perfect dessert that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
Chocolate Pudding Layer:
1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
Whipped Cream Layer:
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
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 the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Let it set in the fridge for 5 minutes.
- Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Assemble the Trifle:
- In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer:
- One-third of the chocolate pudding
- Sliced bananas
- Crushed graham crackers
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips and maraschino cherries
- Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer:
- Garnish and Serve:
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup and garnish with additional chocolate chips and maraschino cherries. Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Best when eaten within the first day or two to prevent bananas from browning.
Toppings: Feel free to customize with extra toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles for added texture.
Make Ahead: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
