Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Salad is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines fresh strawberries with a creamy cheesecake-flavored mixture, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and optional pecans. This quick and easy recipe requires minimal preparation and is perfect for a refreshing treat served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Crust Topping
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Additional
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the strawberries: Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated without breaking them down too much.
- Make the crust topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and chopped pecans (if using). Stir until the crumbs are well-moistened and clumped together.
- Assemble the salad: Spoon the creamy cheesecake and strawberry mixture into individual serving bowls or a large dish. Then, sprinkle the graham cracker and pecan mixture evenly over the top.
- Add sweetness: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the top of each serving or the whole dish.
- Chill before serving: Place the strawberry cheesecake salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set slightly.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor or substitute with sour cream for a richer taste.
- Chilling time can be extended up to 2 hours for a firmer texture.
- Chopped pecans are optional, but they add a nice crunch and nuttiness.
- Honey can be omitted or substituted with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth mixing process.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 1-2 days for freshness.
