Layered Strawberry Banana Dessert
This recipe creates a refreshing, multi-layered dessert featuring cream, fresh strawberries, and bananas. Assembling the layers is simple, resulting in a visually appealing dish perfect for gatherings.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch glass serving dish
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
For the Cream Layer
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream Cold
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For the Fruit and Base
- 1 package (12 ounces) Graham cracker crust mix or 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers If using crushed crackers, mix with 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries Sliced
- 3 medium Bananas Sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the base layer. If using graham cracker crust mix, follow package directions to form a crust in the bottom of your 9x13 inch glass dish. If using crushed crackers, mix them with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the dish.
- Prepare the cream filling. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside.
- In a separate, clean bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread half of the cream mixture evenly over the prepared crust layer.
- Arrange half of the sliced strawberries and half of the sliced bananas over the first cream layer.
- Top with the remaining cream mixture, spreading it carefully to cover the fruit layer.
- Arrange the remaining strawberries and bananas decoratively on top of the final cream layer.
- Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set properly.
Notes
Stacking the layers reminded me of helping my mom assemble trifles when I was young — carefully spreading each layer and admiring the colors through the glass. This recipe recreated that same sense of quiet joy.
For a different flavor, you can substitute pineapple chunks for the bananas. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute whipped topping for the heavy cream, adjusting the powdered sugar amount as needed.