(Optional) If you want to grease the pan, reserve about 1 tablespoon of the 1/2 cup melted butter for that purpose; otherwise proceed without greasing. Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Make the crust: In a medium bowl combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, the remaining melted butter (from the 1/2 cup), and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix until evenly moistened, then press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the 9x13 pan. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer until the crust is set.

Prepare the pineapple cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the two (8 ounce) packages cream cheese (softened) with the drained 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple and the other 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and well combined.

Spread the pineapple cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.

Layer the fruit: Evenly distribute the 16 ounces sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer, then arrange the 3 sliced bananas on top of the strawberries.

Make the whipped cream: In a large bowl, beat 2 cups heavy cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Do not overwhip.

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the bananas and strawberries.

Chill the assembled dessert in the refrigerator until firm (at least about 1 hour).

Before serving, drain the maraschino cherries and garnish the top by drizzling chocolate syrup, sprinkling nuts, and placing cherries as desired.