All the flavors of a banana split sundae in a fun & delicious fruit pizza. This Banana Split Fruit Pizza combines two favorites in one dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Nothing says summer quite like a banana split… am I right? Back in the day… (my first job, in fact)… I worked at a little custard shop called Murf’s. And I spent my days and nights making shakes and malts and sundaes on repeat.
By far the MOST ordered sundae of all? The Banana Split! Which is no surprise… because it’s a classic! Now, just in case you’re unsure of what a banana split actually entails… it’s 3 scoops of ice cream with a whole banana, crushed pineapple, sliced strawberries, chocolate syrup, and crushed peanuts. And it’s absolutely delicious.
So I got to thinking… why not make a banana split dessert that doesn’t involve ice cream at all? Like this Banana Split Fruit Pizza!? It starts with refrigerated sugar cookie dough, has a delicious layer of sweet vanilla cream cheese, and is topped with sliced fruit, chocolate ganache, and crushed nuts.
It’s easy to make, super fun, and seriously impressive. Guaranteed to be a show stopper at your next party!
what you’ll need for this recipe
- Cookie dough – Cookie dough forms the crust of this fruit pizza. I used refrigerated sugar cookie dough, but you can use homemade if you prefer. You could also switch it up with chocolate chip, double chocolate, or peanut butter cookie dough.
- Cream cheese – Cream cheese is the main ingredient in the sweet, creamy base layer. Be sure to start with softened cream cheese to avoid clumps.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar blends with the cream cheese to give it a sweet cheesecake like flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract adds extra flavor to the cream cheese mixture. Substitute almond extract if you prefer.
- Fruit – A combination of sliced bananas, pineapple, and strawberries
- Chocolate ganache – I made a simple ganache using heavy cream and bittersweet chocolate. This takes the place of the chocolate syrup or hot fudge typically used in banana splits.
- Nuts – Crushed nuts are the finishing touch on a banana split and on this fruit pizza. The typical crushed nut mixture is a combination of peanuts and pecans, but you can use any type of nuts you’d like.
how to make banana split fruit pizza
Make the crust. Press the cookie dough evenly into greased 12-14 inch pizza pan. Bake 12-14 minutes or until crust is light golden brown; remove from oven and cool completely.
Make the cream cheese layer. In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla and mix until smooth.
Assemble the pizza. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over crust. Top with sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, and sliced pineapple. Sprinkle with crushed nuts.
Make the ganache. Bring the cream just to a boil; add the chocolate and stir until completely melted. Drizzle ganache evenly over fruit pizza.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute double chocolate, chocolate chip, or peanut butter cookie dough for sugar cookie dough
- Use store bought cheesecake filling for the creamy layer
- Substitute almond extract or another flavored extract for the vanilla
- Add additional fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries
- Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips
- Omit the nuts for a nut-free dessert
- Make individual cookie-sized treats instead of a larger fruit pizza
how to keep bananas from turning brown
One of the questions I get most about this recipe is “How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?” Well, the easiest way to do this is by spritzing them with lemon juice just before adding them to the pizza. The citric acid in the juice helps to slow down the oxidation process, which is what turns bananas brown.
storage tips
Leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. They will last for 2-3 days, but the sooner you can eat them, the fresher they will be.
More Banana Dessert Recipes
If you ask me, banana desserts are some of the best desserts! These are some more of my favorites!
Banana Split Fruit Pizza
Ingredients
- 16 ounces refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 large banana
- 8 fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 thinly sliced rings fresh pineapple cut into sixths
- 1 Tablespoon chopped nuts
Chocolate Ganache
- 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Press cookie dough evenly into greased 12-14 inch pizza pan. Bake 12-14 minutes or until crust is light golden brown; remove from oven and cool completely.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over crust. Top with sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, and sliced pineapple. Sprinkle with crushed nuts.
- To make the ganache: bring cream just to a boil. Add chocolate and stir until completely melted.
- Drizzle ganache evenly over fruit pizza.
Jess says
I always feel that way about summer. Part of me is thrilled, another is scared! I know my girls are happy and I am too – that is, until the fighting starts…we don’t get out till June 21st so we have more time but enjoy these first days!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
I’m thinking this would make the perfect summer dessert treat!
Sandi (@fearless_dining) says
This is such a creative idea…my kids would love a fruity pizza.
Amanda | The Chunky Chef says
What an AWESOME idea for a fruit pizza!!!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
This is one stunning pizza, Cathy – such a great way to celebrate the beginning of Summer!
Amy says
This has to be one of the best pizzas ever made! I want the whole thing for myself!
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
This is just wrong… so wrong but so right! I love everything about this yummy treat!
Shazia says
Superb!????????????Will try this for sure….Amazing clicks!
Katalina @ Peas & Peonies says
OMG I should totally try this!
Brooke Updegraff says
I just made this, even though I didn’t have a hug enough dish and enough room for all the fruit, my boys DEVOURED it! Thanks for the recipe
Carol says
I had not had this since I was in high school. I am now 61!! The post kept running across my FB page, and decided to make it. It was just as I remembered it….. delicious. It was a light, fruity dessert. Thanks for bringing me back to my childhood.
Cathy Trochelman says
Happy to bring back good memories!