Description
This Tropical Strawberry Split Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy cheesecake, fresh bananas, juicy strawberries, and crushed pineapple on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly chilled and garnished with nuts and maraschino cherries, it’s an easy-to-make summer treat bursting with tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, divided
Fruit Layers and Garnish
- 3 medium bananas, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping to lighten the mixture.
- Assemble the Cake Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Arrange a layer of sliced bananas over the cream cheese, followed by sliced strawberries and then the drained crushed pineapple, ensuring an even distribution of fruit.
- Add the Topping and Garnish: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the fruit layer. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired, and garnish the top with maraschino cherries for a colorful finish.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use very ripe bananas and well-drained pineapple to avoid sogginess.
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.
