There’s something so magical about desserts that can transport you to another place. My Layered Banana Pineapple Dessert does just that, taking your taste buds on a journey to a tropical island. The graham cracker crust lays the foundation for a parade of flavors: fresh bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and tangy pineapple, all under a cloud of whipped cream. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that harmonize perfectly together. I’ve always been a fan of tropical flavors. The combination of sweet and tangy fruits, the creaminess of the pudding, and the crunch of the crust create a dessert that’s not only delicious, but also visually appealing with its distinct layers. This dessert has a way of bringing sunshine into even the coldest of days. What I love about this dessert is not just its flavors, but also its simplicity. It’s a no-bake recipe that’s easy to assemble, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a meal for a special occasion, or just want to end your day on a sweet note, this Layered Banana Pineapple Dessert is a winning choice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 c. sugar
- 1/3 c. margarine or butter, melted
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 3 1/2 c. cold milk
- 2 pkg. vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip, thawed
Assembling Steps
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and margarine in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Press evenly onto bottom of pan.
- Arrange banana slices on crust.
- Beat cream cheese in large bowl with wire whisk until smooth.
- Gradually beat in milk.
- Add pudding mixes.
- Beat until well blended.
- Spread evenly over banana slices.
- Spoon pineapple evenly over pudding mixture.
- Spread with whipped topping over pineapple.
- Refrigerate 3 hours or until ready to serve.
Calorie: 230
Total cooking time: 15 minutes preparation + 3 hours chilling
Difficulty level: Easy
The Great Graham Cracker Catastrophe of 2021
There I was, in my humble kitchen, ready to tackle the mammoth task of creating a layered banana pineapple dessert. I had my trusty ingredients laid before me: **graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted margarine**, and an intense desire not to burn down the house.
I began by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and margarine in a 13 x 9-inch pan, as casually as one might mix up their laundry. Little did I know, the crumbs had a mind of their own. They resisted my attempts at order, revolting in a crumbly chaos. After an epic struggle, complete with flying crumbs and a near death experience for my favorite spatula, I emerged victorious. The crumbs were finally pressed evenly onto the bottom of the pan.
Bananas, Cream Cheese, and a Lesson in Humility
Next up, arranging the **bananas** on the crust. Simple, right? Well, not exactly. Turns out, bananas can be quite slippery when they want to be. Three times they slid off the crust and onto the floor, giving my dog a surprise treat. I was beginning to think they had a personal vendetta against me.
After the banana debacle, I moved onto the **cream cheese**. I beat it in a large bowl with a wire whisk until it was smooth and my arm felt like it was about to fall off. I then gradually beat in the **cold milk**, adding a bit of elbow grease and a dash of desperation.
Vanilla Instant Pudding, Pineapple, and the Art of Layering
With the cream cheese sufficiently beaten into submission, I added the **vanilla instant pudding** mixes. I beat the mixture until it was well blended and my arm was threatening to go on strike. In the spirit of layering, and because I was starting to see double from the beating, I spread the mixture evenly over the rebellious banana slices.
The **pineapple** was next. I spooned it evenly over the pudding mixture, trying to ignore the fact that it looked like a tropical snow scene gone horribly wrong. I followed this with a generous spread of whipped topping over the pineapple, creating what could only be described as a mountainous landscape of creamy delight.
The Waiting Game
Then came the hardest part: Refrigerating for 3 hours or until ready to serve. Now, I’m not known for my patience, but the thought of digging into this dessert kept me going. I busied myself by cleaning up the scene of the culinary crime and avoiding eye contact with the dessert.
The Final Showdown
Three hours later, I could finally taste the fruits of my labor (literally). I served up the layered banana pineapple dessert with a flourish, ignoring the fact that the layers were more lopsided than a drunken sailor. But let me tell you, that first bite? Worth every crumbly struggle, every slippery banana, and every arm-aching whisk.
And that, my friends, is the tale of the Great Graham Cracker Catastrophe of 2021. A day filled with laughter, chaos, and a dessert that was more than just a little bit delicious.
