Banana Split Pie

Or as I said on our family blog....the pie I think they will serve in heaven. :)  Yes, in fact, it is that good.

• 1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust (when I don't have a crust in the pantry, but really really want this pie, I just make my own...and sometimes, I'll make it in a larger dish, so there's even MORE pie---that's the good part about having to make your own graham crumb crust!)
• 1 block of cream cheese, softened (I use 1/3 less fat)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (you can use more, but I think this is plenty to add the little sweetness it needs)
• 1/2 stick butter, softened
• 2 large bananas
• 1 can crushed pineapple (DRAINED VERY WELL)
• Cool Whip
• Maraschino Cherries
• Chopped Pecans

~Mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 stick of butter.  Remember to set the cream cheese and butter out and allow them to reach room temperature so they will be softened. Spread this mixture on the bottom of the graham cracker crust.  Next slice bananas and layer them on top of cream cheese mixture.  DRAIN the pineapple...really good.  You don't want runny liquid in this pie, so you must squeeze the crushed pineapple and get it drained thoroughly.  Scatter the pineapple over the top of the bananas. Now spread on a layer of Cool Whip and top it off with some maraschino cherries and pecans. 

Get creative.  For Valentine's we made the maraschino cherries into a heart.  The day we took it for church fellowship a couple of weeks back, the kids were so clever, they made the cherries into a cross.  Granted it was a big fat cross, in fact it resembled the Red Cross organizational symbol, but nonetheless, it was a cross. :)   You can also add blueberries or strawberries to the top or chopped walnuts instead or along with the chopped pecans. 

Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.  Let the flavors all soak up together and get acquainted. :)  Enjoy!