Strawberry banana cheesecake salad is a creamy, fruity, no-bake dessert salad that blends sweet strawberries, ripe bananas, and a luscious cheesecake-style filling into one irresistible dish. It’s cool, refreshing, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or when I want an easy dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and totally delicious. It takes the best parts of fruit salad and cheesecake and mixes them into one creamy, dreamy bowl. There’s no need to bake or chill for hours—just mix, serve, and watch it disappear. Plus, it’s easy to scale up for larger gatherings.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Instant cheesecake pudding mix (dry, not prepared)
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Milk (cold)
- Fresh strawberries (sliced)
- Bananas (sliced)
- Optional: mini marshmallows, crushed graham crackers for topping
Directions
- I start by beating the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, I whisk together the dry cheesecake pudding mix and cold milk until thick.
- I fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- I gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- I add the sliced strawberries and bananas, stirring carefully to avoid breaking them up too much.
- I serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes to let the flavors come together.
- If I’m feeling extra fancy, I top it with mini marshmallows or crushed graham crackers before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes 10–15 minutes to prep and can be served right away or chilled for extra flavor.
Variations
- I sometimes add blueberries or pineapple chunks for more fruit variety.
- For a crunch, I top it with chopped nuts or granola just before serving.
- A drizzle of strawberry sauce or chocolate syrup makes it even more indulgent.
- I use sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because of the bananas, it’s best enjoyed fresh. I stir before serving again to refresh the texture. I don’t recommend freezing this salad.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but I wait to add the bananas until just before serving to keep them from browning.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture, but I’ve used thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. I drain them well first.
Do I need to make the pudding first?
Nope—I mix the dry pudding mix directly with milk and blend it into the cream cheese for a thick, creamy texture.
Can I skip the whipped topping?
I’ve made it with homemade whipped cream instead. It works beautifully, but I make sure to whip it to stiff peaks so it holds up in the salad.
What can I do if it’s too thick?
I add a splash more milk to loosen the mixture if it thickens too much while chilling.
Conclusion
Strawberry banana cheesecake salad is one of those fast, foolproof desserts that always gets compliments. With its sweet fruit, creamy cheesecake flavor, and fluffy texture, it’s the perfect treat to share at gatherings—or keep in the fridge for when I need a little spoonful of something delicious. Once I made it, it quickly became a go-to favorite.
Print
Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Salad
- Method: No-bake, Mix and Chill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is a creamy, no-bake dessert bursting with fresh fruit flavor and a rich cheesecake filling. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or summer gatherings, it combines fresh strawberries and bananas with whipped topping, cream cheese, and cheesecake pudding for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 cup strawberry banana yogurt
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the cheesecake pudding mix and strawberry banana yogurt. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, toss sliced bananas with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Gently fold the strawberries and bananas into the cheesecake mixture.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap strawberry banana yogurt for vanilla or Greek yogurt for a flavor twist.
- Add mini marshmallows, blueberries, or granola for extra texture and taste.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.