This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This banana split fluff salad recipe is both light and hearty, sweet and savory. Filled with fresh fruit and nuts, this dish is perfect for any occasion.

Banana Split Dessert Salad Recipe

Have you ever had a dish that was both light and hearty, sweet and savory?

If not, then it’s time to try out this banana split fluff salad recipe. Filled with fresh fruit and nuts, this dish is perfect for any occasion.

Did you ever just feel like having a banana split but not wanting the ice cream?

Well, with the Banana Split Fluff Salad recipe, you can skip the ice cream and still have your banana split dessert salad too.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just mix everything together and enjoy! So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of this deliciousness today!

Kind of like having your cake and eating it too, lol.

This banana fluff dessert can be made in under 10 minutes and chilled in an hour.

Whenever I take a fluff dessert with me to a get-together, it’s always the first thing to disappear.

Why? Because it’s soooo good silly.

Banana Split Fluff Dessert Ingredients

Instant Banana Cream Pudding
Crushed Pineapple (do not drain)
Maraschino Cherries, drained, rinsed, cut in half, and patted dry. Reserve a couple for garnish.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Reserve a couple for garnish.
Crushed Walnuts – Reserve a few for garnish.
Whipped Topping, thawed
Bananas sliced the long way and cut into slices
Lemon juice or lemon-lime soda (optional)

How Do You Keep Bananas From Turning Brown in Pudding

Bananas turn brown when exposed to the air. Covering the bananas with whipped topping will keep them from turning brown.

However, I never was a big fan of the taste. After more research, I found that you can soak them in lemon-lime soda and the carbonation will keep the bananas from turning brown.

Plus, the lemon-lime soda does not change up the flavor.

Does Homemade Banana Pudding Need to be Refrigerated

The simple answer is yes. Since the banana pudding is made with milk, it is best to keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve it.

Can I make the Southern Banana Pudding Ahead of Time

Yes, the pudding can be made ahead of time. However, don’t add the crushed Vanilla wafers or bananas to it until almost ready to serve. The vanilla wafers will get soggy.

Is Pudding Still Good After a Week

If you still have the banana pudding after a week, that’s a problem, lol. It doesn’t last for more than a day or two at the most in our house. However, I would get rid of it after 5 days.

Do You Serve Grandma’s Banana Pudding Hot or Cold

We normally serve this combination of pudding mixed with whipped cream, bananas, and ‘nilla wafers cold. Did you know that traditional southern banana pudding is served warm?

How to Make Banana Split Dessert with Pudding Recipe

Dump your crushed pineapple into a medium bowl. Do not drain.

Add your banana cream pudding and mix well.

Next, add your container of thawed whipped topping and mix until well combined.

Fold in your mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, halved cherries, and sliced bananas.

Tip: To prevent your bananas from turning brown, soak them in lemon juice or lemon-lime soda for a few minutes beforehand. The lemon juice will change the flavor a little bit. I do not do either and while they do turn a slight brown, everyone is too busy enjoying it to notice.

Once that is mixed well, add your mini marshmallows and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour to chill.

If you make this night before serving, the flavors marry together nicely and you get more of the banana split flavor.

Place in individual bowls for serving and top with a halved cherry, crushed nuts, and mini chocolate chips.

I also add some micro mini marshmallows for the fun of it. You can also add more whipped topping, however, I felt it didn’t need it.

Enjoy!