A summer time favorite treat in delicious, layered form, these Banana Split Bars will wow all the guests at the BBQ! Cool and creamy and totally dreamy, what more could you want in a sweet treat when it’s hot outside?
I’ve been thinking about ice cream sundaes since the weather first started warming up. Some of my favorite toppings are nuts, bananas, berries, and of course chocolate syrup!
So I decided to mix things up a bit and put these best-loved ingredients into a cake pan in layered form, because, why not? I subbed in some banana cream pudding for the ice cream. I think you and your taste buds will agree that, that was a genius decision.
Don’t forget the colorful sprinkles! They add fun and festivity to every glorious bite!
This week we are having a serious heat wave. It should be illegal to have to experience 99 degree temps in the mountains. Especially with nothing but a swamp cooler for reprieve. But, I’m just thinking of the poor folks in town below us that are sweating through the 100’s. So I’ll try not to complain. 🙂
Instead, you’ll find me here happily stuffing my face with this cool Banana Split dessert.
I promised the kids we’d go to the pool and play in the sprinklers…lots. And I’m sure we’ll be plowing through the popsicle supply in the freezer. I really do love this time of year, despite the heat. It’s so fun having the kids home all summer.
They just finished a session of swimming lessons. I got a kick out of watching them progress in their confidence and skills in the pool. They also wrapped up a session of tennis lessons, which we’ll be continuing next month. I somehow always convince myself that things will slow down in the summer time, but instead I always find myself going full speed ahead, trying to work in every ounce of fun possible with the kids before school starts up again. It’s exhausting, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! There are memories to make, after all!
Banana Split Bars
Ingredients
- 2 pkgs. 3.4 oz each banana cream instant pudding, plus milk called for to prepare it
- 24 golden frosting filled sandwich cookies
- 1 c. powdered sugar
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 c. whipped topping save the rest of the 8 oz tub to spread over the top
- 1 heaping cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 large banana sliced
- chopped nuts pecans, walnuts, chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries, sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare pudding according to directions on the package. Place it in the refrigerator to set while you make the crust.
- For the crust, place cookies in a resealable bag and mash (I used a rolling pin). You'll still want coarse chunks.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together powdered sugar, cream cheese, and whipped topping. Stir in mashed cookies. Spread mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13" pan.
- Sprinkle sliced strawberries and bananas over the crust, then spread the pudding mixture over the fruit.
- Place in the refrigerator and let set for at least an hour. Just before serving, spread remainder of whipped topping tub over the top. Garnish with sprinkles, chocolate syrup, chopped nuts and maraschino cherries. Serve immediately after garnishing.
And speaking of memories, you’ll have very fond thoughts when you recall the experience of enjoying these luscious Banana Split Bars! They’ll become not just a summer time, but a year round tradition!
This is the perfect potluck item for gatherings with friends and family! Just beware, these will disappear fast!
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