If you love the dreamy pairing of strawberries and bananas, just wait until you try Strawberry Banana Cream Delight! This no-bake dessert is the perfect celebration of sweet, juicy fruit and luscious cream, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s that kind of crowd-pleaser you whip up for a picnic, potluck, or just a sunny afternoon when you want to treat yourself to something special. Every bite is a creamy, fruity, irresistible hug in dessert form—refreshing in the summer, comforting in the winter, and always a hit with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Strawberry Banana Cream Delight is in its simplicity—just a handful of classic ingredients come together to create layers of vibrant flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role, from the silky cream cheese to the fresh fruit and the crunchy crust.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, hulled and sliced): These add a burst of color and sweet-tart flavor that balances the richness of the cream.
- Ripe bananas (2, sliced): Bananas bring natural sweetness and a creamy texture that melds perfectly with the filling.
- Cream cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened): This is the foundation for a smooth, tangy, and decadent cream layer.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can): Adds silky sweetness and helps bind the creamy filling together.
- Whipped topping (1 8-ounce container, thawed): Folds in lightness and fluffiness, making every bite airy and delicious.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out all the flavors with warm, comforting notes.
- Graham cracker crust (1 prepared 9-inch crust): The buttery, slightly crunchy base holds everything together and adds a lovely contrast.
- Additional strawberries and bananas for garnish (optional): These make your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight extra beautiful and even more tempting to eat!
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cream Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Start by placing your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat it until it’s completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Next, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is silky and well combined. Finally, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, taking care not to deflate it. This is the secret to that signature airy, dreamy texture in every slice of Strawberry Banana Cream Delight.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit and Cream
Now it’s time for the fun part—layering! Arrange half of the sliced strawberries and bananas across the bottom of your graham cracker crust. Spoon half of the cream mixture over the fruit, spreading it evenly. Repeat with the remaining fruit and cream, then use a spatula to smooth the top. You’ll see those gorgeous layers peeking out from under the cream, hinting at the fruity goodness inside.
Step 3: Chill Until Set
Patience is key here! Place your assembled Strawberry Banana Cream Delight in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours. This allows the dessert to set up beautifully, so every slice is picture-perfect and easy to serve. The wait is totally worth it.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Just before you’re ready to serve, add a flourish of extra sliced strawberries and bananas on top. This not only makes your dessert even more inviting, but also adds fresh bursts of flavor with every bite. If you want to get fancy, a little drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips is always welcome!
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Delight
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, top your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight with vibrant slices of fresh strawberries and bananas. If you’re feeling creative, add a swirl of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. These little touches take the presentation to the next level and make each bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy delight with a cup of hot coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a sparkling lemonade. If you’re serving it at a party, it plays well with other fruity desserts like lemon bars or a simple fruit salad. For a truly decadent spread, offer a platter of assorted cookies or chocolate-dipped strawberries alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Delight in individual mason jars or parfait glasses for a fun twist. For a picnic, cut the pie into bars and wrap them individually. You can even layer the ingredients in mini dessert cups for an elegant touch at showers or brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. Strawberry Banana Cream Delight will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the bananas may start to brown after the first day. Enjoy within 24 hours for the best flavor and appearance!
Freezing
While you can freeze the graham cracker crust and cream filling separately, freezing the assembled Strawberry Banana Cream Delight isn’t recommended due to the fresh fruit. The strawberries and bananas can become watery and mushy after thawing, which changes the texture. For best results, enjoy it fresh or make just before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. No reheating needed! If you’ve stored it for a few hours and want to revive its freshness, simply add a few more slices of banana or strawberry on top before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries or bananas?
Fresh fruit is best for Strawberry Banana Cream Delight, as frozen berries or bananas tend to release extra moisture and can make the dessert soggy. If you need to use frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before layering.
How can I keep the bananas from browning?
Toss your banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before layering them in the dessert. This helps slow down the browning process and keeps your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight looking fresh and bright.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free graham cracker crust, which you can find at many grocery stores or easily make at home. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese, coconut condensed milk, and a non-dairy whipped topping to make a version of Strawberry Banana Cream Delight that’s suitable for those avoiding dairy. The texture and flavor will still be delicious!
What’s the best way to transport this dessert?
Chill the dessert until fully set, then cover securely with a lid or plastic wrap. Keep it cool in a cooler bag or with an ice pack if traveling, and add the fresh garnish right before serving for the best look and taste.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Banana Cream Delight is the kind of dessert that turns any day into a celebration. It’s simple, joyful, and so easy to share with loved ones. Give it a try and watch the smiles appear—this creamy, fruity treat is bound to become a favorite in your home too!
Print
Strawberry Banana Cream Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 3-4 hours chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Banana Cream Delight is a no-bake, creamy, and fruity dessert featuring layers of fresh strawberries and bananas combined with a smooth cream cheese and whipped topping mixture inside a graham cracker crust. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for warm days or any occasion where a light and refreshing treat is desired.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- Additional strawberries and bananas for garnish (optional)
Cream Mixture
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust (9-inch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Layer the Fruit: Place half of the sliced strawberries and bananas into the bottom of the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading them evenly.
- Add Cream Mixture: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the layer of fruit, smoothing it out evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining sliced strawberries and bananas, then top with the remaining cream mixture. Smooth the top for a neat finish.
- Chill the Dessert: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 3 to 4 hours or until fully set and firm.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the top with extra fresh strawberries and banana slices if desired to enhance presentation and flavor.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the layers for added flavor and texture.
- Best served the same day to prevent bananas from browning and maintain freshness.
- The dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without significant loss of quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
