If you’re dreaming of a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to pull together, loaded with classic flavors, and looks absolutely stunning, then you’re in for a treat with this No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle. Layers of fluffy whipped cream, rich chocolate pudding, fresh fruit, and cubes of buttery pound cake come together for a delightful trifle that captures everything you love about a banana split — minus the ice cream. There’s no baking required, and every bite is cool, creamy, and bursting with chocolate-banana nostalgia!

Ingredients You’ll Need

No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a few simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients combine to create an irresistibly beautiful and flavorful trifle. Each one plays a key role in building those classic banana split vibes, with everything from the cake base to the sweet fruit and crunchy toppings.

Heavy whipping cream: Freshly whipped cream brings an airy, lightly sweet richness you just can’t beat.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream without adding any grit, so you get perfectly smooth peaks.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic layer that shines through the cream and fruit.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: Creates a fast, ultra-creamy chocolate layer to echo that fudgy sundae sauce.
Cold milk: Activates the pudding, ensuring it thickens up just right.
Pound cake or loaf cake: Cubed cake serves as the sturdy, satisfying bed for all the creamy, fruity layers.
Bananas: Essential for the “banana split” part—slice just before layering so they stay fresh and sweet.
Crushed pineapple: Adds a tart, juicy pop; be sure to drain it well to keep your trifle from getting soggy.
Chopped strawberries: For bursts of color and tang, nothing beats strawberries in a trifle.
Mini chocolate chips: Sprinkle these throughout for texture and that extra hit of chocolate.
Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Nuts bring welcome crunch and a toasty flavor—pick your favorite!
Maraschino cherries: A classic banana split garnish, these add a fun, festive finish to your trifle.

How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat with an electric mixer (or plenty of elbow grease and a strong whisk) until stiff peaks form. You want it luscious and fluffy, ready to float over your layers. Pop it in the fridge while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding

In a separate bowl, combine the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until it thickens up into a gloriously smooth pudding. Let it sit for a few minutes to finish setting while you chop your fruit and cake.

Step 3: Cube the Pound Cake

Take your pound cake (store-bought or homemade) and cut it into bite-size cubes. These little cake pieces soak up the flavors of the creamy, fruity layers without getting soggy, making every bite soft and satisfying.

Step 4: Slice and Prep the Fruit

Peel and slice your bananas, chop the strawberries, and drain any extra juice from the crushed pineapple. Having everything ready to go makes layering a breeze and helps keep the colors bright and gorgeous.

Step 5: Assemble the Trifle

In your favorite trifle dish or a large clear glass bowl, begin the show! Start with half of the cubed cake at the bottom. Smother with half the chocolate pudding, followed by layers of bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and then a generous layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle on some mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Repeat all the layers one more time, finishing with a final cloud of whipped cream.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

To top it all off, scatter a final handful of mini chocolate chips and nuts, then crown your No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle with as many maraschino cherries as your heart desires. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and for the dessert to chill thoroughly—it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle

Garnishes

There’s no going wrong with the classics—extra mini chocolate chips, nuts, and a bright red maraschino cherry on every portion always deserves applause! For a bit more pizzazz, try a drizzle of chocolate syrup or even a tuft of whipped cream piped on top just before serving. The finishing touches make your trifle look every bit as festive as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Since No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle is so cool and creamy, it pairs beautifully with coffee or a simple glass of iced tea. For a summer party, let it share the stage with fresh berries and maybe even a platter of salty-sweet snacks (think pretzels or roasted nuts) to contrast all that lusciousness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a crowd, present your trifle in a big, sparkling glass dish for that “wow” moment when you scoop into all the beautiful layers. For individual servings, try mini mason jars or parfait glasses—everyone loves getting their own little dessert! You can also make single-serve, picnic-ready versions in sturdy clear cups, perfect for outdoor gatherings or birthday celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your trifle dish tightly with plastic wrap and tuck it into the refrigerator. The layers will stay delicious for up to 2 days—the bananas and whipped cream remain fresh as long as it’s kept cold, and the flavors keep melding together in the sweetest way.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze portions of the No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle, it’s not my first choice—the texture of the whipped cream and fruit takes a hit after thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap portions well and thaw overnight in the fridge, but expect a slightly softer, more mousse-like consistency.

Reheating

This dessert definitely doesn’t need reheating. Serve slices directly from the fridge so every layer stays cool, creamy, and just the right texture. If it’s been chilled extra-hard, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the whipped cream slightly.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle the day before my party?

Absolutely! In fact, making your No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle a day ahead gives it time to chill and lets the layers mingle, which makes it taste even better the next day. Just hold off on garnishing with cherries until just before serving.

What can I use instead of pound cake?

If you don’t have pound cake, try using angel food cake, vanilla sponge cake, or even store-bought ladyfingers. Just avoid anything too dry, as you want the cake to stay soft and soak up those delicious creamy and fruity layers.

How can I keep bananas from browning?

Slice bananas just before assembly and layer them between pudding and whipped cream so they stay covered and fresh. You can also dip the slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to help prevent browning without affecting the flavor.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can swap in your favorite non-dairy whipped topping and use a plant-based pudding mix with non-dairy milk—just make sure to choose options that set up well so your No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle stays sturdy and creamy.

Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce between layers, add a layer of crushed cookies, or toss in other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a summery twist. The trifle is super adaptable to whatever you crave.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about digging a big spoon into a decadent, fruit-filled trifle, and this No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle truly delivers that feeling every single time. Whether it’s for a party, a picnic, or just a midweek treat, I hope you’ll fall in love with how quick, easy, and downright delicious it is. Go ahead—grab your trifle dish and start layering up the fun!

No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful layers of this No-Bake Chocolate Banana Split Trifle, a perfect dessert for any occasion. Creamy whipped cream, decadent chocolate pudding, and a medley of fruits and nuts come together in a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For Whipped Cream:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk

Additional:

1 box (10 oz) pound cake or loaf cake (cubed)
3 bananas (sliced)
1½ cups crushed pineapple (drained)
1½ cups chopped strawberries
½ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
Maraschino cherries for garnish

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Instructions

Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Prepare Chocolate Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Set aside.
Layer the Trifle: In a large trifle dish, layer cubed cake, chocolate pudding, bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers once more. Finish with whipped cream and garnish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.