Cherry Chocolate Banana Dessert
A rich, layered dessert combining chocolate cookie wafers, whipped cream, cherries, banana, and pecans for a delightful treat perfect for casual gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread half of the crushed chocolate cookie wafers in an 8 x 8-inch square pan.
- Beat softened butter, sifted powdered sugar, and egg together until light and fluffy.
- Spread this mixture over the crushed wafers in the pan.
- Mix together chopped maraschino cherries, mashed banana, and chopped pecans.
- Spread this cherry, banana, and pecan mixture over the cream layer.
- Spread whipped cream over the fruit and nut layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed wafers on top.
- Chill the dessert for 12 hours or longer.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cookie wafers instead of regular ones. If you don't have maraschino cherries, fresh cherries can be used, just be sure to pit and chop them. To make this dessert even creamier, you could substitute sour cream for half of the whipping cream. This dessert can also be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free cookie wafers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Chocolate Banana Dessert chilled, garnished with additional chopped pecans or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch. It makes a delightful finish to a meal and pairs nicely with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a fun twist, try serving it with Gypsey'S Macaroni And Cheese for a unique dessert and main course combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, making it even better the next day. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped cream and fruit may change when thawed. When ready to serve, you can re-whip the cream before adding it back on top if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Chocolate Banana Dessert contains roughly 739 calories, with 5g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value), calcium (10% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Simply prepare it the day before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to develop and the layers to set nicely, making it easier to cut and serve.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. For a nut-free option, try using crushed graham crackers or coconut flakes to add texture and flavor without the nuts.
Is there a way to lighten this dessert?
Yes! You can lighten this dessert by using a low-fat whipped topping instead of heavy whipping cream. Additionally, consider using a sugar substitute in place of powdered sugar to reduce calories while still maintaining sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).