Take all of those wonderful flavors and textures of a banana split and put them in a delicious dessert, but without ice cream. It's a luscious layer ice box dessert that will be a big hit at any gathering. If someone has a nut allergy, leave them out and
2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans, divided
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. butter, melted
16 oz. cream cheese
1 1/4 c. powdered sugar
20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained but reserve the juice
4 medium bananas, sliced (sliced and soaked in the reserved pineapple juice)
2 - 3.4 oz. boxes white chocolate instant pudding
3 c. cold milk
16 oz. whipped topping like Cool Whip
hot fudge sauce, slightly warmed
16 maraschino cherries with stems
sprinkles, if desired
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spread 1/2 c. nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet; toast 6-8 minutes; set aside to cool.
Lightly spray the bottom only of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, remaining 1/2 c. chopped walnuts, granulated sugar and melted butter. Press firmly onto the bottom of the baking dish.
Bake 16-18 minutes or until golden and set; cool completely.
Whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, pineapple and 1 c. whipped topping; whip for 2 minutes until fluffy and evenly combined; spread evenly over the crust.
Top with a layer of banana slices that have soaked in the reserved pineapple juice for 5 minutes. Whip together instant white chocolate pudding mixes with 3 c. cold milk for 2-3 minutes until thickened but still pourable; pour over the bananas.
Frost the top with the remaining whipped topping. Drizzle with chocolate fudge. Garnish with remaining toasted walnuts and maraschino cherries. Decorate more, if desired.
Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting, to allow the layers to set.
16 servings.