Description
Creamy Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad! Easy dessert with fresh fruit, cheesecake base, and luscious dressing. Crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 medium bananas, sliced
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted)
- Graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer (or by hand) until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using). Mix until just combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash and hull strawberries, then slice. Peel and slice bananas (slice right before assembling to prevent browning). Drain crushed pineapple very well.
- In a separate large bowl, gently combine sliced strawberries, bananas, and drained crushed pineapple.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a medium bowl, gently fold together thawed whipped topping, sour cream, and milk until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired (add powdered sugar if needed).
- Assemble the Salad: Gently fold the cheesecake base into the fruit mixture.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit and cheesecake mixture. Gently fold until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for better flavor).
- Before serving, stir in the mini marshmallows.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts and graham cracker crumbs.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Fruit Variations: Use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, or grapes.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Press a graham cracker crust into the bottom of a serving dish.
- Healthier Version: Use light cream cheese, light sour cream, and sugar-free whipped topping.
- Cinnamon: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cheesecake base or dressing.
- Make Ahead: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance (add marshmallows and toppings right before serving).
- Richer Flavor: Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Preventing Banana Browning: Toss the sliced bananas with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes