Description
Strawberry Banana Cream Delight is a no-bake, refreshing dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling folded with whipped cream, fresh banana and strawberry slices, and a glossy strawberry preserve glaze. Perfectly chilled, this treat offers a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures, ideal for warm days or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Topping
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves, warmed slightly
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into Pan: Firmly press this crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer. Place the dish into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. This ensures the filling is well blended and sweetened.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the stiffly whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, preserving the light and airy texture.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust, creating a smooth layer.
- Add Fruit Layers: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the filling, followed by a layer of sliced fresh strawberries for a vibrant fruit topping.
- Add the Glaze: Drizzle the warmed strawberry preserves gently over the fruit layer, then spread slightly to cover and add a glossy finish.
- Chill and Set: Cover and refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve chilled. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- This dessert is best served chilled for a refreshing taste and firm texture.
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid browning before serving.
- Strawberry preserves can be substituted with other fruit jams for flavor variations.
- Whip the heavy cream just to stiff peaks to maintain structure when folding.
- Leftover dessert should be eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.
