Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Salad
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened; 1 cup (about 4 oz.) powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 (8-oz.) containers frozen whipped topping, thawed; .5 cup strawberry preserves; 2.5 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 8 cups), divided; 8 (2 ¼- x 5-in.) graham crackers, coarsely crushed (about 1 ½ cups)

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This dessert salad has all the creamy cheesecake flavor and none of the fuss.

By

Julia Levy

Published on March 19, 2021

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad — Photo: Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Active Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

15 mins

Servings:

12

If you're looking for an easy weekday dessert or a portable treat to take to your next potluck, look no further. This creamy dessert comes together in a flash and makes enough to serve a small crowd. While everyone loves a cheesecake, it can be time-consuming and tricky to make (hello cheesecake cracks!). Luckily, this spin on strawberry cheesecake has all the flavor and none of the fuss.

This strawberry cheesecake salad reminds our Test Kitchen experts of a trifle or classic banana pudding with its creamy filling and fruity additions. By combining powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream cheese, you'll be able to mimic the creamy and smooth filling of classic cheesecake. Be sure to add your favorite whipped topping into the recipe after the cream cheese mixture is whipped for a dessert that is light and fluffy, with pops of bright flavor from the fresh strawberries. Slice your strawberries to get a fresh taste in every bite without overpowering the filling. Finish with a sprinkling of crumbled graham crackers for a welcomed difference in texture that offers a great crunch. Prepare this dessert up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to keep fresh. Wait to sprinkle graham cracker crumbs and remaining sliced strawberries on top until it's ready to be served.

Ingredients

2 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 cup (about 4 oz.) powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 (8-oz.) containers frozen whipped topping, thawed
½ cup strawberry preserves
2 ½ pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 8 cups), divided
8 (2 ¼- x 5-in.) graham crackers, coarsely crushed (about 1 ½ cups)

Directions

Beat cream cheese with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until whipped and creamy, about 1 minute. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until smooth, about 1 more minute. Fold in whipped topping, strawberry preserves, and 6 cups (approximately 2 pounds) of the sliced strawberries. Sprinkle each serving evenly with graham crackers, and top evenly with remaining sliced strawberries.