No-Bake Banana Squares

Here's an old-fashioned no bake Banana Square that's so easy to put together.   Make sure the banana you use is very ripe but not mushy.

I've been eating these squares for years.  They show up at church suppers and teas, baby and wedding showers and family get-togethers of all sorts.  They're so easy to make and you just might have all the ingredients in your cupboard or fridge.  I suppose the most exotic ingredients would be the maraschino cherries, ha, ha.

There are several versions of this recipe around.  Some take raw eggs and others coconut or nuts but this one is quite simple.  The key to making these is to have the bananas very ripe but not mushy.  Some brown spots on the skins would be perfect.  Also beat the butter and sugar until fluffy and light and keep on beating when adding the banana.  If you find the mixture starts to curdle add a little more icing sugar.  But, don't worry too much about curdling as they'll still taste good.

Printable recipe at end of post.

No-Bake Banana Squares

• Graham wafers, unbroken
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup icing sugar
• ½ cup mashed very ripe banana, about 1 large banana
• ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, well drained and blotted dry
• 1 cup sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping
• Extra cherries for garnish

How to make it: 
Line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.  Place a layer of whole graham wafers on the bottom of the pan.  I used about 10-12 squares for each layer. Cut to fit where necessary.

Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter and icing sugar together until fluffy and light.  Gradually add the mashed banana, beating continuously.  Stir in the chopped cherries.  Spread the mixture over the graham wafers in the prepared pan and smooth out evenly.  Place a second layer of graham wafers on top of the banana mixture, gently pressing down. Spread with whipped topping.  Cover with plastic or foil wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Before serving cut into squares or bars.  Top each square with half a maraschino cherry.  Keep any left-overs refrigerated.

Makes 16-25 squares.

 Before you begin, chop and drain the cherries.  Blot them dry as well.

 Line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.  Place a layer of whole graham wafers on the bottom of the pan.  Cut the wafers to fit. I used about 10-12 squares, depending on the brand of wafer.

 Cream the butter and sugar.

 Make sure you beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

Mash about 1 large very ripe banana.  You should have ½ cup mashed. 

Gradually add in the mashed banana, beating continuously.

 Stir in the chopped cherries.

 Spread the mixture over the prepared crackers in the pan.

Spread the mixture evenly over the crackers.  You can see my mixture is a little curdled because the bananas were too ripe.  But no matter they still taste wonderful.

 Cover the banana mixture with a second layer of graham wafers.  Cut to fill in the gaps.

Spread the top with about 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping. Cover with plastic wrap or foil wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours but overnight is best.

Once the squares have set in the fridge overnight they are easy to remove using the overhang of parchment paper like handles to lift right from the pan. I've trimmed the rough edges.  I suppose someone will have to eat the scraps.😋

 Before serving place half a maraschino cherry on each square.

No-Bake Banana Squares ready for a party!

To print click on arrow upper right side.⇩