If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, guilt-free dessert that fits into your Weight Watchers (WW) plan, look no further than this No-Bake Banana Split Cake. It’s a delightful, creamy treat that’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to more special celebrations. With a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dessert is both convenient and nutritious, offering a satisfying indulgence without breaking your WW points budget.

Overview of the Recipe

This WW No-Bake Banana Split Cake is a healthier version of the classic banana split dessert, minus the fuss of baking. It features layers of graham cracker crust, fresh bananas, light whipped topping, and a deliciously creamy filling, all crowned with a drizzle of chocolate and a sprinkling of crushed nuts. The best part is that it’s easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time, giving you more flexibility and less stress when planning for your next event or family dinner.

This recipe has been tailored specifically to meet Weight Watchers’ SmartPoints system, keeping the total points low so you can enjoy the flavors without feeling guilty. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy – just like a classic banana split – but made healthier to align with your WW goals.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the preparation instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious dessert. The quantities below serve approximately 12 portions.

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (around 12 whole graham crackers, crushed)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for sweetness)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon water (to help bind the crust)

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup fat-free Greek yogurt (this provides extra creaminess with fewer points)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Banana Layer:

  • 3 medium ripe bananas, sliced (choose bananas that are firm and not too ripe to avoid excess moisture)

For the Whipped Topping Layer:

  • 1 ½ cups fat-free whipped topping (such as Cool Whip or any WW-approved brand)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (this helps thicken the topping while keeping it low in points)

For the Toppings:

  • ¼ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (use dark chocolate for a healthier option)
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for added crunch)
  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherries, chopped (optional for a traditional touch)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for an extra layer of flavor)

For the Optional Drizzle:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free chocolate syrup


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    • Start by making the graham cracker crust. Place the graham crackers in a food processor or a zip-top bag and crush them until you have fine crumbs.
    • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar (if using), melted butter, and water. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
    • Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to press it down firmly to form a solid base. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other layers.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened reduced-fat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
    • Add the fat-free Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing it with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface.
  3. Add the Banana Layer:
    • Slice the bananas into thin, even slices and arrange them evenly over the cream cheese layer. Gently press down to ensure they stay in place, but avoid pressing too hard, as you don’t want to squash the bananas.
  4. Prepare the Whipped Topping Layer:
    • In a separate bowl, beat the fat-free whipped topping and sugar-free vanilla pudding mix until it thickens and is light and airy.
    • Spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the banana layer, making sure to cover the bananas completely and smooth the surface.
  5. Add the Toppings:
    • Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts evenly over the whipped topping layer.
    • If you’re using maraschino cherries, chop them into small pieces and sprinkle them over the topping as well.
    • For extra flavor, you can sift a small amount of cocoa powder over the top, but this step is optional.
  6. Chill the Dessert:
    • Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
  7. Serve:
    • Just before serving, drizzle a little sugar-free chocolate syrup over the top for an extra touch of indulgence (optional).
    • Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 14g
  • Protein: 4g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

  • Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints per serving
  • Green Plan: 4 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple Plan: 5 SmartPoints per serving

Tips for a Healthier Banana Split Cake

  • Use sugar-free or reduced-fat ingredients: To reduce the SmartPoints, use sugar-free pudding mix, fat-free whipped topping, and reduced-fat cream cheese. You’ll still enjoy the richness of the dessert without the added points.
  • Opt for a low-sugar crust: To keep the crust lighter, use graham crackers with reduced sugar, or make a crust using whole wheat crackers for added fiber.
  • Banana substitutions: If you’re looking to reduce sugar even further, you can use a smaller quantity of bananas, or opt for a different fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, for a twist on the classic.
  • Portion Control: This dessert is already quite light, but to make sure you stay within your WW points, measure your servings and stick to the recommended portion size.

Smart WW Points Breakdown

  • Crust: The graham crackers and butter contribute a majority of the SmartPoints in this recipe. By using a smaller amount of butter or a low-fat version, you can reduce points.
  • Cream Cheese Layer: Using reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt makes this layer lower in points but still creamy and delicious.
  • Whipped Topping: Fat-free whipped topping is the secret to keeping this dessert light while still getting that rich, fluffy texture.
  • Toppings: Keep the chocolate chips and nuts to a minimum to manage the points. Opting for a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup instead of a large amount of melted chocolate can help keep the SmartPoints low.

Conclusion

This WW No-Bake Banana Split Cake is the perfect way to enjoy a classic dessert while staying within your SmartPoints limit. It offers the indulgence of banana splits without the excessive calories or fat. The no-bake aspect of the recipe means you won’t need to worry about heating up your kitchen, making it ideal for warm weather or when you need a simple dessert that doesn’t take too much time to prepare.

Additional Information

This dessert is a fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free treat while adhering to your Weight Watchers plan. It’s also versatile, meaning you can adjust the ingredients according to your preferences or dietary needs. It’s a great recipe to share with friends and family, as everyone will love its sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, and you can rest assured that it’s a healthier option than traditional desserts. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert after dinner or something to bring to a potluck or picnic, this No-Bake Banana Split Cake will be a hit!