If you have a sweet craving that’s bursting with fresh fruit flavor and creamy goodness, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe. It’s a delightful and easy-to-make layered treat that combines luscious strawberries and ripe bananas with a dreamy cream cheese filling, all nestled between crispy vanilla wafers. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a casual weekend indulgence, this dessert promises a perfect balance of textures and mouthwatering taste that feels like a little slice of summer in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dessert that dazzles both in taste and presentation. Each element adds something special — from fruity freshness to creamy richness and a satisfying crunch.
- Strawberry pie filling: Adds sweet, jammy strawberry flavor that infuses every bite with berry goodness.
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: For vibrant color and a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy layers.
- Ripe bananas, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and a creamy texture that harmonizes beautifully with the strawberries.
- Vanilla wafers or graham crackers: Create the crunchy foundation and layers that soak up some cream without getting soggy.
- Cream cheese, softened: Provides a rich and tangy base that makes the cream filling irresistibly smooth.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection to lighten the cream cheese mixture for a cloud-like texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream filling gently and dissolves perfectly for a silky consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that ties all the flavors together.
- Crumbled graham crackers or cookie crumbs: Sprinkled on top for added texture and a delightful crunch.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until perfectly smooth and free of lumps. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream along with the vanilla extract until it forms firm, stiff peaks. Then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, making sure everything is combined beautifully without deflating the airy whipped cream. This step is key to creating the luxurious, creamy layer that makes this dessert utterly indulgent.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Grab a 9×13 inch dish to start layering. First, lay down half of the vanilla wafers in an even layer across the bottom. Next, add half of the sliced bananas on top of the wafers. Spread half of the creamy filling evenly over the bananas. Then spoon half of the strawberry pie filling over the cream. Repeat these layers one more time starting with the wafers, followed by bananas, cream filling, and strawberry pie filling to build the dessert tall and full of flavor.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
For the finishing touch, arrange the fresh sliced strawberries generously on the very top layer. Then sprinkle with crumbled graham crackers or cookie crumbs for that irresistible crunchy contrast. This topping not only adds texture but gives the dessert an inviting, rustic look that makes it almost too pretty to eat—almost!
Step 4: Chill and Prepare to Serve
Cover the dish carefully and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling period allows the layers to meld together, letting the flavors deepen and the wafers soften just enough to create a perfect bite every time. Serve this dessert chilled, and watch everyone’s face light up with delight as they dig in.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
While the fresh strawberries and cookie crumbles that top this dessert are delightful on their own, you can elevate the presentation by adding a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of green or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant snowy effect. A drizzle of honey or a few chocolate shavings can also add a sophisticated twist that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe shines wonderfully as a standalone treat, but if you’d like to round out your serving, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette can complement the sweetness and keep your meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Assemble individual portions in clear glass jars or parfait glasses to showcase the colorful layers beautifully. You can also try serving it as a trifle in a layered glass bowl for a stunning centerpiece at parties. Using shaped cookie cutters on the wafers before assembling adds a playful element for kids or themed events.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare because this dessert disappears fast), keep them covered in the refrigerator. Stored properly, the flavors stay fresh and the texture remains delightful for up to 3 days. Just remember the bananas may darken over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving if needed.
Freezing
This dessert isn’t the best candidate for freezing because of the fresh fruit and delicate cream layers, which could separate or become watery once thawed. To maintain the best texture and flavor, enjoy it fresh from the fridge within a couple of days.
Reheating
Since this is a cool, creamy dessert, reheating is not recommended. It’s meant to be served chilled to preserve the perfect balance of creaminess and fresh fruit. Keep it in the fridge until ready to serve for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt?
While Greek yogurt offers a healthier alternative, it will change the texture and tanginess of the cream layer. Cream cheese provides richness and structure that Greek yogurt can’t fully replicate, so the dessert might turn out thinner and less creamy if substituted.
How ripe should the bananas be for this dessert?
Look for bananas that are fully ripe with bright yellow peels and maybe a few brown spots. They should be sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape in the layers without turning mushy.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the vanilla wafers or graham crackers with your favorite gluten-free cookies or crackers, and you’ll have a gluten-free version that’s just as delicious and satisfying.
What’s the best way to slice the strawberries for topping?
Use a sharp knife to slice the hulled strawberries evenly, about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness offers a nice balance between texture and ease of eating, and it looks lovely when arranged on top.
How far in advance can I assemble this dessert?
You can assemble the dessert up to one day ahead and keep it refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just wait to add the fresh strawberry topping and crumbles until just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe. It’s a deliciously inviting dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing it at your next get-together, it brings joy with every spoonful. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and creamy Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, luscious cream cheese filling, and sweet strawberry pie filling, topped with fresh strawberries and crunchy graham cracker crumbs. Perfect chilled for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Fruit Layers
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
Base Layers
- 1 box of vanilla wafers (or graham crackers)
- 1/2 cup crumbled graham crackers or cookie crumbs
Cream Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cream filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream together with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, creating a smooth and fluffy filling.
- Assemble the dessert layers: In a 9×13 inch dish, start by layering half of the vanilla wafers evenly on the bottom. Then arrange half of the sliced bananas over the wafers, followed by spreading half of the cream filling over the bananas. Spoon half of the strawberry pie filling on top of the cream layer.
- Repeat layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining vanilla wafers, banana slices, cream filling, and strawberry pie filling to build a second full layer.
- Add the final toppings: Top the assembled dessert with the fresh sliced strawberries and sprinkle the crumbled graham crackers or cookie crumbs evenly for added crunch and texture.
- Chill the dessert: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the dessert chilled as a cool and creamy treat perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- You can substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers for a different texture and flavor.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smoother filling.
- The dessert benefits from chilling overnight if possible for enhanced flavor blending.
- For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of heavy cream, but this will alter texture slightly.
