Banana Split Fluff: The Ultimate Creamy No-Bake Dessert for Any Occasion

Ingredients

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice – Do not drain
• 1 box (3.4 oz) banana cream instant pudding mix – Adds banana flavor and thickens the mixture
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
• 1/2 cup sliced fresh bananas (optional, for extra banana flavor)
• Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
• Rainbow sprinkles for garnish (optional)
• Chocolate syrup or fudge sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the pineapple. Open the can of crushed pineapple and pour it into a large mixing bowl, juice and all. The juice will help provide moisture and sweetness to the dessert base, so don’t drain it. The crushed pineapple adds a nice, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the banana cream pudding.
2. In the same bowl, whisk in the banana cream instant pudding mix. Stir the mixture together for 2 minutes until the pudding powder is fully incorporated into the pineapple juice. The pudding mix will start to thicken the mixture, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly.
3. Once the mixture has thickened, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Use a spatula or spoon to fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture until well combined. The whipped topping will give the dessert a light, airy texture, making it fluffy and easy to scoop.
4. Next, fold in the mini marshmallows for a little added sweetness and texture. The marshmallows will add small bursts of chewy sweetness throughout the fluff. You can also fold in chopped walnuts or pecans at this point if you prefer some crunch in the mix.
5. If desired, stir in some fresh sliced bananas for extra banana flavor. These will provide an additional layer of natural sweetness and enhance the overall banana split theme of the dessert.