Layered Strawberry Dessert Salad
A vibrant layered strawberry dessert salad featuring creamy cheese, fresh fruits, and fruity gelatin layers, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions with fruity, creamy flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pkg. softened cream cheese
- 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. undiluted Carnation evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 Tbsp. unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cold water ⓘ
- 3 oz. pkg. strawberry gelatin ⓘ
- 3 oz. pkg. raspberry gelatin
- 2 c. boiling water
- 3 medium ripe bananas ⓘ
- 8 1/4 oz. can crushed pineapple and syrup ⓘ
- 2 c. thawed frozen sliced strawberries ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Gradually blend in evaporated milk and vanilla.
- Soften strawberry and raspberry gelatin in cold water.
- Heat the gelatin until dissolved.
- Mix the dissolved gelatin into the cheese mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 12 x 7 1/2 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Dissolve strawberry and raspberry gelatin in boiling water.
- Cool the gelatin mixture.
- Mash bananas well.
- Blend the mashed bananas into the gelatin.
- Stir in crushed pineapple and sliced strawberries.
- Spoon and spread the fruit gelatin over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill for at least 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream. For a fun twist, try adding chopped nuts or mini marshmallows to the fruit layer, which can enhance the flavor and texture, reminiscent of dishes like Almond Stuffed Peaches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this layered strawberry dessert salad chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a light summer meal or as a refreshing side at barbecues. Consider serving it alongside a light salad, like No Fat Dressing Or Dip, for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat it, allow it to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may change the texture of the gelatin.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Strawberry Dessert Salad contains roughly 336 calories, with 2g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries in place of frozen ones. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best flavor. You may want to slice them just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy in the gelatin layer.
How can I make this dessert vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but to ensure it's suitable for all diets, check that the gelatin you use is plant-based. Some brands offer agar-agar as a substitute, which is derived from seaweed and works well for gelatin desserts.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day ahead of time. Just ensure it is well covered and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when you serve it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).