Strawberry Cheese Cake Squares(Great For Christmas Or Valentine'S Day)
Sweet and creamy strawberry cheese cake squares feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a luscious vanilla pudding mixture, pineapple, and fresh banana slices. Perfect for festive occasions like Christmas or Valentine's Day, they offer a delightful balance of fruity and creamy flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cups graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup reduced calorie tub margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 cup serving) package instant vanilla pudding ⓘ
- 3/4 cup light cream cheese
- 2/3 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained and juice reserved ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 envelope strawberry gelatin ⓘ
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- reduced calorie whipped topping ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted margarine in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, beat the pudding mix, cream cheese, dry milk powder, sugar, vanilla, and 1 1/2 cups water until well blended using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cooled crust.
- Drain crushed pineapple, reserving the juice.
- In a small saucepan, mix pineapple juice with cornstarch and strawberry gelatin until dissolved.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened, then let it cool slightly.
- Spread the pineapple gelatin over the pudding layer.
- Arrange sliced bananas on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, then top with reduced calorie whipped topping before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a firmer texture, consider chilling the cheesecake squares overnight before serving. You can substitute the light cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lower fat option. If you prefer a different fruit topping, try using fresh berries or peaches instead of bananas. Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid a soggy crust.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry cheesecake squares are perfect for festive occasions and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a fruit salad or a light sorbet for a refreshing touch. For a more indulgent dessert spread, include a selection of Layer Cookies or Tanya's Treat (Low Calorie) for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain freshness, avoid leaving them out at room temperature for extended periods. Reheat by letting the squares sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, or enjoy them chilled directly from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Cheese Cake Squares(Great For Christmas Or Valentine'S Day) contains roughly 419 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% 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 gelatin?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin for a more natural flavor. Simply slice the strawberries and arrange them on top of the pudding layer after it has set. However, the gelatin helps to stabilize the topping, so be mindful that the texture may differ.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the pudding mix and gelatin, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I freeze these cheesecake squares?
While it's possible to freeze these cheesecake squares, they may lose some texture upon thawing. If you choose to freeze them, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
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).