This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is a delightful twist on a classic fruit salad. It combines the creamy, tangy flavor of cheesecake with the refreshing sweetness of fresh strawberries and bananas. It’s light, fluffy, and perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or as a simple yet satisfying dessert.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal effort and no baking! Just mix, chill, and serve.
- Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves the combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh fruit.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences by using different types of yogurt or adding other fruits.
- Perfect for any occasion: It’s great for a quick dessert or a show-stopping potluck contribution.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared ahead of time. Just add the fruit right before serving to avoid mushy bananas.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups strawberry banana yogurt
- 8 ounce container whipped topping, thawed
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, washed, tops removed, hulled, and quartered (reserve ½ cup for garnish)
- 2 ½ cups ripe bananas, peeled and sliced (just before you are ready to serve, reserve ½ cup for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened cream cheese for 1-1 ½ minutes until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps, as this will ensure a smooth and luscious final product.
Step 2: Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue beating for 1 ½-2 minutes until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to dissolve the sugar and create a harmonious flavor profile.
Step 3: Gently fold in the strawberry banana yogurt and thawed whipped topping until completely combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping and result in a less airy salad. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up slightly, creating a more cohesive and enjoyable salad. You can chill it longer if you’d like, even overnight.
Step 5: Just before you are ready to serve, gently fold in 3 ½ cups of the quartered strawberries and 2 cups of the sliced bananas. Be gentle to avoid bruising the fruit. Garnish with the reserved ½ cup of strawberries and ½ cup of sliced bananas. This will add a fresh and vibrant touch to the salad.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert.
- Pair it with grilled chicken or pork for a sweet and savory combination.
- Serve in individual cups for easy portioning.
- Top with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Offer alongside a brunch buffet for a sweet addition.
Tips:
- To prevent browning, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the sliced bananas. The acidity of the lemon juice will help to inhibit oxidation, keeping the bananas looking fresh and appealing.
- Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before adding them to the salad. Excess moisture can thin out the creamy cheesecake mixture and compromise its texture.
- Use ripe bananas for the best texture and sweetest flavor. Overripe bananas will be too mushy, while underripe bananas will lack flavor and sweetness.
- If you can’t find strawberry banana yogurt, you can substitute strawberry yogurt or vanilla yogurt. Feel free to experiment with other yogurt flavors to create your own unique twist.
- Feel free to add other fresh berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or even grapes. This salad is very adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your fruit selection.
- Consider adding mini marshmallows for a touch of extra sweetness and a fun textural element.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
**NOTE: Nutritional information depends on brand and ingredients used in this recipe, the values are based on averages.
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. The combination of creamy cheesecake flavor and fresh, juicy fruit is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this salad is the perfect choice. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. However, it’s best to add the strawberries and bananas just before serving to prevent them from getting mushy. This will ensure the freshest and most appealing presentation.
- What can I use if I don’t have strawberry banana yogurt? If you can’t find strawberry banana yogurt, you can substitute strawberry yogurt or vanilla yogurt. You could also use plain yogurt and add a small amount of strawberry extract to boost the flavor. Get creative and use what you have on hand.
- How do I prevent the bananas from browning? The best way to prevent bananas from browning is to squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over them after slicing. The acidity in the lemon juice will help to inhibit oxidation. You can also add the bananas just before serving to minimize browning.
- Can I use frozen fruit in this salad? While fresh fruit is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Be sure to thaw the fruit completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the salad to prevent it from becoming watery.
- How long will this salad last in the refrigerator? This salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. The bananas may start to brown and become mushy after a few days, but the salad will still be safe to eat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
