If you’ve ever wished you could capture the nostalgia of strawberry cheesecake and the joy of a fruit salad in one dreamy, creamy spoonful, Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is your delicious answer! This luscious, no-bake dessert combines fresh fruit, fluffy whipped cream, a touch of tangy yogurt, and a cloud of mini marshmallows—all the summer flavors you crave wrapped in a decadent, cheesecake-inspired hug.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy, No-Bake Goodness: All the luxury of cheesecake, none of the oven time—this salad is ready in just 15 minutes with minimal fuss.
- Bursting with Freshness: Real strawberries and bananas add juicy layers of fruity flavor, balanced perfectly with the dreamy cheesecake base.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Picnic-Perfect: Whether you’re hosting brunch or a summer BBQ, Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad instantly brightens any gathering.
- Customize Your Way: Effortlessly adaptable for different mix-ins, flavors, and dietary preferences—there’s a variation for everyone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad has a starring role to play. They come together with effortless charm for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is velvety, from the lush whipped cream to the fresh fruit and fun marshmallows!
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the secret to that airy, fluffy base—homemade whipped cream gives the “salad” its dreamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just enough, and blends smoothly for zero grit.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Delivers the iconic cheesecake tang and silkiness—let it sit at room temp for easy mixing.
- Strawberry Banana Yogurt: Adds fruity flavor and an extra layer of creaminess; choose a good-quality yogurt for the best results.
- Fresh Strawberries (washed & sliced): The sparkling, juicy highlight—slice just before mixing for maximum freshness.
- Bananas (peeled & sliced): Sweet and creamy, bananas melt into the cheesecake fluff and bring classic banana pudding vibes.
- Mini Marshmallows: The playful, soft-textured mix-in for irresistible chewy pops throughout every spoonful.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is how easy it is to make your own. Swap in different fruit or stir in delicious add-ins for a whole new twist—all with the same creamy base!
- Add More Fruit: Toss in blueberries, raspberries, or pineapple for extra bursts of flavor and color.
- Swap the Yogurt: Try vanilla, honey, or even a dairy-free alternative if you need a different flavor or are avoiding dairy.
- Make It Lighter: Use light cream cheese and whipped topping for a less rich, but still decadent, version.
- Crunchy Add-Ins: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of granola for contrast and crunch.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a medium mixing bowl, pour in your cold heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Beat them together with a hand mixer or stand mixer just until stiff peaks form—imagine billowy, cloud-like peaks that hold their shape when you lift the beaters. This will give your Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad its light, luscious texture.
Step 2: Blend the Cheesecake Base
In a separate, larger bowl, add the softened cream cheese and strawberry banana yogurt. Blend these together until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides a few times. This step is where the “cheesecake” flavor and that irresistible tang come alive!
Step 3: Fold and Fluff
Gently fold your freshly whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture—take your time, using a spatula and soft, sweeping motions to keep the mixture light and airy. You want everything beautifully combined, but not deflated.
Step 4: Add Fruit and Marshmallows
Reserve a handful of strawberries and banana slices for a pretty garnish, then gently fold the rest of the fruit and most of the mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture. This is where the salad transforms into a colorful, tempting dessert—look at all that gorgeous fruit!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon your Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad into a serving bowl and finish with the reserved strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows on top. Serve right away for the freshest texture and juiciest flavor—watch it vanish in minutes!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
- Use Chilled Tools: For the fluffiest whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes before starting—cold helps the cream whip faster and stay stable.
- Cut Fruit Just Before Mixing: Slice your bananas and strawberries last to keep them bright, fresh, and prevent bananas from browning before they hit the salad.
- Gentle Folding is Key: Fold the whipped cream and fruit in gently with a large spatula—overmixing can deflate your salad or make it runny.
- Serve Chilled: If you’re prepping ahead, keep everything cold and assemble just before serving to maintain the salad’s best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
Garnishes
The prettiest Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is all about those final touches! Sprinkle the top with a few extra slices of strawberry and banana, a scattering of mini marshmallows, and even a handful of crushed graham crackers or a mint sprig for a dessert-table showstopper.
Side Dishes
This dreamy salad pairs beautifully with savory brunch favorites like quiche, crispy bacon, or breakfast casseroles, and it fits right in at picnics alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or a spread of summer salads.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, serve Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad in individual mason jars, parfait glasses, or tiny dessert cups. You can even layer it like a trifle with extra fruit and crumbled cookies for a dramatic presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours—the bananas may soften and the cream may thin out after that, but the flavor will still be delightful!
Freezing
Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad doesn’t freeze well, since cream cheese and fresh fruit can become watery and lose their texture when thawed. For best results, only make as much as you’ll enjoy fresh.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold and is never meant to be reheated—just grab it straight from the fridge, give it a gentle stir, and dig in!
FAQs
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Can I make Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the whipped cream and cheesecake base a few hours in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Slice your fruit and fold everything together just before serving for the freshest, prettiest salad.
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How do I keep bananas from turning brown?
Toss your banana slices quickly in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad. This keeps them bright and appealing, especially if you’ll be serving the dish a little later.
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Can I use frozen fruit?
Frozen fruit releases extra liquid and can make the salad watery, so it’s best to stick with fresh strawberries and bananas for the best texture and flavor in Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check that your yogurt and marshmallows are certified gluten-free if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly unforgettable, crowd-pleasing treat, you can’t go wrong with Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad. This recipe is pure joy in every bite and just so simple to share—so go ahead, grab those berries and bananas, and bring a little extra happiness to your next gathering!
PrintStrawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is a creamy and fruity dessert that is perfect for any gathering or potluck. It combines the flavors of cheesecake with fresh strawberries, bananas, and mini marshmallows.
Ingredients
For the whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For the salad:
- 1 (8 oz) block softened cream cheese
- 1 cup strawberry banana yogurt
- 1 lb strawberries, washed and sliced
- 4 bananas, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Whip the cream: In a medium mixing bowl, combine heavy cream and powdered sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and strawberry banana yogurt until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream.
- Add fruits and marshmallows: Mix in the sliced strawberries, bananas, and mini marshmallows, reserving some for topping.
- Assemble the salad: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and top with the remaining strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg