Looking for a delightful dessert that combines the luscious flavors of fresh fruit with the creamy decadence of cheesecake? My Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is a perfect choice for those warm days when you crave something sweet, yet light. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for last-minute gatherings or a simple family treat. Let’s walk through this delightful recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 package cream cheese – softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pounds (about 4 1/2 cups) strawberries – washed, hulled, and sliced
- 3 bananas – peeled and cut into rounds
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions:
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Start by rinsing your strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. Once dry, hull the strawberries, slice them, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Peel the bananas and cut them into round slices. Add these to the bowl with the strawberries.
- Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the sliced fruits and gently toss them together to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. This not only adds a zesty flavor but also helps in preventing the bananas from browning.
- Make the Cheesecake Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, add the softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whip the mixture. This helps in achieving a rich and fluffy cheesecake texture.
- Combine and Chill:
- Gently fold the creamy cheesecake mixture into the bowl of prepared fruits, mixing until the fruit slices are well coated.
- For an extra touch of elegance, you can optionally garnish the top with additional slices of strawberries and bananas.
- Although this dessert can be served immediately, chilling it in the refrigerator for a while allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this creamy Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad as a refreshing end to a backyard barbecue or enjoy it as a cool treat on a sunny afternoon. It pairs wonderfully with a light sparkling wine or a crisp iced tea, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Prep and Total Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad not only tastes fantastic but also looks vibrant and inviting. It’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion and the perfect recipe for when you need a quick, yet impressive dish. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite among your friends and family!
Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Embrace the fresh and fruity flavors of summer with this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad. It combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the natural sweetness of strawberries and bananas, making it a perfect dessert for warm weather gatherings or a delightful finish to a family meal.
Ingredients
1 package cream cheese – softened
1⁄4 cup heavy cream
3 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 lb. (about 4 ½ cups) strawberries – washed, hulled, and sliced
3 bananas – peeled and cut into rounds
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Carefully rinse the strawberries to remove dirt or sand. Pat away any moisture with paper towels until the strawberries are dry.
Hull and slice the strawberries, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
Peel and slice the bananas into rounds. Add to the bowl with the strawberries.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the fruit and stir to coat all pieces evenly. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to whip the mixture until smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Gradually add the heavy cream, continuing to whip until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.
Gently fold the cheesecake mixture into the prepared fruit.
Optionally garnish with additional strawberry slices and banana rounds.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes