Banana Split Fluff Salad

A close-up of a fluffy dessert featuring whipped cream, cherries, bananas, and sprinkles, presented in a vibrant bowl.

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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!

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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.

A close-up of a fluffy dessert featuring whipped cream, cherries, bananas, and sprinkles, presented in a vibrant bowl.

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.

A creamy dessert topped with fresh strawberries, banana slices, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, sprinkled with colorful toppings.

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

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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!

An overhead view of banana split fluff salad served in individual bowls, garnished with berries and chocolate drizzle.

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.

A luscious whipped cream salad loaded with fresh fruits, chocolate, and colorful candy bits for a fun presentation.

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!

A delightful dessert salad highlighting layers of whipped cream, banana slices, and strawberries with vibrant sprinkles.

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!

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<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Pin it now

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

A luscious whipped cream salad loaded with fresh fruits, chocolate, and colorful candy bits for a fun presentation.

Banana Split Fluff Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Experience the blast from the past with our Banana Split Fluff Salad. This delightful creation seamlessly combines the timeless flavors of a banana split, with the light and creamy goodness of a dessert salad. With each spoonful you'll relish the balance of bananas, tangy pineapple, velvety Cool Whip and an assortment of mouthwatering toppings. From the satisfying crunch of walnuts, to the addition of marshmallows and chocolate chips this dessert is a lively fusion of textures and flavors. Whether you're serving it at a summertime picnic, family get-together or simply treating yourself to a moment of decadence our Banana Split Fluff Salad guarantees to transport your taste buds to a paradise.
8 Servings

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
 

  1. 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.
  2. Gently incorporate the thawed Cool Whip using a spatula. This will give your salad a creamy base.
  3. 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.
  4. Put the Banana Split Fluff Salad in the refrigerator, for 1 hour to chill. This step allows all the flavors to come together beautifully.
  5. 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.
  6. Serve immediately. Savor this dessert with your loved ones!

Notes

To ensure that this recipe is fit, for a gluten-free diet it's essential to use ingredients that are approved gluten-free. It is guided to check the labels of the following items:
Banana pudding mix: Some brands might contain thickeners derived from wheat so it's best to find a version that is specifically labeled as gluten-free.
Cool Whip: Make sure the whipped topping you choose is gluten-free as certain variations may contain stabilizers made from gluten.
Mini marshmallows: It's important to verify that these marshmallows are free from gluten as some brands may include wheat starch in their ingredients.
Mini chocolate chips: Opt for chocolate chips that are certified as gluten-free as there is a possibility of cross-contamination with gluten in facilities where they are produced.
By using certified gluten-free renditions of these ingredients you can craft a pleasurable Banana Split Fluff Salad that can be relished by individuals, with sensitivities to gluten or those who have celiac disease.
Audrey
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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!

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