No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle Recipe
If you’re searching for a showstopper dessert that’s deliciously indulgent and supremely easy to make, look no further than this No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle. With vibrant layers of rich chocolate pudding, fruit, whipped cream, crunchy cookies, and luscious toppings, this trifle takes the charm of a classic banana split to a whole new level. Perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or anytime you want a treat that wows both eyes and taste buds, this dessert brings joy to every spoonful—no oven required!

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Chocolate Banana Split Trifle:
- 2 cups chocolate pudding (prepared)
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookie crumbs
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- 1 cup whipped topping
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts or walnuts
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle
Step 1: Prepare Your Dish
Grab a clear trifle dish or individual dessert cups to show off those gorgeous layers! If you’re serving a crowd, the big dish is impressive; for family or intimate gatherings, go with cups for a whimsical touch.
Step 2: Start with the Crunch
Sprinkle half of your crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs over the bottom of the dish. This layer will soak up some of the flavors from above while staying satisfyingly crisp.
Step 3: Layer on the Chocolate
Spoon in 1 cup of your prepared chocolate pudding right on top of those crumbs, spreading it gently for a thick, velvety foundation.
Step 4: Add the Fruit Medley
Arrange half of the banana slices over the pudding, followed by half of the crushed pineapple. Scatter on half the chopped strawberries as the next brightly-hued layer. Each fruit brings a juicy burst that makes every spoonful different and delightful.
Step 5: Fluffy Whipped Topping
Spread about ½ cup of whipped topping across the fruit layer. Go ahead, be generous—it’s a trifle, after all!
Step 6: Repeat and Finish
Repeat all the layers with your remaining crumbs, pudding, bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and the rest of the whipped topping to build up fabulous height and color.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Shower the top with chopped nuts, then drizzle with chocolate syrup. Finish by crowning each portion (or the big trifle) with maraschino cherries. Chill the No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors mingle.
How to Serve No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle

Garnishes
The fun is in the finishing! Pile on extra chopped nuts, give a generous zigzag of chocolate syrup, and don’t shy away from extra cherries. You can even sprinkle on colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for a playful vibe. Every layer should look as festive as it tastes!
Side Dishes
This No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle is quite the star on its own, but if you want to pair it up, serve alongside light bites like fresh berries, crisp vanilla wafers, or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra decadence. A mug of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk makes a wonderful complement, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual mason jars or parfait glasses are adorable for picnics or parties. Layer the trifle in shot glasses for a fun dessert table treat, or get nostalgic and use old-fashioned sundae glasses. You can even transform the trifle into a birthday centerpiece by adding candles or festive decorations on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle covered tightly in the refrigerator. The flavors blend beautifully overnight, making leftovers (if you have any) especially irresistible the next day. Just be sure to enjoy within 2 days for the freshest taste and best texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this trifle, as the pudding and whipped topping can lose their creamy consistency and the fruit may become watery. For the best results, savor it fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold. No reheating needed—simply scoop and serve chilled straight from the fridge!
FAQs
Can I use premade pudding and whipped topping?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pudding and whipped topping saves time and effort, making this No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle as convenient as it is delicious.
Can I make this trifle gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out regular graham crackers or cookies for gluten-free alternatives, which work beautifully in this recipe.
How far in advance can I prepare the trifle?
You can assemble the trifle up to a day in advance. The layers actually benefit from a little chill time, allowing the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften just slightly without getting mushy.
Can I change up the fruit?
Definitely! This recipe is just begging for your favorite additions. Try blueberries, raspberries, or even mango if you want a twist on the classic banana split vibe.
What if I don’t have a trifle dish?
No trifle dish? No worries! You can build this dessert in any deep glass bowl, casserole dish, or assemble it individually in cups, jars, or even wine glasses for a fun, creative spin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making dessert for a crowd or indulging your own sweet tooth, the No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle brings maximum joy with minimum effort. All the flavors you love from a classic banana split come together in a delightfully creamy, fruity, chocolatey masterpiece. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite no-bake treat!
Print
No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a classic banana split with a twist in this easy-to-make no-bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle. Layers of chocolate pudding, graham crackers, fresh fruits, and whipped topping come together to create a heavenly dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Banana Split Trifle:
- 2 cups chocolate pudding (prepared)
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookie crumbs
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- 1 cup whipped topping
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts or walnuts
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Layer the Base: In a medium trifle dish or individual cups, layer ½ of the crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs on the bottom.
- Add Chocolate Pudding: Spoon 1 cup of chocolate pudding over the crumbs.
- Add Bananas and Pineapple: Layer sliced bananas and half of the crushed pineapple.
- Layer Strawberries: Add a layer of chopped strawberries.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Spread ½ cup of whipped topping over the fruit.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: crumbs, pudding, bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and whipped topping.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and garnish with maraschino cherries. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- You can swap in vanilla or banana pudding for variety.
- Use sugar-free pudding and whipped topping for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg