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If you’re craving a dessert that’s irresistibly creamy yet bursting with fresh fruit flavor, this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is the sweet answer. Imagine rich cheesecake filling swirled together with juicy strawberries and ripe bananas, all folded into a light, fluffy yogurt-and-cream blend. This recipe combines the nostalgic sweetness of fruit salad with the luscious taste of cheesecake—no baking required.
Perfect for holidays, picnics, brunch spreads, or a simple anytime treat, this refreshing salad is as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat. One bowl, minimal effort, and a whole lot of flavor—that’s the magic of this dreamy dessert salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesecake Flavor Without the Hassle: No baking, no crust—just creamy, decadent perfection.
- Fresh Fruit Goodness: Sweet strawberries and soft ripe bananas add natural flavor and texture.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Works for birthdays, potlucks, baby showers, or weekend indulgence.
- Quick & Easy: Mix, chill, fold, and serve—ready in under 45 minutes.
- Customizable: Swap the fruit, adjust the yogurt, or enhance with other berries.
Ingredients
Creamy Cheesecake Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups strawberry banana yogurt
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
Fresh Fruit Mix
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and quartered (reserve ½ cup for garnish)
- 2½ cups ripe bananas, sliced (reserve ½ cup for garnish; slice just before serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Beat the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a handheld mixer for 1–1½ minutes, until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Sweeten & Flavor
Add the granulated sugar and vanilla, then beat again for 1½–2 minutes, until fully combined.
Step 3: Fold & Chill
Gently fold in the strawberry banana yogurt and whipped topping until the mixture is completely creamy and uniform.
Cover the bowl and chill for 30 minutes to set.
Step 4: Add the Fruit
Just before serving, gently fold in 3½ cups strawberries and 2 cups bananas.
Top with the reserved fruit for a beautiful finish.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately for the freshest, creamiest texture.
Time Breakdown
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep & Mixing | 15 mins |
| Chill Time | 30 mins |
| Total Time | 45 mins |
Serving Ideas
- Brunch Beauty: Serve in glass dessert cups or a trifle dish.
- Make It Fancy: Garnish with crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake-inspired finish.
- Summer Treat: Add fresh mint leaves for color and freshness.
Variations
- Yogurt Swap: Use strawberry, mixed berry, or vanilla yogurt if strawberry banana isn’t available.
- Berry Boost: Add blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or grapes.
- Tropical Twist: Fold in pineapple or mango chunks.
- Cheesecake Extra: Mix in mini marshmallows or graham cracker bits.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Note: Bananas may brown slightly over time (see tips below).
Pro Tips
- Prevent Browning: Coat banana slices with a touch of fresh lemon juice before adding.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the cream cheese mixture ahead and add the fruit right before serving.
- Dry Your Berries: Excess moisture will thin the cheesecake mix—make sure strawberries are completely dry.
- Use Ripe Bananas: Soft, sweet bananas provide the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this the night before?
Yes! Prepare the cream base ahead and store it overnight. Add the fruit just before serving.
Can I freeze this salad?
No, freezing changes the texture of both the fruit and the creamy mixture.
Is there a way to make it lighter?
Use light cream cheese, low-fat yogurt, and lite whipped topping.
Final Bite
This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is everything you love about cheesecake, reimagined as a fresh and dreamy fruit dessert—perfectly sweet, creamy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this easy no-bake dessert is sure to be a new favorite. Grab a spoon, take a scoop, and savor the sweet simplicity!
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Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounce package of cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ 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)
- 2½ cups ripe bananas peeled and sliced (just before you are ready to serve, reserve ½ cup for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Using a large mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high, beat the softened cream cheese for 1-1½ minutes until smooth.
- Add the sugar and vanilla, and continue beating for 1½-2 minutes until well incorporated.
- Fold in the yogurt and whipped topping until completely combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Just before you are ready to serve, gently fold in the 3½ cups of strawberries and 2 cups of sliced bananas. Garnish with reserved strawberries and sliced bananas.
Notes
Notes
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. (Just be aware that the longer the salad is in the refrigerator the bananas may brown slightly.)
Tips:
- You can allow the cream cheese mixture to chill in the refrigerator overnight before adding the fresh fruit.
- You can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sliced bananas to prevent them from browning. It will also add a little brightness and tang to your salad.
- Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before adding them into your salad. Excess water will thin out the creamy cheesecake mixture.
- Ripe bananas give the best texture and sweetest flavor.
- If you cannot find strawberry banana yogurt, you can substitute strawberry yogurt or vanilla yogurt.
- You can add other fresh berries to the salad, such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even grapes. It is a very adaptable salad.
