Santa'S Elves Holiday Treat
A delightful holiday treat featuring creamy banana and coconut layered over a buttery crust, topped with whipped topping and walnuts—perfect for festive gatherings and sweet celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter; press into the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Beat powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of softened butter for 8 to 10 minutes until fluffy.
- Add eggs and beat until fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Arrange sliced bananas over the top and sprinkle with coconut.
- Spread whipped dessert topping over all and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
- Cover and chill for several hours.
- Cut into squares before serving.
- Garnish each serving with a candy cane and banana slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese and reduced-fat whipped topping. You can also substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for moisture without excess fat. Make sure to chill the treat long enough so it firms up, making it easier to cut into squares. This dessert pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Streusel Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. Each square can be garnished with a festive candy cane and extra banana slices for a decorative touch. This treat pairs well with a warm beverage such as hot chocolate or coffee, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. For a complete dessert experience, consider offering alongside Cinderella's Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The treat can also be frozen for up to a month; just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa'S Elves Holiday Treat contains roughly 709 calories, with 7g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different flavor, feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds. Just chop them to a similar size for even distribution throughout the dessert.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dessert vegan, replace the cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use a plant-based whipped topping. Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or aquafaba, and ensure your butter is dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of the holiday treat!
Can I make this treat in advance?
Yes, this dessert actually benefits from chilling, so making it a day in advance is a great idea. Prepare it the night before, cover it well, and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it easier to slice before serving.
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).