Summer time is the perfect time to enjoy this Banana Split Fluff salad recipe. This dessert salad recipe is so easy to make and such a fun recipe to enjoy. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a dessert.
Banana Split Fluff Salad Recipe
If you love a classic banana split, then you are going to love this banana split fluff salad recipe. This fluff salad is loaded with all the ingredients (except the ice cream) of the classic ice cream treat to make a dessert salad that is perfect as a side dish or a dessert.
If you are headed to a family get together or want a fun dessert just because, this banana split fluff salad is one everyone will enjoy. It takes only a few minutes to prep, so if you are running late and need a last minute dish, this one is perfect.
Banana fluff salad tastes like a mix between a banana split and a creamy fruit dip—sweet, fruity, fluffy, and a little tangy from the pineapple and cherries. It is the perfect summer recipe!
Dessert Salad Recipes
- Watergate Salad recipe
- Cool Whip Fruit Salad with Marshmallows
- Cherry Fluff Salad
- Pineapple Fluff Salad
Tips for Making Fluff Salad
While this recipe is super easy to make, there are some tips that will help you have the best results when making it.
- Mix at the right temperatures. Ok, so I am going to be super non-recipe speaking here and tell you that when you are mixing the cool whip into the pudding mixture, you want to do what I call the finger test. Stick your finger into the mixture and feel for it to be neither cold nor warm. The pudding mixture needs to be cool enough to not melt the cool whip when you add it in.
- Thaw whipped topping. You want the whipped topping to be thawed before you get started making this recipe.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently. Use a spatula to fold in the Cool Whip gently into the jello mixture, so as not to deflate it. This will help the salad stay fluffy and light.
- Add more toppings. This delicious jello salad pairs nicely with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for garnish. You can also add crushed nuts on the top or some miniature marshmallows, and maraschino cherries.
- Use a rubber spatula. I find it best to use a rubber spatula when I am mixing the pudding and the whipped topping. It also makes it easier to scrape the sides of the bowl when I am making it so everything is mixed well.
Variations of this recipe
Change up the chocolate chips. You can use milk chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips.
Add more fruit. Try adding diced fresh strawberries or extra pineapple chunks for even more fruity flavor.
Add a drizzle of syrup. After mixing everything together, you can add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or strawberry syrup.
What can I use instead of peanuts?
You can swap peanuts for chopped walnuts, pecans, or leave out the nuts altogether if you prefer or have allergies.
Can I use a different Instant Pudding Flavor?
Yes! While vanilla pudding is traditional, banana or cheesecake pudding also work well for a fun twist.
Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?
No. I do not suggest using whipped cream in place of the Cool Whip. You can use the store-brand versions of Cool Whip, but whipped cream will not work in this recipe. If you want to use sugar-free Cool Whip, you can.
How to Store Leftovers
Store in the fridge for up to one day in an airtight container. The sooner you enjoy this fluff salad, the better, as bananas oxidize quickly and will go brown by the following day.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can make this hours in advance, not days. This dessert is best only the first day it’s made.
Banana Split Fluff Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 1 box Instant Banana Pudding Mix.
- 1 canned Pineapple Chunks, not drained
- 1 canned Cherry Pie Filling
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
- ½ cup Peanuts, finely chopped.
- ¼ cup Mini Chocolate Chips.
- 2 ripe Bananas, peeled & sliced
- Maraschino cherries
- Peanuts, finely chopped
- Whipped cream
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate Syrup
- Rainbow Sprinkles
How to Make Banana Split Fluff Salad
In a large bowl, combine the pudding mix, crushed pineapple (including its juice), and cherry pie filling. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to start thickening.
Add the Cool Whip to the bowl and gently stir it in until everything is mixed together.
Add the mini marshmallows, chopped peanuts, and chocolate chips. Stir again until everything is evenly spread out.
Slice the bananas and gently fold them into the mixture. Try not to stir too hard so the banana slices don’t break apart.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 1 hour.
After it’s chilled, scoop into bowls and add any toppings you like—extra whipped cream, sprinkles, or more cherries work great!
Summer Recipes
- Pudding Fruit Salad
- Fruit salad with marshmallows
- Tuna Pasta salad
- Italian Pasta Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Dill pickle pasta salad
Banana Split Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounce boxed Instant Banana Pudding Mix.
- 20 ounces canned Pineapple Chunks not drained
- 21 ounces can Cherry Pie Filling
- 8 ounces Cool Whip thawed
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
- ½ cup Peanuts finely chopped.
- ¼ cup Mini Chocolate Chips.
- 2 ripe Bananas peeled & sliced
- Maraschino cherries
- Peanuts finely chopped
- Whipped cream
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate Syrup
- Rainbow Sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pudding mix, crushed pineapple (including its juice), and cherry pie filling. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to start thickening.
- Add the Cool Whip to the bowl and gently stir it in until everything is mixed together.
- Add the mini marshmallows, chopped peanuts, and chocolate chips. Stir again until everything is evenly spread out.
- Slice the bananas and gently fold them into the mixture. Try not to stir too hard so the banana slices don’t break apart.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 1 hour.
- After it’s chilled, scoop into bowls and add any toppings you like—extra whipped cream, sprinkles, or more cherries work great!
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