Banana Pineapple Delight

Savor the Creamy Layers of Banana Pineapple Delight

Embark on a flavor voyage with this Banana Pineapple Delight, merging a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky stovetop custard, and bright layers of fresh banana and juicy pineapple under a cloud of whipped topping.

Whether it’s a laid-back family dinner or a lively weekend gathering, this chilled dessert brings sunshine to your table with every cool, creamy forkful. It sets beautifully in a 9×13-inch pan and slices cleanly for parties, potlucks, and after-school treats.

Ideal for an enjoyable evening or a joyous event, this recipe encapsulates the essence of a beloved no-bake, layered dessert: crisp crumbs, lush custard, and tropical fruit. Ready to elevate your mealtime with a splash of fun and flavor? Let’s dive into this straightforward and utterly rewarding recipe—your new crowd-pleasing favorite, Banana Pineapple Delight. For another breezy pineapple treat, you might also enjoy the classic Pineapple Dream Dessert.

Flavorful and Creamy: Your New Go-To Banana Pineapple Delight

This Banana Pineapple Delight not only recreates nostalgic, bakery-case charm, but also amps up freshness with zesty lemon-kissed bananas and syrup-drained pineapple. The stovetop custard is quick, smooth, and rich, while the crumb crust adds snap and contrast. Not just a dessert, this is an easy make-ahead gem any home baker can master.

Here’s how you can achieve that signature fork-through-the-layers moment—complete with professional tips to ensure each slice holds, tastes bright, and serves beautifully. If you love creamy, fruit-forward desserts, bookmark the equally luscious No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake for next time.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Banana Pineapple Delight

1. Chill for Clean Slices: Give the assembled dessert at least 3 hours in the fridge. Overnight is even better for tidy, bakery-style squares.
2. Prevent Banana Browning: Dip banana slices in lemon juice. Work quickly and blot excess so the flavors stay balanced.
3. Drain Pineapple Well: Press pineapple through a fine sieve to remove extra syrup. Drier fruit keeps the layers neat.
4. Low, Gentle Custard Heat: Stir constantly as the custard thickens. Remove from heat the moment it coats a spoon.
5. Use a Wire Rack for Cooling: Spread the custard only after it’s warm, not hot. Cooler custard keeps the crust crisp.
6. Light Hand with Topping: Spread whipped topping softly with an offset spatula to avoid dragging the fruit.
7. Serve Chilled, Not Frozen: Cold enhances texture and flavor, whereas freezing can make layers watery after thawing.
8. Flavor Twists: Add toasted coconut on top or a drizzle of pineapple syrup on individual slices. For a cake-pan showstopper, try the sunny, tender Pineapple Juice Cake.

Banana Pineapple Delight Recipe

• Preparation time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
• Cooking time: 8–10 minutes (custard)
• Servings: 24
• Equipment: 9×13-inch pan, medium nonstick saucepan, whisk, offset spatula, fine sieve

With Banana Pineapple Delight, your kitchen becomes a haven of cool, creamy, make-ahead sweets—perfect for birthdays, barbecues, and weeknight treats. If you crave more creamy banana classics, the iconic Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding (from scratch) is another keeper.

Ingredients (scale: ½x | 1x | 2x)

Original recipe (1x) yields 24 servings

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers
• ½ cup margarine, melted
• ½ cup margarine
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 bananas
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in heavy syrup, drained well
• 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Scaling note: Quantities above reflect 1x. For ½x, use half of each ingredient and a smaller dish; for 2x, double everything and use two pans or a deep party pan.

Directions

1. Set the Stage: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan. Clear a space in the refrigerator for chilling later.
2. Build the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted margarine. Stir until evenly moistened. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a tight, even crust.
3. Cook the Custard Base: In a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat, add the remaining ½ cup margarine, confectioners’ sugar, eggs, cornstarch, and vanilla. Whisk constantly as the mixture warms. Bring it just to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat and simmer, stirring often, for 8–10 minutes until thick, glossy, and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool until just warm.
4. Spread the Custard: Pour the warm custard over the crust. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then chill briefly while you prep the fruit.
5. Prep the Bananas: Peel and slice bananas. Dip each slice in lemon juice to prevent browning, then lay slices on a paper towel to remove excess juice.
6. Layer the Fruit: Arrange the banana slices evenly over the cooled custard layer. Then scatter well-drained crushed pineapple over the bananas, covering the surface from edge to edge.
7. Finish and Chill: Spread the thawed whipped topping over the fruit in soft, even swoops. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to set the layers.
8. Slice and Serve: Cut into 24 squares. For the cleanest edges, wipe the knife between cuts. Serve cold and enjoy that creamy, tropical bite. For another chilled stunner, peek at the reader-favorite Million Dollar Cake.

Ready to Relish!

This dish offers a fabulous taste experience, bringing the joy of a classic, layered refrigerator dessert into the comfort of your home. The crumb is buttery, the custard is silky, and the fruit is bright and playful. Moreover, it travels well—so it’s perfect for potlucks and family reunions. Because the flavors improve as it rests, leftover squares taste even better the next day.

If you adore tropical-leaning sweets, you’ll love exploring more pineapple and banana favorites. For a cozy fall spin, try the simple, crowd-pleasing Easy Pumpkin Muffins. Prefer a nostalgic, spoonable classic? The creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding never disappoints. And when you crave a quick, no-bake fix for a party table, bookmark the silky-smooth No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake.

Print