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Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet flavors of strawberries and bananas. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat for yourself. This no-bake recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

For the Fruit Topping:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent banana browning)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Additional graham cracker crumbs or crushed nuts
  • Chocolate shavings or drizzle

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish or a springform pan for an easier presentation.
  3. Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the cheesecake layer, about 15-20 minutes.

2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:

  1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add ½ cup sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined and smooth.
  3. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
  4. Spread the Cheesecake Mixture: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  5. Chill the Cheesecake Layer: Refrigerate the cheesecake layer for at least 2 hours, or until set.

3. Prepare the Fruit Topping:

  1. Prepare the Bananas: In a small bowl, toss the banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Let them sit for a few minutes.
  2. Combine Strawberries and Bananas: In a larger bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries and bananas. If desired, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness and toss to coat evenly.

4. Assemble the Salad:

  1. Add the Fruit Topping: Once the cheesecake layer is set, spread the strawberry and banana mixture evenly over the top.
  2. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs, crushed nuts, or chocolate shavings on top for extra texture and flavor. Add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

5. Serve:

  1. Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, slice the Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad into squares or bars. If using a springform pan, simply remove the sides and cut into slices.
  2. Chill Until Serving: Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve. This ensures the layers stay firm and the flavors meld beautifully.

Tips and Variations

  • Add a Gelatin Layer: For a firmer fruit topping, you can prepare a simple gelatin using fruit juice and pour it over the fruit before chilling.
  • Use a Different Crust: Substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, Oreo crumbs (omit the cream filling), or vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile.
  • Layered Presentation: For an elegant look, create layers by alternating cheesecake and fruit layers in a trifle bowl or individual parfait glasses.
  • Add a Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate, caramel, or fruit coulis over the top for an extra touch of indulgence.
  • Healthy Twist: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and natural sweeteners to make a lighter version.

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store the Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Whipped Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness.
  • Fresh Berries: Add extra fresh berries on top for a vibrant and colorful presentation.
  • Individual Servings: Serve in individual cups or glasses for an elegant dessert option at parties.

Enjoy your Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad! This luscious dessert combines creamy cheesecake, crunchy crust, and fresh fruit for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.