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No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Diane
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful no-bake dessert combining rich chocolate pudding, fresh bananas, strawberries, pineapple, and cubed pound cake or brownies layered to create a festive and flavorful chocolate banana split trifle perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups chocolate pudding (prepared)
  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • 2 cups pound cake or brownies (cubed)
  • 3 medium bananas (sliced)
  • 1 cup strawberries (sliced)
  • 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish


Instructions

  1. Layer Cake: In a large trifle dish or glass bowl, start by creating a base layer with the cubed pound cake or brownies, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
  2. Add Chocolate Pudding: Spread an even layer of prepared chocolate pudding over the cake cubes, ensuring full coverage to keep the dessert moist.
  3. Layer Fruit: Arrange sliced bananas, strawberries, and drained pineapple tidbits evenly on top of the pudding to add fresh fruity flavors.
  4. Add Whipped Topping and Syrup: Spread a layer of whipped topping over the fruit, then drizzle chocolate syrup evenly to add richness and sweetness.
  5. Sprinkle Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the whipped topping to introduce a crunchy texture.
  6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process—cake, pudding, fruit, whipped topping, chocolate syrup, and nuts—until the dish is filled, ensuring a balanced distribution of all ingredients.
  7. Top and Garnish: Finish with a final layer of whipped topping, more chocolate syrup, additional nuts, and garnish with maraschino cherries for a classic banana split look.
  8. Chill: Place the trifle in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set before serving.

Notes

  • Substitute pound cake with angel food cake for a lighter dessert option.
  • For added flavor, consider incorporating crushed cookies or an additional layer of strawberry or vanilla pudding along with the chocolate pudding.
  • Best enjoyed the same day to retain the freshness of the fruit.