This no-bake delight combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the light, refreshing qualities of a fruit salad. It’s a simple concoction involving a tub of Cool Whip, a sprinkle of miniature marshmallows, a touch of vanilla yogurt, and the key ingredient—cheesecake flavor instant pudding. The result? A dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Our impromptu dessert quickly turned into a centerpiece, with the kids eagerly waiting to dig in. The addition of sliced strawberries and bananas not only brought bursts of natural sweetness but also made for a visually stunning dish, vibrant and inviting. What’s more delightful about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to throw in blueberries, raspberries, or even chunks of pineapple for an extra tropical twist.
Making this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad was not only about crafting a delicious treat but also about creating memories. It’s perfect for a family gathering, a picnic, or when you simply crave a sweet escape. Serve it chilled, and watch as it becomes the star of the show! This recipe is a testament to the joy of simple ingredients coming together to create a little slice of dessert heaven.
So, grab your mixing bowl and prepare for a dessert that promises simplicity, joy, and a burst of flavors. It’s a playful twist on traditional fruit salads and cheesecake, bound to make you the favorite host at any gathering!
How to Prepare Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
Click here to get printable version
You will need:
- 1 tub Cool Whip (regular size, thawed)
- 3-4 bananas, sliced
- 16 ounces vanilla yogurt
- 1-2 containers of sliced strawberries
- 1 package cheesecake flavor instant pudding mix (3 1/2 ounce)
- 1 bag of miniature marshmallows
How to:
Begin by taking a large mixing bowl and combining the miniature marshmallows, vanilla yogurt, and the thawed Cool Whip. Next, sprinkle in the cheesecake pudding mix but remember not to prepare the pudding; simply add the dry mix to the bowl.
Next, fold the sliced bananas and strawberries gently into the creamy mixture. This salad is versatile, so feel free to switch up the fruits according to your taste.
It’s best to serve this dessert chilled and prepare it on the day you plan to serve to maintain the freshness of the fruits.
Tips:
To enhance the flavors and presentation of your Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad, consider the following tips:
- Use ripe and juicy strawberries and bananas for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches to customize the salad to your liking.
- For a healthier version, you can use low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of vanilla yogurt.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar over the fruits before mixing them into the creamy mixture.
- For added crunch, you can toss in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
- Consider garnishing the salad with a few freshmint leaves or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra touch of elegance.
FAQs:
Can I use different fruits in the Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad?
Absolutely, the fruit components in this salad are quite flexible. While the recipe suggests strawberries and bananas, you can also add or substitute other fruits according to your taste preferences or availability.
Is it necessary to prepare the cheesecake pudding mix before adding it to the salad?
No, it is not necessary to prepare the cheesecake pudding mix as a pudding before adding it to the salad. The dry pudding mix should be added directly to the other ingredients and mixed thoroughly.
What is the best time to serve the Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad after preparation?
This dessert is best served cold and ideally should be made on the same day it is planned to be eaten. For the best flavor and texture, serve it within a few hours of preparation, after chilling it in the refrigerator.
Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
Ingredients
- 1 regular size tub Cool Whip thawed
- 1 bag of miniature marshmallows
- 1 3 1/2 ounce package cheesecake flavor instant pudding and pie filling mix (just add in and mix with rest of ingredients…do not actually make the mix)
- 16 ounces vanilla yogurt 2 cups
- 1-2 containers sliced strawberries
- 3-4 sliced bananas
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together, marshmallows, yogurt, Cool Whip, pudding and pie filling mix.
- Stir in the fruit (Note: You can also add in or change any of the fruits.)
- This is best served cold and made same day.