Ingredients
Base
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 1 (40 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
Fruits
- 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 16 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained well (reserve some for topping)
Mix-Ins
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts, plus extra for topping
Toppings
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Sprinkles, for topping
- Reserved maraschino cherries, extra chocolate chips and nuts
Instructions
- Mix the Pudding and Pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and the juice from the entire can of crushed pineapple (do not drain). Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened, forming a sweet and fruity base.
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Add the thawed Cool Whip to the pudding mixture. Gently fold it in using a spatula until completely incorporated, creating a creamy and fluffy texture.
- Add the Fresh Fruits and Mix-ins: Carefully fold in the sliced bananas, chopped strawberries, mini marshmallows, drained maraschino cherries, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the fruit and to keep the fluff airy.
- Chill the Fluff: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the banana split fluff for at least 2 to 4 hours. This chilling step melds the flavors and helps the dessert set to the ideal texture.
- Add Final Toppings: Just before serving, top with extra chocolate chips, more chopped nuts, reserved maraschino cherries, swirls of whipped cream, and a generous handful of sprinkles. Serve immediately, preferably in a clear bowl or individual cups for a colorful presentation.
Notes
- Fold ingredients gently to keep the fluff light and fluffy—avoid overmixing.
- Wait to slice bananas until just before mixing to prevent browning.
- The dessert is best served within 24 hours for optimal texture and freshness.
- For a nut-free version, omit nuts or swap in toasted sunflower seeds or crushed pretzels.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended.
- Homemade whipped cream can be substituted for Cool Whip (use about 3 cups), but it may not hold up as long.
- Serve very cold, especially on hot days, for the best taste and consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg