Description
Strawberry Banana Cream Delight is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring a graham cracker crust topped with a smooth cream cheese and whipped cream filling, fresh banana and strawberry slices, and a shiny strawberry preserve glaze. This chilled treat is perfect for warm days and makes a refreshing, fruit-forward finale for any meal.
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 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves, warmed slightly
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand and can hold shape when pressed.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, maintaining the light airy texture.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust in the baking dish.
- Add Banana and Strawberry Layers: Evenly layer the sliced bananas over the cream cheese filling, then add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries on top of the bananas.
- Apply Glaze: Drizzle the warmed strawberry preserves over the fruit, then gently spread it to evenly coat for a glossy finish that helps preserve the fruit.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours, allowing the filling to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice the dessert into portions and serve cold. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness.
- Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks to ensure a stable filling.
- You can substitute strawberry preserves with raspberry or apricot preserves for a flavor twist.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated until serving to prevent the cream from softening too much.
- If preparing ahead of time, add the fruit and glaze just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
