Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad is everything you love about a summer dessert cool, creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of crunchy. Inspired by childhood favorites from my English kitchen, this recipe blends juicy strawberries, ripe bananas, and fluffy marshmallows with a rich cheesecake mixture that’s downright dreamy. The finishing touch? A golden graham cracker crumble that takes this dish from tasty to unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or just a sweet treat at home, this salad is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing stunner. Stick around for tips, variations, and everything you need to make it perfectly.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad
A No-Bake Cheesecake Base That Shines
This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad stands out because of its irresistibly creamy base. The combination of instant cheesecake pudding mix, strawberry yogurt, and Cool Whip delivers a texture that’s both airy and indulgent. It’s creamy, lightly sweetened, and has just the right hint of tang from the yogurt. Best of all, Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad is a no-bake wonder simply mix, chill, and fold for a dessert that’s always a hit.
What makes Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad especially perfect for summer is how easy it is to prepare. It’s a straightforward, satisfying recipe that delivers indulgent flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for picnics, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, it delivers classic cheesecake flavor in a spoonable, shareable format that everyone loves.
A Texture and Flavor Combination That Wows
What truly sets this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad apart is its brilliant texture contrast. Juicy strawberries and ripe bananas bring bursts of natural sweetness, while the graham cracker crumble topping adds a buttery crunch that surprises and delights. The crumble is baked, cooled, and broken into golden bits that stay crisp even when sprinkled on just before serving.
Each spoonful of this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad offers layers of texture and flavor the airy cheesecake mixture, the soft fruit, and the crisp topping all working together to create something more memorable than any ordinary fruit salad. Whether you serve it at a backyard barbecue or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe always earns compliments and empty bowls.
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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad – No-Bake Dessert Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad is a creamy, no-bake dessert filled with fresh strawberries, bananas, and a whipped cheesecake base, finished with a buttery graham cracker crunch topping.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed graham crackers
3/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
12 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant cheesecake pudding mix
3 (6-ounce) containers strawberry yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 cups sliced strawberries (about 4 pounds)
3 bananas, sliced
2 cups mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press into baking dish. Score lightly.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool and refrigerate until firm.
4. In a large bowl, mix Cool Whip, pudding mix, strawberry yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Refrigerate cheesecake mixture for at least 1 hour.
6. Just before serving, slice strawberries and bananas.
7. Fold fruit and marshmallows (if using) into the cheesecake mixture.
8. Top with chilled graham cracker crumble and serve immediately.
Notes
Store crumble separately to keep it crunchy.
Add bananas right before serving to prevent browning.
Great for parties, potlucks, and warm weather get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 826
- Sugar: 78g
- Sodium: 778mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 120g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 67mg
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad Ingredients & Easy Swaps
What You’ll Need to Make It Right
To create the perfect Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad, you’ll need three main components: the crumble topping, the cheesecake filling, and the fruit.
For the crumble, graham crackers, melted butter, and a little sugar combine to form a golden, crispy topping. After baking and cooling, it’s broken into bite-sized pieces that bring a buttery crunch to every spoonful.
The cheesecake mixture starts with instant cheesecake pudding mix no need to add milk or follow the box instructions. Just the dry mix is used, blended with Cool Whip and strawberry yogurt for a smooth, rich texture that pairs beautifully with fruit. A dash of vanilla extract deepens the flavor.
For the fruit, fresh strawberries and sliced bananas are your go-to. Mini marshmallows are optional, but they add an extra fluffy texture and a nostalgic twist that kids especially love.
Ingredient Overview
Ingredient | Purpose |
---|---|
Graham Crackers + Butter + Sugar | Crunchy topping |
Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix | Thickens and flavors the base |
Cool Whip + Strawberry Yogurt | Creamy texture, sweet and tangy flavor |
Strawberries + Bananas | Fresh, juicy fruit flavor |
Mini Marshmallows (optional) | Extra sweetness and texture |
Smart Substitutions for Any Pantry
If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, Golden Oreos make a sweet, buttery alternative. Just pulse them in a food processor and mix with butter no need for added sugar. For a tangier flavor or added protein, swap regular strawberry yogurt with Greek yogurt.
Out of Cool Whip? Fresh whipped cream works beautifully, though it should be folded in gently to avoid deflating the mixture. And if bananas tend to brown too quickly for your liking, toss the slices in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
Looking to mix things up further? You can substitute the strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or even diced kiwi. Each variation brings a new color and layer of flavor to your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad, keeping it exciting every time you make it.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad Beautifully
Best Ways to Present It
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad is as beautiful as it is delicious, so take a few moments to make it shine. For casual gatherings or family dinners, you can serve it in a large glass trifle bowl layered if you like to showcase the vibrant strawberries, creamy filling, and golden crumble. This creates a dramatic visual contrast that draws attention on any dessert table.
For more elegant occasions, spoon the salad into small dessert cups or mason jars. These individual servings make it easy to portion, transport, and enjoy without mess. A light sprinkle of graham crumble just before serving keeps the texture crisp and adds a finishing touch.
Planning an outdoor event? Chill the salad until just before serving and use small chilled bowls or cups. This ensures the creamy base stays firm and refreshing, especially on hot days.
Perfect Pairings and Hosting Tips
This salad pairs well with lighter grilled foods like chicken skewers or salmon, balancing savory mains with its fruity, creamy sweetness. It also works beautifully alongside other no-bake desserts like lemon fluff or pineapple parfaits for a relaxed summer spread.
To impress your guests, garnish each serving with a whole strawberry on the side or a mint leaf on top. This simple touch instantly makes it feel more festive. If you’re hosting a brunch, serve it alongside iced tea or lemonade for a cool contrast.
Whether you’re offering it as a sweet side or a light dessert, Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad delivers flavor, texture, and visual appeal without any last-minute fuss. Just assemble, chill, and serve with confidence.
Storing, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad
How to Store It the Right Way
Proper storage ensures your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad stays as fresh and flavorful as possible. Once the salad is prepared, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. For best results, keep the graham cracker crumble separate until you’re ready to serve this helps maintain its crunch and prevents it from going soggy.
If you’re planning to serve the salad more than once, store the creamy fruit mixture and the topping in separate containers. This small step keeps the textures just right every time you spoon it out.
Avoid letting the salad sit out at room temperature for extended periods, especially during summer. Keep it chilled until just before serving to preserve the creamy consistency and keep the fruit fresh.
Freezing & Make-Ahead Advice
Freezing isn’t recommended for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad. The yogurt and whipped topping tend to separate when thawed, and the fruit can become mushy and watery. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t prep parts of it ahead of time.
You can make the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. Likewise, you can bake the graham cracker crumble the day before and store it in a dry, sealed container. Just slice the bananas and strawberries shortly before serving to ensure the fruit stays bright and fresh.
If you’re bringing this salad to a potluck or party, assemble everything except the fruit and topping. Add the fruit and sprinkle the crumble topping just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. That way, everything looks and tastes freshly made without last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts on Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress, Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad is your answer. With its rich, creamy base, fresh fruit, and a satisfyingly crisp topping, it brings together the best of cheesecake and fruit salad in one delicious bowl.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party, contributing to a potluck, or just treating your family to something special, this salad fits the occasion. You can customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings, and make it ahead for convenience. It’s flexible, fun, and always a hit.
From the first spoonful to the last, Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad delivers comfort, texture, and crowd-pleasing flavor. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to dessert all year round.
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FAQs About Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad
How do I keep the crunch topping from getting soggy?
To maintain the crunch of the graham cracker topping, keep it in a separate container and only sprinkle it over the salad right before serving. This preserves its buttery crunch and prevents it from softening too soon.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe. Frozen strawberries release too much liquid when thawed, which can make the salad watery and affect the creamy texture of the base.
What can I use instead of Golden Oreos?
Golden Oreos are a great swap for graham crackers if you want a sweeter, more cookie-like crunch. You can also try vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I make this cheesecake salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake base and crumble topping up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the fresh fruit and crumble until shortly before serving to keep the salad fresh and the topping crunchy.