Tropical Strawberry Split Cake

Tropical Strawberry Split Cake is a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert that brings together the tropical flavors of pineapple, bananas, and strawberries on a creamy, no-bake base. This chilled dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you’re craving a fruity and creamy treat. With its layers of graham cracker crust, cream cheese, vanilla pudding, and fresh fruit, it’s sure to be a hit at your next get-together.

Ingredients

• 1 package (14.4 oz) of graham crackers
• 1/2 cup of butter, melted
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
• 1 container (8 oz) of Cool Whip
• 2 packages (3.4 oz each) of instant vanilla pudding
• 3 cups of milk
• 1 can (20 oz) of crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 bananas, sliced
• 1 quart of fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions

1. Prepare the crust: Crush the graham crackers and mix with melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan to form the crust.
2. Make the cream cheese layer: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, cream cheese, and half of the Cool Whip until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
3. Prepare the pudding layer: In a separate bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix and milk. Stir until the mixture thickens, then spread it over the cream cheese layer.
4. Add the fruit layer: Layer the crushed pineapple, sliced bananas, and sliced strawberries on top of the pudding layer.
5. Top with Cool Whip: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the fruit layer to finish the dessert.
6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Different fruits: You can switch up the fruit toppings to suit your taste or availability. Try using mango, kiwi, or blueberries for a different tropical twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert gluten-free.
• Lighter version: For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese, sugar-free pudding, and Cool Whip to reduce the calorie content.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, and it doesn’t need reheating. Just pull it out of the fridge and enjoy!

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to chop it finely. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.
2. Can I make this a day ahead of time? Yes, this dessert can be made a day ahead. It needs at least 4 hours to chill, but overnight chilling works perfectly for even better flavor.
3. Can I use low-fat ingredients? Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, Cool Whip, and sugar-free pudding for a lighter version of the dessert.
4. Can I use other types of fruit? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and use fruits like peaches, blueberries, or raspberries in place of or alongside the bananas and strawberries.
5. What can I substitute for Cool Whip? You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream or another non-dairy whipped topping for a different texture and flavor.
6. Do I need to bake this dessert? No, this is a no-bake dessert, so there’s no need for the oven! Just prepare the layers and refrigerate until set.
7. Can I use a different crust? Yes, you can use a different type of crust, such as an Oreo crust or a shortbread crust, to change the flavor profile.
8. Is this dessert suitable for vegans? To make this dessert vegan, you would need to replace the cream cheese, pudding mix, Cool Whip, and milk with plant-based alternatives.
9. How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the fruit may begin to release moisture and affect the texture.
10. Can I freeze this dessert? It’s not recommended to freeze this dessert because the texture of the cream cheese layer and Cool Whip may change once thawed. However, you can freeze individual servings for up to 1-2 months if necessary.

Conclusion

Tropical Strawberry Split Cake is the ultimate no-bake dessert for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a refreshing treat. With its creamy layers of pudding and fruit, all atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Try it out for your next family gathering or celebration and watch it disappear in no time!

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