Description
Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
For the Cream Layer:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 package (250g) cream cheese, softened
For the Fruit Layers:
2 cups sliced strawberries
2 cups sliced bananas
For the Topping:
Extra strawberries
Extra bananas
Crushed graham crackers
Instructions:
1. Mix graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a square dish to form the crust. Refrigerate to set.
2. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then fold into the whipped cream.
3. Spread half of the cream mixture over the crust. Layer with sliced strawberries and bananas.
4. Spread the remaining cream mixture on top, and garnish with extra fruit and crushed graham crackers.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Make & Set the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
3. Whip the Cream: In a large, chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. Combine Cream Layers: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese using a spatula until just combined and no streaks remain.
5. Assemble the Layers: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Arrange a single, even layer of sliced strawberries and bananas. Carefully spread the remaining cream mixture over the fruit.
6. Garnish and Chill: Top with extra fruit slices and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Serving Suggestions
For a beautiful presentation, lift the dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice it on a cutting board. Serve chilled on individual plates. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds a decadent touch. Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a perfect finish.
How-to Summary
This no-bake dessert involves creating a buttery graham cracker crust, a fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream filling, and fresh strawberry-banana layers. The key steps are pressing the crust firmly, whipping the cream to stiff peaks, folding components gently to maintain airiness, and allowing ample chilling time for the layers to set perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely. It’s ideal for making a day in advance. The flavors meld, and it sets perfectly overnight in the refrigerator.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning? Toss the banana slices in a small amount of lemon or pineapple juice before assembling. This creates a barrier against oxidation.
Can I use frozen fruit? It’s not recommended for the main layers, as thawed fruit releases too much water and will make the dessert soggy. Use only fresh fruit for layering.
My cream mixture is runny. What went wrong? This usually happens if the cream wasn’t whipped to stiff peaks or if the cream cheese was too warm. Ensure both your cream cheese and heavy cream are cold before whipping.
What can I use instead of graham crackers? Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread cookies make excellent crust alternatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Chilling the Bowl: For best volume, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream.
- Overmixing the Filling: Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese just until combined. Overmixing deflates the cream.
- Skipping the Crust Chill: Letting the crust set before adding the filling prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Using Warm Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese is softened but cool, and cream is straight from the fridge. Warm ingredients will not whip properly.
- Cutting Too Soon: Respect the 4-hour chill minimum. Cutting too early will result in a messy slice.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Banana Cream Dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that masterfully balances sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors with a satisfying crunch. Its no-bake nature makes it a stress-free option for any occasion. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a stunning, delicious dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!