Banana Split Fluff Salad – Looking for an easy-to-prepare dessert, for your get-together? Search no more! Our recipe for Banana Split Fluff Salad is what you need. This delightful dessert salad combines the timeless flavors of a banana split with a creamy twist. Using ingredients like banana pudding, crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, and an assortment of toppings this dessert is sure to please any crowd. Let’s dive into the realm of nostalgia!
The first time I whipped up this Banana Split Fluff Salad it was a hit with my family. My husband couldn’t stop raving about its deliciousness while my child’s eyes lit up with delight as they discovered cherries and chocolate chips scattered across their plate. It’s not a dessert; it’s a memory maker.
What makes this Banana Split Fluff Salad truly delightful?
Experience the joy of a banana split, with our Banana Split Fluff Salad. Not only is this dessert incredibly simple to make. It also boasts a creamy and fluffy texture that is simply irresistible. With its minimal preparation time, customizable toppings, and delightful blend of flavors it’s the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet cravings in no time.
What You Need To Make This Banana Split Fluff Salad Recipe?
Instant Banana Pudding: When making this recipe it’s important to use banana pudding mix. This type of pudding dissolves easily in the mixture resulting in a creamy texture.
Crushed Pineapple: Make sure not to drain the crushed pineapple when using it. The undrained pineapple adds flavor and moisture to the salad enhancing its taste and texture.
Cool Whip: Before incorporating Cool Whip into the recipe remember to thaw it. This ensures that it blends seamlessly into the mixture creating a creamy base.
Mini Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are an addition, to the salad bringing sweetness and a chewy texture. They perfectly complement the creaminess of the Cool Whip and the crunchiness of toppings.
Walnuts: Chopping walnuts adds both a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the salad. You can also reserve some for garnish adding a layer of texture and visual appeal.
Mini Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey touch consider adding chocolate chips to your salad. They bring a chocolatey taste. Like with walnuts you can set aside some for garnish to make your salad more tempting.
Ripe Bananas: Sliced ripe bananas are essential, for this salad as they contribute sweetness and a soft creamy texture. They truly capture that banana split flavor we all adore.
Maraschino Cherries: Make sure you cut the cherries in half and gently dry them. This will prevent any moisture from watering down the salad. Ensure that the cherries are evenly spread throughout the mixture.
Steps To Make Banana Split Fluff Salad:
Step 1: Hey there, dessert enthusiasts! We’re diving into this scrumptious journey together. Start by grabbing a big, welcoming mixing bowl – we’re about to create dessert magic!
Step 2: Now, open that box of instant banana pudding mix. Pour it into the bowl, and then, here’s the fun part: add that entire can of crushed pineapple—juice and all. Don’t be shy; we want all that pineapple goodness.
Step 3: Grab your spatula or a spoon – whichever speaks to your dessert-making soul – and stir. Watch that pudding mix transform as it marries the pineapple. It’ll thicken up nicely, trust me!
Step 4: Here comes the fluff! The Cool Whip, to be precise. Fold it gently into the mix. You’ll notice the texture turning airy and heavenly. This is where the magic happens, and it’s getting exciting!
Step 5: Time to add some texture and flair. Toss in those mini marshmallows, the finely chopped walnuts (save a little for the final touch), and those tiny chocolate chips (save some for the garnish). Feel the crunch, the sweetness, and the chocolaty goodness coming together. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
Step 6: Slice up those ripe bananas – don’t they look simply irresistible? Add them to the bowl along with the halved and patted-dry maraschino cherries. This is where the salad becomes a masterpiece, a colorful canvas of flavors.
Step 7: Pop that beautiful bowl of Banana Split Fluff Salad into the fridge for about an hour. It’s the hardest part – the waiting! But trust me, it’s worth it. All those flavors are mingling, getting ready to dazzle your senses.
Step 8: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved chopped walnuts and a little extra chocolate chip love on top. It’s like adding the final brushstrokes to a masterpiece.
Step 9: Now, scoop it out, and there it is – your Banana Split Fluff Salad, a dessert that’s not just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making. Enjoy it with friends and family, and let the smiles and laughter flow.
Tip:
To add a burst of taste and crunch consider including some toasted coconut flakes. You can easily achieve this by toasting the flakes in a pan, without oil, over medium heat until they turn brown. Before serving sprinkle the toasted coconut on your salad. This will give your dessert a tropical touch making it even more tempting!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh bananas instead of ripe ones?
While it is recommended to use ripe bananas, for their sweetness and soft texture using fresh bananas is also an option. It’s important to note that the salad might not have the level of flavor and creaminess.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the Banana Split Fluff Salad hours ahead of time. Keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to add the toppings before serving for freshness.
Can I customize the toppings?
Certainly! Feel free to get creative with your choice of toppings. You can sprinkle on some sprinkles, add crushed nuts for a crunch or even drizzle some indulgent chocolate sauce, for a delightful twist.
<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!
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!