Yields: 8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30+ minutes
Calories: Approx. 148 kcal per serving
A light and refreshing fruit salad featuring strawberries and bananas coated in a creamy, tangy cheesecake-flavored dressing, with the fun addition of mini marshmallows. Perfect as a side dish or light dessert.
Ingredients
Creamy Dressing:
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- Half of a 3.4 oz package (approx. 1.7 oz / 48g) instant cheesecake flavor pudding mix, dry
- 5/8 cup (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons / 150ml) vanilla-flavored coffee creamer (liquid, non-dairy or dairy based)
Fruit Salad Base:
- 1 pound (approx. 454g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large or 2 small bananas (approx. 180g total), sliced into coins
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (New Addition)
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowl (preferably tall if using hand mixer)
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (hand-held or stand)
- Whisk (optional)
- Rubber spatula
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In the medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides. Add the half-package (1.7 oz / 48g) of dry instant cheesecake pudding mix and beat again until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Incorporate Creamer Slowly: Turn the mixer speed to low. Very slowly, drizzle the vanilla coffee creamer into the cream cheese mixture, about a tablespoon at a time, allowing it to fully incorporate before adding more. (Adding the creamer too quickly can cause the mixture to become lumpy). Continue adding the creamer gradually until it is all incorporated. Once all creamer is added, increase speed to medium and beat for another minute until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Prepare Fruit: In the large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries and banana coins. Drizzle the lemon juice over the fruit and toss gently to coat everything. This helps prevent the bananas from browning excessively.
- Combine Salad: Add the prepared creamy dressing and the 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows to the bowl with the fruit. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until the fruit and marshmallows are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Creamy Berry Banana Fluff chilled.
Make-Ahead Tip: For best texture if making significantly ahead, prepare the dressing and store it covered in the refrigerator. Prepare the fruit mixture (strawberries, bananas, lemon juice) and store it separately, covered, in the refrigerator. Just before serving, drain any excess liquid that has accumulated from the fruit, then gently fold in the dressing and mini marshmallows.
Creamer Substitute Note: If you cannot find or prefer not to use vanilla coffee creamer, you can substitute by combining 1/2 cup cold heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use this mixture in place of the creamer in Step 2, adding it slowly to the cream cheese/pudding base.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 8)
- Calories: approx. 148 kcal
- Total Fat: approx. 6.5g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 4g
- Total Carbohydrates: approx. 21g
- Dietary Fiber: approx. 1.5g
- Total Sugars: approx. 14g
- Protein: approx. 1.5g
- Sodium: approx. 180mg (estimate, depends heavily on pudding mix brand)
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in this modified recipe, assuming standard instant cheesecake pudding mix and liquid vanilla coffee creamer. Actual values may vary based on specific brands, fruit ripeness, and precise measurements. Using the heavy cream substitute will alter nutritional values, likely increasing fat and calories.)
