This Banana Split Fluff Salad is a creamy, dreamy mix of banana pudding, pineapple, Cool Whip, marshmallows, walnuts, chocolate chips, and cherries. A fun, nostalgic dessert perfect for any occasion!
You ever have one of those moments where you throw something together last minute and somehow it turns out amazing? That was me with this Banana Split Fluff Salad.
A few summers ago, I was invited to a backyard BBQ and totally forgot I was supposed to bring a dessert. I had zero time to bake and knew showing up empty-handed wasn’t an option (because let’s be honest, we all judge the person who does that).
So, I did what any food-loving, mildly panicked person does—I raided my fridge. There was a half-used container of Cool Whip, some instant banana pudding, a can of crushed pineapple (leftover from my failed attempt at piña coladas), and a jar of maraschino cherries. At that moment, an idea hit me: what if I turned a banana split into a fluff salad?
I started throwing things into a bowl like a mad scientist—pudding, fruit, chocolate chips, marshmallows (because, why not?), and a handful of walnuts for crunch. Gave it a stir, let it chill, and hoped for the best.
An hour later, I set it out on the dessert table, expecting it to be fine. Instead? It was the first thing gone. People were literally scraping the bowl clean and asking for the recipe. And just like that, this fluff salad became my go-to party dessert.
Now, anytime I make it, someone always asks for the recipe. And here I am, finally writing it down so you can experience the magic, too.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Split Fluff Salad Recipe?
- No baking. Just mix, chill, and enjoy.
- Tastes exactly like a banana split. Creamy, fruity, chocolatey—every bite is a little nostalgic trip.
- Perfect for sharing. This is the dish that disappears first at any potluck.
- Super fast. Ready in 15 minutes—no stress required.
- Easily customizable. Hate walnuts? Skip ‘em. Love chocolate? Add more.
Ingredient Notes:
You don’t need anything fancy for this Banana Split Fluff Salad—just a handful of simple ingredients that come together like magic.
The Creamy Base
- Instant Banana Pudding Mix – The key to that rich banana flavor.
- Crushed Pineapple (Undrained) – The juice helps thicken the pudding and adds a sweet, tropical twist.
- Cool Whip – The ingredient that makes everything light and fluffy.
The Fun Stuff
- Mini Marshmallows – Adds soft, chewy texture.
- Walnuts – A little crunch to balance all the fluffiness. You can swap for pecans or leave them out.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Because no banana split is complete without chocolate!
- Bananas – Fresh, sweet, and the star of the show.
- Maraschino Cherries – That pop of color and sweetness that makes this dessert feel special.
The Toppings
- Extra Walnuts & Chocolate Chips – Because more is always better.
Pro Tip: Want to take it over the top? Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or sprinkle on some rainbow sprinkles before serving.
How To Make Banana Split Fluff Salad?
This might be the easiest dessert you’ll ever make.
Step 1. Mix the Pudding and Pineapple
In a big mixing bowl, stir together the banana pudding mix and undrained crushed pineapple until the pudding dissolves and thickens slightly. (Yes, keep the juice! It helps everything blend perfectly.)
Step 2. Fold in the Cool Whip
Want To Save This Recipe?
Gently fold in the Cool Whip with a spatula. Be gentle—no one wants deflated fluff!
Step 3. Add the Mix-Ins
Toss in the mini marshmallows, walnuts, mini chocolate chips, sliced bananas, and maraschino cherries. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix or the bananas might get mushy.
Step 4. Let It Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This gives the flavors time to mix and meld, making it even better.
Step 5. Top It Off & Serve
Before serving, sprinkle on some extra walnuts and mini chocolate chips for a little extra crunch and sweetness. If you want to go full-on banana split, add a few whole cherries on top.
Grab a spoon and enjoy!
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The bananas will start to brown after that, so it’s best eaten fresh.
- Freezer: Not recommended. The texture changes too much.
Make-Ahead Tip: If prepping in advance, wait to add the bananas until right before serving to keep them from turning brown.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to put your own spin on it? Try these fun ideas:
- Make it extra chocolatey. Drizzle hot fudge over the top before serving.
- Use a different pudding flavor. Vanilla or cheesecake pudding work great!
- Go nut-free. Swap the walnuts for shredded coconut or just leave them out.
- Try different fruits. Strawberries or mango would be a fun twist.
- Make it boozy. Stir in a splash of rum or banana liqueur for an adults-only version.
What to Serve with Banana Split Fluff Salad?
This dessert is amazing on its own, but if you want to get creative:
- Scoop it into waffle cones for a fun, handheld treat.
- Serve with graham crackers or vanilla wafers for dipping.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert experience.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles to really lean into the banana split theme.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this the night before?
Absolutely! Just wait to add the bananas until right before serving so they don’t brown.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Whip 1 ½ cups heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
What if I don’t like banana pudding?
Swap it for vanilla or cheesecake pudding for a slightly different (but still delicious) twist!
This Banana Split Fluff Salad is pure happiness in a bowl—creamy, fruity, chocolatey, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, sparks nostalgia, and disappears way too fast.
So, what do you think? Ready to give it a try? If you do, let me know how it turns out—did you put your own spin on it? Drop a comment, I’d love to hear about it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Banana Split Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 1 box 3.4 oz instant banana pudding
- 1 can 20 oz. crushed pineapple (do not drain)
- 1 container 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 c mini marshmallows
- ½ c finely chopped walnuts + 2 tbsp. for garnish
- ¼ c mini chocolate chips + 1 tbsp. for garnish
- 2 ripe bananas sliced
- 2 jars 10 oz each maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl stir together the banana pudding mix and the crushed pineapple (without draining) until the mixture thickens and the pudding fully dissolves.
- Gently incorporate the thawed Cool Whip using a spatula. This will give your salad a creamy base.
- Next add in the marshmallows, chopped walnuts (about ½ cup), mini chocolate chips (around ¼ cup), sliced bananas and patted dry maraschino cherries that have been halved. Carefully stir everything together until well combined.
- Put the Banana Split Fluff Salad in the refrigerator, for 1 hour to chill. This step allows all the flavors to come together beautifully.
- Before serving sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts and 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips on top of the salad for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately. Savor this dessert with your loved ones!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
