Get ready to fall head over heels for the Strawberry Banana Cream Delight, a no-bake dessert that combines luscious creaminess with the bright, fruity flavors of ripe strawberries and bananas. This dreamy pie layers fresh fruit with a cloud-like cream filling inside a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a showstopper that’s as easy to assemble as it is to devour. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing finale to a special meal, Strawberry Banana Cream Delight promises to steal the spotlight and satisfy every sweet tooth at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: every ingredient is a superstar in its own right! Each one plays a vital role, from the burst of color and flavor in the fruit to the smooth, rich base and the irresistible, crunchy crust. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight to life:
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for maximum flavor and vibrant color in every bite.
- Ripe Bananas: Bananas should be just ripe—creamy with no green tinge—for the perfect mellow sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese delivers the signature tangy richness that makes the filling so irresistible.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds velvety sweetness and a smooth, decadent texture to the cream layer.
- Whipped Topping: Thawed whipped topping makes the filling airy and light, balancing the dense cream cheese.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash rounds out the flavors and gives that classic, comforting aroma.
- Graham Cracker Crust: A 9-inch prepared crust provides a crunchy, buttery foundation with zero fuss.
- Additional Strawberries and Bananas (optional): For garnish, these boost both the beauty and freshness of your finished dessert.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cream Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. This step is key to achieving that signature velvety base. Next, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined—your kitchen will smell amazing already! Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light, fluffy, and evenly blended. Take your time with this part; a gentle hand ensures the filling stays airy.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit
Slice your strawberries and bananas just before assembling to keep them fresh and vibrant. Spread half of the strawberry and banana slices across the bottom of the graham cracker crust, making sure to distribute them in a single, even layer. These fresh fruit slices will create bursts of juicy flavor and beautiful color in every slice of your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight.
Step 3: Add the Cream Mixture
Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the fruit, using a spatula to smooth it out and ensure it covers the fruit completely. This luscious layer will cradle the fruit, locking in moisture and flavor. Repeat the fruit layer with the remaining strawberries and bananas, then top with the rest of the cream mixture, spreading it to the edges for a flawless finish.
Step 4: Chill Until Set
Pop your assembled dessert into the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours. This waiting period allows the Strawberry Banana Cream Delight to firm up, so each slice holds together beautifully. If you can, chill it overnight for the best texture—the flavors will meld and intensify, making every bite even more delicious.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, add a final flourish by garnishing with extra strawberry and banana slices. This not only adds a fresh pop of color but also instantly signals what flavors await inside. Slice, serve, and watch the delight on everyone’s faces!
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Delight
Garnishes
For a truly irresistible presentation, top your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight with a generous handful of freshly sliced strawberries and bananas. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint can add a little extra flair for special occasions. If you’re feeling creative, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a scattering of mini chocolate chips between the layers can transform your dessert into a chocolate lover’s dream.
Side Dishes
This creamy, fruity pie shines all on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can make it even more decadent. For a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a sparkling fruit punch or a glass of cold brewed tea. The lightness of the dessert makes it a wonderful finish to any meal, especially when shared with friends and family.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making the Strawberry Banana Cream Delight for a party, try assembling it in individual mason jars or small dessert cups for a fun, portable twist. Layer the ingredients just as you would in a pie, and top each serving with a mini strawberry and banana slice. For a brunch table, cut the pie into squares and serve on colorful plates for a cheerful, inviting spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Strawberry Banana Cream Delight tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bananas may brown slightly over time, but the flavor will still be fantastic. For best texture and appearance, enjoy within the first day or so.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze this dessert, it’s not recommended, as the texture of the bananas and whipped topping may suffer when thawed. The fruit can become watery, and the cream may separate. If you must freeze, wrap the pie well and enjoy within one month, but expect a slightly different consistency.
Reheating
Strawberry Banana Cream Delight is meant to be served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, a cold slice straight from the fridge is part of what makes it so wonderfully refreshing. If it’s been frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries and bananas really are best for this recipe, as frozen fruit tends to release extra moisture and can make the dessert watery. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly before layering, but expect a different texture.
What’s the best way to prevent bananas from browning?
To slow down browning, slice bananas just before assembling your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight, and make sure they’re fully covered by the cream mixture. A quick toss in a little lemon juice can also help preserve their color.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping for their favorite dairy-free alternatives. Look for coconut-based whipped topping and vegan cream cheese to keep the texture and flavor similar.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even thinly sliced kiwi can add new dimensions to your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight. Just be sure to choose fruits that don’t release too much juice, or pat them dry before layering.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply use a gluten-free graham cracker crust—either store-bought or homemade—to make your Strawberry Banana Cream Delight completely gluten-free and friendly for everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with fresh flavor, Strawberry Banana Cream Delight is a must-try. It’s the kind of treat that turns any gathering into a special occasion and is sure to earn a spot in your family’s recipe rotation. Give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!
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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 luscious no-bake dessert featuring layers of fresh strawberries and bananas combined with a creamy mixture of softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping, all set in a crisp graham cracker crust. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for summer gatherings or an elegant treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- Additional strawberries and bananas for garnish (optional)
Cream Filling
- 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 using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and silky smooth.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until the mixture is light, fluffy, and evenly blended.
- Layer the Fruit and Cream: Place half of the sliced strawberries and bananas evenly into the bottom of the graham cracker crust. Spread half of the cream mixture over the fruit layer, smoothing it out gently.
- Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining slices of strawberries and bananas over the cream layer, then top with the remaining cream mixture, smoothing the surface for an even finish.
- Chill to Set: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the filling is fully set and firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the pie with extra fresh strawberries and bananas for a beautiful and fresh presentation.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the layers for added flavor and texture.
- It is best served the same day to prevent the bananas from browning, although it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use ripe but firm bananas to minimize browning and maintain the best texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cream mixture.
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
