Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

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

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Mix in Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until well combined.

Fold in the Whipped Cream

1. 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

1. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.

Chill

1. 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

1. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the top with graham cracker crumbs if desired.
2. Add Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color and flavor.

Enjoy

1. 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

1. Can I use frozen strawberries or bananas?
   Fresh fruit is best for texture, but you can use frozen if thawed and well-drained.
2. How long does this salad last?
   It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, it’s perfect for making a day in advance.
4. Can I substitute the sour cream?
   Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream.
5. What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
   You can use regular marshmallows, cut into smaller pieces.
6. Can I use a different type of fruit?
   Yes, feel free to substitute with other berries or fruits of your choice.
7. How do I make this gluten-free?
   Simply omit the graham cracker crumbs or use a gluten-free version.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Cream cheese is best for this recipe, but mascarpone cheese can be a good alternative.
9. Is there a way to reduce the sugar?
   You can reduce the sugar amount or use a sugar substitute if preferred.
10. 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!