Delightfully Light Banana Split Dessert Bars
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with our Delightfully Light Banana Split Dessert Bars! This recipe combines the classic flavors of a banana split into easy-to-make bars that are perfect for sharing. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy mascarpone filling, and a delightful topping of fresh bananas, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and crunchy walnuts, these bars are not only delicious but also low in fat. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or just looking for a sweet snack, these bars are a guaranteed hit!
12
Servings
120
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Splenda sugar substitute
1/2 cup (for crust)
graham cracker crumbs
2 cups (to form crust)
mascarpone cheese
16 ounces (cream cheese)
Splenda sugar substitute
1 cup (for filling)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (for flavoring)
bananas
3 (sliced)
crushed pineapple
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
prepared whipped topping
12 ounces (thawed)
walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
maraschino cherries
4 ounces (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until completely liquid.
3
Remove the melted butter from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of Splenda sugar substitute along with the graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
4
Press the resultant mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan to form an even layer.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
6
In a mixing bowl, cream together the mascarpone cheese, 1 cup of Splenda sugar substitute, and vanilla extract until smooth and light.
7
Once the crust is cooled, spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
8
Layer the sliced bananas over the mascarpone cheese, followed by the drained crushed pineapple.
9
Carefully spread the thawed whipped topping over the fruit layers.
10
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and top with maraschino cherries for decoration.
11
Cover the dessert bars with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.
12
Slice into bars and serve chilled, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delightfully Light Banana Split Dessert Bars?
These are guilt-free dessert bars that combine the flavors of a classic banana split, featuring a graham cracker crust, mascarpone filling, and fruit toppings.
How many calories are in one serving of these bars?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 6 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a single bar?
Each bar contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each bar provides 1 gram of protein.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust is made using 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of Splenda sugar substitute, and 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs.
What is the base of the creamy filling?
The filling is made with 16 ounces of mascarpone cheese, 1 cup of Splenda, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What fruits are included in the topping?
The dessert is topped with 3 sliced bananas, an 8-ounce can of drained crushed pineapple, and maraschino cherries.
Does this recipe use real sugar?
No, this recipe uses Splenda sugar substitute to keep the dessert light and low in sugar.
What oven temperature is required for the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the crust.
How long should the graham cracker crust bake?
The crust needs to bake for 15 minutes before cooling completely.
What size baking pan should be used?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the bars are sprinkled with 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
How should the whipped topping be prepared?
The 12 ounces of prepared whipped topping should be thawed before spreading over the fruit layers.
How long do the bars need to refrigerate?
The bars should be refrigerated for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best results.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is perfect for beginners.
Can I serve these bars immediately after assembly?
No, they need significant chilling time to set properly before slicing.
What kind of cheese can substitute for mascarpone?
While the recipe calls for mascarpone, it is similar to cream cheese and is prepared in a similar creamed fashion.
Is this a good dessert for summer?
Yes, these chilled bars are specifically tagged as great summer desserts.
What is the preparation for the bananas?
The bananas should be sliced before layering them over the mascarpone mixture.
Do I need to cook the pineapple?
No, simply use one 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple that has been thoroughly drained.
How is the butter prepared for the crust?
The butter should be melted in a small saucepan over low heat until it is completely liquid.
What is used for the final decoration?
The bars are decorated with chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, the description highlights these as being low in fat compared to traditional banana split desserts.
How do I ensure the crust is even?
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer.
Should the bars be covered while in the fridge?
Yes, cover the bars with plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator.
How are the bars served?
They should be sliced into bars and served chilled.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is smooth and light, achieved by creaming the mascarpone with Splenda and vanilla.
Does this recipe include any fiber?
The nutrition facts provided do not specify a fiber content, though bananas and walnuts typically contain small amounts.