Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 1 sleeve)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Creamy Layers:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted if clumpy
8 ounces whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
For the Fruit & Toppings:
3–4 medium ripe but firm bananas, sliced
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup chocolate syrup
½ cup chopped peanuts (or walnuts, pecans)
12–15 maraschino cherries, stems removed
Instructions
1. Step 1: Prepare the Crust
2. Crush graham crackers finely using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin. Mix with melted butter until moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in sweetened condensed milk. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping until no streaks remain.
5. Step 3: Assemble the First Layer
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
7. Step 4: Add the Fruit Layers
8. Arrange sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle well-drained crushed pineapple over bananas. Arrange sliced strawberries over pineapple.
9. Step 5: Top with Whipped Topping and Chill
10. Spread remaining whipped topping evenly over fruit layers. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
11. Step 6: Garnish and Serve
12. Just before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup, sprinkle chopped peanuts, and place maraschino cherries on top. Slice and serve cold.
Notes
For best results, use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Chill for at least 4 hours (overnight preferred) for clean slices. Add garnishes just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Freezing is not recommended as fruit texture degrades.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of torte)
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg