Did you know our Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad has 46 mg of vitamin C per serving? That’s over 50% of what you need daily! This dessert is not only tasty but also good for you.
I made this fruit dessert salad to be a hit. It’s ready in just 30 minutes. With only 6 ingredients, it’s easy to make and perfect for hot summer days.
This salad combines creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and sweet bananas. It’s the perfect summer treat for 8 people. Each serving has 161 calories, 8g of protein, and 3g of fiber.
Looking for a refreshing dessert for a potluck? This strawberry banana cheesecake salad will wow everyone. Let’s explore what makes it special and how to make it quickly!
What Makes This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad Special
My Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is a hit at summer gatherings. It’s a no-bake mix of creamy cheesecake and fresh fruit. It’s the ideal dessert for potlucks.
A Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures
This salad has a great mix of tastes and textures. The creamy cheesecake filling goes well with sweet strawberries and bananas. A bit of fresh lemon juice adds flavor and prevents browning.
High-Protein Dessert Alternative
This salad is not just a fruit mix. It’s also high in protein, with 3g per serving. It has only 240 calories, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
No-Bake Summer Treat
It’s perfect for hot summer days because it’s no-bake. Prep takes just 15 minutes. It makes 16 servings, great for big gatherings or picnics.
You can add other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or grapes. It’s best eaten within a few hours but keeps for up to 3 days. Its creamy texture, fruity taste, and easy prep make it a favorite!
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cheesecake Salad
A delicious strawberry banana cheesecake salad recipe starts with the right ingredients. I’ve perfected this rich and creamy cheesecake dessert over time. I’m excited to share the key components that make it irresistible.
Cream Cheese and Pudding Base
The foundation of this no-bake treat is a smooth mixture of cream cheese and instant cheesecake pudding. I use 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and one small package of pudding mix. This combination creates a luscious, velvety texture that’s hard to resist.
Fresh Fruit Selection
The star players in this salad are sliced strawberries and bananas. I recommend using 4 cups of fresh strawberries and 2½ cups of ripe bananas. The natural sweetness of these fruits complements the creamy base perfectly.
Additional Flavor Enhancers
To elevate the taste, I add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a splash of lemon juice. For extra sweetness and texture, I mix in miniature marshmallows. These small additions make a big difference in the overall flavor profile.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces | Creamy base |
| Strawberries | 4 cups | Fresh fruit flavor |
| Bananas | 2½ cups | Natural sweetness |
| Marshmallows | ½ bag | Texture and sweetness |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a mouthwatering strawberry banana cheesecake salad. It’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is simple. We’ll go through each step together.
Creating the Cheesecake Mixture
I start by whipping the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, I add powdered sugar slowly, tasting as I go. This helps me get the sweetness just right.
Next, I mix in the instant banana pudding, heavy cream, and milk. This makes our cheesecake base.
Preparing the Fruit
For the fruit salad, I wash and hull 1 pound of fresh strawberries. I slice them into thin pieces. I also peel and slice 2 ripe bananas.
Combining and Final Assembly
Now, it’s time to mix everything together! I gently fold the fruit into the cheesecake mixture. This way, the fruit stays in nice pieces.
After mixing, I put the salad in a serving bowl. I chill it for about 2 hours. This lets the flavors blend and the texture set.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Instant banana pudding | 3.4 ounces |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Strawberries | 1 pound |
| Bananas | 2 |
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
Making the perfect strawberry banana cheesecake salad is easy. Start by picking bananas that are ripe but firm, with just a few brown spots. When making the creamy cheesecake filling, add ingredients slowly to prevent clumps. Make sure to beat the cream cheese until it’s soft before mixing it with other ingredients.
Fresh fruits are essential for this dessert. Wash and slice strawberries right before adding them. If you’re in a hurry, use Cool Whip instead of heavy cream. Adding a bit of fresh lemon juice will give it a nice tang.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: 312
For the best taste, serve the salad right away. If you need to make it ahead, keep the base in an airtight container. Add fruits just before serving. This dessert is great for potlucks and summer barbecues. You can also add blueberries or raspberries for extra flavor.
The secret to a great cheesecake salad is balancing flavors and textures. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste. With these tips, you’ll make a dessert that everyone will love.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing your Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad right keeps it fresh and tasty. This simple recipe is great for when you’re busy or have events to attend.
Proper Storage Guidelines
Store your salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. But, the dressing might get watery over time. For the best taste, eat it within an hour of mixing.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prep parts separately to save time. Mix the cheesecake filling with vanilla yogurt, pudding mix, and heavy cream. Store it in the fridge. Prepare the fruit in another bowl.
When you’re ready to serve, drain the fruit’s excess liquid. Then, mix in the cheesecake filling.
Maintaining Freshness
To prevent bananas from turning brown, soak them in pineapple, orange, or lemon juice. For the best freshness, add fruit just before serving if you’re preparing a day ahead. This treat is perfect as a dip, parfait, or crepe filling, making it a hit at any event.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 14 (1 cup each)
- Calories per serving: 147 kcal
- Total Carbs: 19g
- Protein: 2g
- Total Fat: 8g
Conclusion
I’ve shared a delightful recipe for Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad that’s sure to become a favorite. This creamy dessert comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving a quick sweet treat.
With a balanced mix of fresh strawberries and bananas, along with mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll fold in a large mixing bowl cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. This creates a luscious base for the fruit.
The result is a protein-packed dessert that’s both indulgent and somewhat nutritious. Each serving offers a good dose of fiber from the fruits, while the cream cheese adds a satisfying richness.
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this versatile dish is ready to serve in no time. Remember, for the best taste and texture, enjoy it immediately after preparation.
If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to experiment with other fruits or opt for low-fat alternatives to suit your dietary needs. Give this recipe a try – I’m confident you’ll find it as delicious as it is easy to make!
FAQ – Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh ones in this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad?
Fresh fruits are best for the salad’s texture and taste. But, you can use frozen strawberries if you must. Don’t use frozen bananas, as they get mushy when thawed. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well to avoid too much moisture.
How long can I store the Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad in the refrigerator?
Enjoy the salad within 24 hours for the best taste. You can keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Remember, bananas may turn brown and the salad’s texture might change over time.
Can I make this cheesecake salad without pudding mix?
Yes, you can skip the pudding mix if you want. It helps thicken the cheesecake, but you can use more cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead. The taste might differ, but it will be tasty.
Is it possible to make a lighter version of this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix. Replace some cream cheese with Greek yogurt. You can also cut down on powdered sugar or use natural sweeteners.
Can I add other fruits to this cheesecake salad?
Definitely! You can add fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches. Just remember to choose fruits that won’t make the salad too wet.
How can I prevent the bananas from browning in the salad?
To stop bananas from browning, toss them in lemon juice before adding to the salad. Add bananas just before serving if you’re making the salad ahead of time. This keeps them fresh and prevents discoloration.
Can this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad be frozen?
I don’t suggest freezing this salad. The cream cheese and fruits change texture and taste when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store it in the fridge for a short time.
Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 3.4 ounces Instant Banana Pudding
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 pound Strawberries washed and hulled
- 2 Bananas peeled and sliced
- 1/2 bag Miniature Marshmallows
Instructions
- Create the Cheesecake Mixture:
- Whip the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, tasting as you go. Mix in instant banana pudding, heavy cream, and milk to form the cheesecake base.
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them. Peel and slice the bananas.
- Combine and Assemble:
- Gently fold the fruit into the cheesecake mixture. Chill for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and the texture to set.
Notes
- For the best taste, serve immediately after preparation. If made ahead, add fruit just before serving to prevent the bananas from browning.
- The salad keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge, but the texture may change as the dressing gets watery.
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss them in lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute heavy cream with Cool Whip.
