Everyone enjoys banana splits, so why not make a pie that reminds you of that ice cream treat? It is the perfect dessert for those summer gatherings.
5 oz. package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/4 c. cold milk, regular, 1% or 2%
12 oz. container frozen Cool Whip, thawed, divided
2 bananas, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
9 in. prepared chocolate crumb crust
12 oz. hot fudge topping
2 T. dark rum, optional
20 oz. can pineapple chunks,well-drained
12 maraschino cherries with stems, drained
3 T. walnut pieces or nuts of choice
lemon juice, optional
In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth. Fold in 2 cups Cool Whip, and sliced banana. Reserve 1/2 of the banana pudding mixture, and spread the remainder into the pie crust.
In a small bowl, stir together hot fudge sauce and rum. Set aside 3 tablespoons in a microwave-safe container, for drizzling on top.
With the back of a spoon, gently spread 1/2 of the remaining fudge sauce over the banana pudding in the pie crust. Repeat layers with remaining banana pudding and remaining fudge sauce. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm.
Arrange the pineapple chunks in a single layer over top of the pie. Spread with remaining Cool Whip, swirling topping into peaks with the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a microwave oven, heat reserved fudge sauce until pourable, about 10 seconds.
Drizzle sauce with a fork over top of pie. Garnish with maraschino cherries and chopped walnuts.
Tip: drizzle lemon juice over the bananas to keep them from turning brown.
PT0M