The Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake is pure joy in edible form: a pastel-hued, layered treat loaded with fruit, creamy filling, and just the right bit of whimsy. It’s a dessert that brings the magic of a banana split and the party vibes of a unicorn right onto your table, all without turning on the oven. This is the cake you’ll want for birthdays, celebrations, or any day you need a dash of cheer. With its bright colors, fresh fruit, and irresistible crunch, it’s practically a party in a pan.

Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this magical masterpiece is a breeze, and every ingredient shines in its role. Each part of the Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake adds essential flavor, texture, or color, so don’t skip a thing if you want that signature look and taste!

Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups): These build a crunchy, buttery base that stands up to all that creamy, fruity filling.
Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Melted butter is the secret to a crust that holds together, adding rich flavor, too.
Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Gives the cake its irresistible, tangy creaminess, so be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Just enough sweetness to balance the fruit and cream cheese without making it cloying.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): This adds a subtle warmth and brings all the flavors together.
Whipped topping (8 oz tub): Lightens the filling and makes the whole cake feel airy and fluffy; feel free to use homemade whipped cream instead.
Bananas, sliced (2): Classic banana split vibes, plus creamy fruitiness with every bite.
Crushed pineapple, drained (1 cup): Sweet, tart, and juicy—make sure it’s well-drained so the cake layers stay set.
Fresh strawberries, sliced (2 cups): The all-star berry brings color, freshness, and a hint of tang.
Pastel-colored sprinkles (1/2 cup): Essential for the Unicorn effect, these create a confetti of colors on top.
Maraschino cherries, halved (1/4 cup): Classic sundae energy and a punch of sweet, nostalgic flavor.
Rainbow marshmallows, optional (1/4 cup): For an extra dose of fun, toss these on top or mix them into the layers.
Food coloring (pink, purple, blue): These pastel drops transform your filling into something truly fantastical.

How to Make Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a big bowl until everything looks like damp sand—no dry spots! Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan, making sure it’s even all over. Pop the pan in the fridge while you get the filling ready; this quick chill helps the crust hold together beautifully.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is gloriously smooth. You want every last bit of sugar dissolved for that perfect creamy sweep. Next, gently fold in half of the whipped topping—be careful not to deflate it too much. The mixture will feel light, airy, and ready for color!

Step 3: Divide and Color the Layers

Here’s where the unicorn magic really happens. Divide the creamy filling into three separate bowls and drop in your pink, purple, and blue food coloring. Go easy at first—a couple drops are all you need to get pastel perfection. Stir gently to keep it fluffy, and admire how pretty it looks!

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread each colored layer carefully over the crust, one at a time, smoothing out the surface between each for those Instagram-worthy stripes. Patience here means every slice will be a rainbow reveal of joy. Once the creamy layers are set, add your fruits: first lay out the banana slices, followed by an even scatter of crushed pineapple, then a blanket of fresh strawberries.

Step 5: Top and Decorate

Spoon the rest of the whipped topping across the fruit layer, then go wild with the pastel sprinkles, marshmallows if you’re using them, and plenty of vibrant maraschino cherries. This is the part where kids (and adults) will want in—let everyone help with decorating for maximum fun!

Step 6: Chill and Serve

The hardest part: patience. Slide your finished Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours. This time lets the layers set and all the flavors mingle. When ready, slice into squares and serve cold for the most delicious burst of fruit and cream in every dreamy bite.

How to Serve Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake

Garnishes

This cake begs for playful, colorful toppings. Add extra pastel sprinkles or edible glitter for maximum unicorn sparkle, dot with a few extra cherries, and never say no to a tiny swirl of whipped cream right on top. If you’re feeling super fancy, edible flowers or unicorn-themed candies make it Insta-worthy without any effort.

Side Dishes

Since Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake is a star all on its own, keep sides simple. Fresh berries or a bowl of fruit salad works great if you want a lighter touch. For parties, a platter of crisp vanilla wafer cookies or little glasses of strawberry milk will keep the fun (and the colors) going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Slicing this cake into big, generous squares is the classic move, but you can also use a cookie cutter for fun shapes—hearts, stars, or circles. Serve individual portions in mini trifle cups, layer pieces in mason jars for parties, or add a paper unicorn horn pick to each slice. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser in any form!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake tightly with plastic wrap or tuck it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days—just know the bananas may soften a bit, but the flavors get even better with time.

Freezing

Freezing is possible if you want to make this cake ahead! Chill until firm, then wrap slices individually and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and the cake comes out surprisingly close to fresh (just skip adding the sprinkles and marshmallows until serving time for best texture).

Reheating

Luckily, there’s absolutely no reheating needed for this cool, creamy dessert. Just slice and enjoy straight from the fridge! If you’re thawing from frozen, let the cake sit in the refrigerator for several hours (or overnight) to soften up to perfect, creamy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a lovely, light texture—just be sure to stabilize it with a bit of powdered sugar so it stays fluffy in the cake layers. Make sure it’s well-whipped before folding into the cream cheese mixture for that same billowy effect.

What’s the best way to slice and serve the cake without making a mess?

Chill the cake thoroughly so the layers set, and use a sharp, thin knife wiped clean between cuts for the prettiest slices. If your fruit releases a lot of moisture, a little extra time in the fridge (or a brief chill in the freezer) helps each piece hold together perfectly.

How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

You can easily swap in gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake safe for gluten-sensitive friends. All the filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a super simple adjustment.

Does the food coloring affect the flavor?

Nope! As long as you use good-quality gel or liquid food colors, they add vibrant pastel hues without any noticeable taste. Go light-handed for the prettiest colors and no aftertaste.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Definitely—the Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake actually gets better after a nice long chill. Prep it the day before, cover, and keep cold until you’re ready to add the add the final sprinkles and cherries right before serving for the freshest look.

Final Thoughts

This Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s pure happiness on a plate. Every slice brings layers of color, flavor, and fun that’ll make you and everyone you serve it to smile. Gather your ingredients, invite some helpers, and dive in—you’re about to create a dessert as magical as it is delicious.

Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a whimsical treat with this Unicorn No-Bake Strawberry Split Cake. Layers of colorful pastel cream cheese, fresh fruits, and a sweet graham cracker crust come together for a delightful dessert that is as stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping

Layers and Toppings:

2 bananas, sliced
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup pastel-colored sprinkles
1/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved
1/4 cup rainbow marshmallows (optional)
Food coloring (pink, purple, and blue)

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Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch pan.
Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in half of whipped topping. Tint into pastel colors.
Assembly: Layer colored cream cheese over crust. Add bananas, pineapple, strawberries. Top with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with toppings. Chill for 4 hours. Serve cold.