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Banana Split Pudding Parfait

This Banana Split Pudding Parfait recipe is an easy twist on the classic banana split creating a delicious layered dessert. The parfait combines vanilla pudding between layers of bananas, strawberries, and pineapples. Topped with a good drizzle of chocolate syrup, creamy whipped cream, a sprinkling of chopped nuts, and a maraschino cherry.

Easy Desserts like this Banana Split Parfait are a perfect summer treat, after-school snack, or a sweet ending to any meal. Since it’s easy to assemble and it’s a no-bake recipe, kids can even whip this simple treat up in no time.

banana split pudding parfait image with text

There are times when I am craving something sweet but don’t want to bake and this Banana Split Pudding Parfait is the recipe to make. It’s sweet, fruity, and has just a bit of chocolate to settle that sweet tooth.

I’m not gonna lie, the classic banana split would be much better but I don’t often have ice cream in the freezer so whipping up this no-bake recipe is easier since I usually have all the ingredients on hand.

A few other easy desserts that I make on the spur of the moment are these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars, Fruity Watermelon Pizza, and these No Bake Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Cups. No bake recipes are the best for the summer when it’s too hot to turn that oven on and you want to have a dessert after dinner or you need to bring something to a summer party. The banana split parfaits are perfect for all of that.

Banana Split Pudding Parfait

I love the ease of making this fruity pudding parfait and since it makes 4 generous servings it’s ideal for a simple sweet treat for my family. This parfait captures the essence of a traditional dessert but presents it in a layered format. The creamy vanilla pudding is the star of the sundae, providing a delicious base for the fresh fruits. I like to add a bit of chocolate syrup as the top layer before garnishing with whipped cream and other classic sundae toppings. You can drizzle the chocolate on top of each layer of pudding, as my hubby does. It’s all good.

This Banana Split Pudding Parfait recipe is an ideal dessert for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a special treat to enjoy on your own. Whether you’re a fan of banana splits or just looking for a new dessert to try, this parfait is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

fruit and pudding desserts in mason jars

What is a traditional banana split made of?

A banana split combines chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream with bananas, whipped cream, and an array of customizable toppings. It’s generally made by cutting a banana in half lengthwise and served with ice cream and sauces between the two banana pieces. Typically, it’s made with three scoops of ice cream, and sauces such as chocolate, strawberry, and pineapple are drizzled onto the ice cream, The toppings are usually whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and crushed nuts.

Do I have to use vanilla pudding?

Banana splits usually are made with vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream so the instant vanilla pudding makes sense to use if you just want to make one pudding mix. You could make each of those flavors with pudding and use a flavor for each layer. I also love using banana pudding, cheesecake-flavored pudding, and white chocolate pudding. Just be sure you use instant pudding mix to make it a quick dessert. Cook and serve pudding is fine to use but it will lengthen the prep time of this recipe.

easy banana split with pudding

Timesaving Tips and Variations

  • Substitute the pudding for vanilla Greek yogurt and the nuts for granola for a breakfast parfait.
  • Make the pudding an hour or so before you assemble the parfaits for a thicker pudding.
  • Fresh fruit is recommended but frozen fruit (thawed) can be used.
  • Drizzle chocolate sauce between layers of pudding, if desired.
  • You can use a homemade hot fudge sauce in this recipe.
  • In place of the crushed nuts, use colorful sprinkles
  • Whipped cream can be dairy-based or plant-based. I like to use coconut whipped topping.

More Easy Desserts

dessert in a jar with fruit and pudding

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Ingredients

  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding
  • 2 cups milk (I used whole milk)
  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • ¼ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
  • 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup (I used this one)
  • ½ (8 ounces) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 3 tablespoons chopped peanuts, optional
  • 4 to 6 maraschino cherries, optional
ingredients for parfait

Directions

Make the pudding: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the milk and vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes or until completely mixed and beginning to thicken. Set aside. If time allows, I will let the pudding thicken more in the refrigerator for about an hour.

make pudding in bowl

Assemble the parfaits: Place a layer of sliced bananas in the bottom of each mason jar. Top the bananas with about 3 tablespoons of the pudding. Then, add a layer of sliced strawberries and repeat a layer of the pudding. Finally, spoon about ½ tablespoon of the crushed pineapple into each jar. Drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce over the pineapples.

start laying the ingredients in jar
finishing with pineapple
add chocolate topping

Add toppings: Add a dollop of whipped topping, chopped nuts (if desired,) and a cherry. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

top with whipped cream and serve

#SummerDessertWeek

summer desserts week image 2024

Summer Dessert Week is continuing this week and the event is hosted by Angie, from Big Bear’s Wife. We’ve got 15 amazing bloggers creating summer-themed dessert recipes to share this week on our blogs (some of those recipe links posted in this post) and on social media with the hashtag #SummerDessertWeek.

Today’s Summer Dessert Recipes:

banana split dessert made with pudding

Printable Recipe Card

feature image for dessert jars

Banana Split Pudding Parfait Recipe

This Banana Split Pudding Parfait recipe is an easy twist on the classic banana split creating a delicious layered dessert. The parfait combines vanilla pudding between layers of bananas, strawberries, and pineapples. Topped with a good drizzle of chocolate syrup, creamy whipped cream, a sprinkling of chopped nuts, and a maraschino cherry.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana split dessert, banana split parfait, banana split pudding parfait
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 generous servings
Author: Lisa Kerhin

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding
  • 2 cups milk (I used whole)
  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • ¼ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
  • 3 tablespoons chocolate sauce
  • ½ container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 3 tablespoons chopped nuts, optional
  • maraschino cherries, optional

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the milk and vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes or until completely mixed and beginning to thicken. Set aside. If time allows, I will let the pudding thicken more in the refrigerator for about an hour.
  • Place a layer of sliced bananas in the bottom of each mason jar. Top the bananas with about 3 tablespoons of the pudding.
  • Then, add a layer of sliced strawberries and repeat a layer of the pudding.
  • Finally, spoon about ½ tablespoon of the crushed pineapple into each jar. Drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce over the pineapples.
  • Add a dollop of whipped topping, chopped nuts (if desired,) and a cherry. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Substitute the pudding for vanilla Greek yogurt and the nuts for granola for a breakfast parfait.
  • Make the pudding an hour or so before you assemble the parfaits for a thicker pudding.
  • Fresh fruit is recommended but frozen fruit (thawed) can be used.
  • Drizzle chocolate sauce between layers of pudding, if desired.
  • In place of the crushed nuts, use colorful sprinkles
  • Whipped cream can be dairy-based or plant-based. I like to use coconut whipped topping.

Nutritional Disclaimer

“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Enjoy!

5 from 1 vote

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    What a fun individual summer dessert! Love that you made them in mason jars!

  2. Wendy Klik says:

    I love parfaits and these look delicious and adorable.

  3. Karen's Kitchen Stories says:

    You’ve been the queen of mousses and parfaits this week! Very nice.

  4. Nicole Hood says:

    Yum! Parfaits are the best and this one is so fun and delicious! Perfect for a summer party.

  5. No bake and individually portioned, plus easy clean up because just pop them in the dishwasher. Love it!