If you are searching for a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl, look no further than this incredible Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe. This layered treat brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and lush cream filling, all nestled between crunchy vanilla wafers or graham crackers. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures that’s simple enough for any day but special enough to impress guests. Once you get a taste, this dessert is bound to become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dessert lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering the perfect blend of flavors and textures. From the fresh and vibrant fruits to the creamy and crunchy layers, every element contributes to the magic.
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling: Adds a sweet, slightly tangy fruit layer that complements the cream perfectly.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Provides a fresh burst of flavor and beautiful red color on top.
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced: Offers natural sweetness and creamy texture to harmonize with the other ingredients.
- 1 box of vanilla wafers or graham crackers: Acts as a crunchy base and adds a delightful contrast to the soft layers.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich and tangy cream filling that binds the layers together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection to add lightness and silkiness to the cream.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture for a luscious flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- 1/2 cup crumbled graham crackers or cookie crumbs: Sprinkled on top for an extra crunch and a little texture contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Filling
Begin by beating the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until you have a smooth, creamy base free of lumps. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream along with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Now the fun part: gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This light, airy cream filling is the luscious heart of the dessert, giving it that dreamy texture you’ll love.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Take a 9×13 inch dish and start by laying down half of the vanilla wafers in an even layer. Next, arrange half of the banana slices on top of the wafers. Spread half of your lovely cream filling over the bananas and then spoon half of the strawberry pie filling to add sweetness and a bit of tang. Repeat the exact same layering: wafers, bananas, cream filling, and strawberry pie filling. Layering is where this dessert builds its beautiful depth of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
To make this dessert truly shine, top it off by spreading the fresh sliced strawberries evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the crumbled graham crackers or cookie crumbs for that satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy layers. These small details elevate the dish from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors
Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least two hours. This chilling time is crucial as it allows all those fresh, sweet, and creamy layers to meld into one harmonious dessert that’s perfectly set and ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a stunning visual appeal and a fresh flavor note. If you like, drizzle some melted white chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs delightfully with a simple cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of sparkling water with lemon. If you want to keep things fruity, a small bowl of mixed berries on the side complements the flavors nicely without overpowering the dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dessert in individual glass parfait cups to show off the stunning layers, or prepare it in a trifle bowl for a dramatic presentation perfect for gatherings. You can also create mini versions in mason jars for portable treats or gift-worthy delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe is best stored covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Make sure to keep it tightly sealed to prevent the cream from absorbing any unwanted odors. It will stay delicious for up to three days, though it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
While this dessert is fantastic fresh, freezing is not recommended because bananas and cream fillings can become watery or separate upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy your Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not necessary. Simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving if it feels too cold from the fridge. This slight tempering allows the flavors to become more expressive.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vanilla wafers with something else?
Absolutely! Graham crackers or even shortbread cookies work beautifully as a substitute. Just choose something that offers a nice crunch without overpowering the delicate flavors of the dessert.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For this dessert, choose bananas that are ripe but not overly mushy. They should be sweet and flavorful but still firm enough to hold their shape within the layers.
Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, with some adjustments. Use dairy-free cream cheese and heavy cream alternatives like coconut cream. Keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly but can still be delicious.
Can I prepare this dessert a day in advance?
Definitely! In fact, making it the day before allows the flavors to meld even better. Just remember to keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have strawberry pie filling?
If strawberry pie filling isn’t available, you can make a quick homemade strawberry sauce by cooking fresh strawberries with a little sugar until they break down, then cooling the mixture before layering.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderful Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe in your culinary arsenal, why not give it a try? It’s a true crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into something spectacularly delicious. Whether for a family dessert, a potluck, or just a sweet moment of joy, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy eating!
Print
Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert is a luscious layered treat featuring creamy whipped cream and cream cheese filling, fresh bananas and strawberries, strawberry pie filling, and crunchy vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Chilled to perfection, it’s a no-bake, easy-to-assemble dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or a sweet family treat.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
Base
- 1 box of vanilla wafers (or graham crackers)
Cream Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crumbled graham crackers or cookie crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the cream filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until completely smooth and free of lumps. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream along with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, indicating it is fully whipped and holds shape well. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining thoroughly but carefully to maintain the airy texture.
- Assemble the dessert: In a 9×13 inch dish, start by layering half of the vanilla wafers evenly over the bottom. Next, arrange half of the sliced bananas evenly on top of the wafers. Spread half of the cream filling gently over the banana layer, ensuring even coverage. Spoon half of the strawberry pie filling over this cream layer. Repeat all these layers once more using the remaining wafers, banana slices, cream filling, and strawberry pie filling to build a second layer.
- Add the toppings: Once the layered assembly is complete, top the dessert with the sliced fresh strawberries, spreading them evenly across the surface. Finish by sprinkling the crumbled graham crackers or cookie crumbs over the strawberries to add a delightful crunchy texture.
- Chill and serve: Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve the dessert chilled for the best refreshing taste and creamy texture.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming too mushy during chilling.
- Vanilla wafers can be substituted with graham crackers or a similar cookie for a different flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whipped topping, though texture may vary.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cream filling without lumps.
- This dessert is best served within 24 hours to enjoy the fresh fruit at its best.
