Banana split cookie trifles are the ultimate, romantic, make-ahead, easy, no-cook dessert that doesn’t melt before you can eat it. Layered with pudding, whipped cream, chocolate, caramel, fresh strawberries and bananas and the crunch of golden mini Oreos.
Banana Split Cookie Trifles
By Sue Lau | Palatable Pastime
Wow, it’s already February and the groundhog has indeed given us “the memo” on the bad news that the weather is going to be chill for awhile, both environmentally, and politically (you see what I did there, right?)
And as we are bearing down on Valentines Day I am in dire need of a dessert, or more likely TWO and will likely eat both of these myself, it being a dessert for two thing. But who’s counting? No one. The world is depressed.
So I have set out to make something for those times when I am needing that carb fix but positively absolutely don’t want to cook. So in the order of premade junk, pudding rules. Okay, I know you think pudding is a bit of gloppy stuff tossed in a bowl without inspiration. It might even be thought of as a contraceptive in romantic dinner terms, not being like anything remotely aphrodisiac. But we can work miracles, right? C’mon…
In the world of make-ahead desserts, the banana split that doesn’t melt is somewhat of a miracle. And a pudding that is made up with more than a few delightful toppings is pretty much a banana split, because darned if it doesn’t taste just like it.
Melting Ice Cream Blues
Except unlike those banana boats from the DQ in the middle of a steamy July which are half melted tubs of sticky milk before you can get your first taste….these don’t melt. And as far as building them ahead so as not to interfere with your dinner for two, just build it up to the point of adding the last whipped cream and the cherry, and they are easily covered with plastic in the fridge for hours on end, with the finishing touches added as you get ready to inhale them.
And while that all leads to romantic dining experiences, one of the best things about a no-cook dessert of this type is that it is something that the kids can made for Mom and Dad before they get shuttled off to the babysitter for date-night. And you know, they can even make a few for themselves too.
Recipes for Two
Don’t forget to scroll on down to the bottom to see the full line-up of the #RecipesForTwo event. There is certainly something for everyone, except that one odd person who likes them all.
Yep, that odd person is me. I do like them all. I have thousands of cookbooks. You literally can’t walk through my house without spotting a stack somewhere. If there is a cozy armchair, it is sure to be surrounded. I read them like novels. Mostly romances, some adventures and the occasional crime novel. Those are best for learning #WhatNotToCook. 😉
Good grief, I am already hungry for another of these!
~s
Banana Split Cookie Trifles

Ingredients:
- 2 (7-3/4 ounce total) individual vanilla pudding cups
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 3.5 ounce Go-Pack container Mini Golden Oreo cookies
- 1/4 cup Chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup Strawberry ice cream topping
- 1/4 cup Caramel or Pineapple ice cream topping
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
- 2 maraschino cherries, with stem
Method:
- Put half of the pudding into the bottom of the dessert cup, and layer the ingredients from there, ending with whipped cream, nuts and cherry. Layer the toppings twice so they are not all in one spot.
- A tip for making ahead, leave off the last whipped cream and cherry so it doesn’t get smooshed, and cover with plastic and refrigerate until needed, adding the finishing touches just before serving.
From the kitchen of palatablepastime.com
Recipes for Two
Savory
- Chicken Florentine for 2 by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
- Jerk Scallops with Pineapple Salsa over Coconut Rice by Books n’ Cooks
- Pork Filet Mignon by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Sweet
- Banana Split Cookie Trifle for Two by Palatable Pastime
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie for Two (Pizookies) by House of Nash Eats
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes for 2 by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Do You Carrot All Cake by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Heart Cocoa for Two by Amy’s Cooking Adventures
These are the most delicious-looking “banana splits” that I’ve seen in a long time. Thanks for joining us this week!
Sue, you should really share these with your husband….he’s depressed too LOL. 3 more years.
So easy and fast! I love that you used pudding cups!
These are such fun little trifles and I love all the layers of flavor and texture! And I’m with you – as much as I love to bake, sometimes I just…can’t! Great idea!
This is truly making lemonade from lemons- you made those pudding cups into something delcious looking!