This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is a light and creamy dessert that marries the rich flavor of cheesecake with fresh fruit. It’s an ideal treat for any occasion, offering a refreshing and indulgent experience!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Base
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until well combined.
Fold in the Whipped Cream
- Incorporate Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Add Fruit and Marshmallows
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
Chill
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to firm up slightly.
Serve
- Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the top with graham cracker crumbs if desired.
- Add Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color and flavor.
Enjoy
- Serve Chilled: Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful and creamy fruit salad!
Notes
- Add Crunch: For added crunch, you can include chopped nuts or granola as a garnish.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen strawberries or bananas?
Fresh fruit is best for texture, but you can use frozen if thawed and well-drained. - How long does this salad last?
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for making a day in advance. - Can I substitute the sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. - What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
You can use regular marshmallows, cut into smaller pieces. - Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes, feel free to substitute with other berries or fruits of your choice. - How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply omit the graham cracker crumbs or use a gluten-free version. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Cream cheese is best for this recipe, but mascarpone cheese can be a good alternative. - Is there a way to reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar amount or use a sugar substitute if preferred. - How can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped cream alternatives.
Conclusion
Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad combines creamy cheesecake flavor with fresh fruit for a light, refreshing dessert. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any gathering. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures in every spoonful!