Creamy strawberry cheesecake fluff salad is a no bake easy recipe dessert that is quickly becoming one of the most popular dessert salads out there. With a luscious, creamy texture, every bite feels like indulging in a decadent slice of real cheesecake – but with all the refreshing goodness of fresh strawberries mixed right in.
Whether you’re serving it up at your next barbecue or just looking to treat yourself to something sweet and satisfying, this strawberry dessert is sure to be a huge hit with anyone lucky enough to try it.
Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Fluff Salad Recipe
This is my third fluff salad recipe made in a row, after trying banana split fluff and tropical fruit salad with marshmallows Let me tell you why I am so obsessed with fluff salads…they are simply the best! These delightful creations bring together the perfect blend of flavors, textures. Whether it’s a refreshing fruit fluff salad bursting with juicy goodness or a decadent dessert fluff salad with velvety cheesecake mixture or pudding, each spoonful is a delightful treat.
- Fluff salads effortlessly combine the creaminess of whipped toppings or cream cheese with an array of delightful mix-ins like fruits, marshmallows, nuts, and more.
- They are versatile and easily customizable, allowing you to add your own personal touch and experiment with different flavor combinations.
- These salads are perfect for potlucks, picnics, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten any day. So, grab a spoon and indulge in the sheer joy and comfort that fluff salads bring. Once you taste their deliciousness, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in our hearts and why they are always the highlight of any gathering.
This strawberry cheesecake fluff salad is made with simple ingredients and comes together in just 10 minutes. I call it “lazy cheesecake salad” for a reason. It’s loaded with fresh strawberries and marshmallows in a whipped cheesecake mixture. Top it with some graham crackers for some extra crunch!
Ingredients
- softened cream cheese
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
- Cool Whip, thawed
- mini marshmallows
- fresh strawberries, diced
- Graham crackers for serving or topping (optional)
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff Salad
To make the creamy cheesecake mixture, grab a large mixing bowl and gather the following ingredients: cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer, blend them together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Trust me, this will make your taste buds dance with delight!
Next, it’s time to add a special touch. Take some Cool Whip and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix it. We want to keep it light and fluffy, creating a heavenly texture that will melt in your mouth.
Now, let’s take it up a notch! Add miniature marshmallows and diced strawberries to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated in the delightful mixture. This combination will bring a burst of sweetness and fruity goodness to every bite.
To let the flavors meld together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Make sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Lastly, right before serving, add some sliced strawberries and sprinkle some graham cracker crumbs on top for that extra touch of crunchy goodness. It’s the perfect finishing touch that will add a delightful contrast to the creamy goodness of the dessert.
Now, it’s time to indulge in this mouthwatering treat. Grab a spoon, dive in, and enjoy every heavenly bite of this incredible creation. Bon appétit!
Variations and Substitutions for Fruit Cheesecake Salad
Here are a few variations of ingredients that you can consider to add a twist to your strawberry cheesecake fluff salad:
1. Mixed Berries: Instead of using only strawberries, you can mix in a variety of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. This will give your salad a burst of different flavors and vibrant colors.
2. Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, add some mini chocolate chips to your salad. The combination of strawberries and chocolate is a classic that never disappoints.
3. Toasted Nuts: For some added crunch and a nutty flavor, consider adding toasted nuts like sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or walnuts. Sprinkle them on top or mix them into the salad for a delightful texture contrast.
4. Cookie Crumbs: Instead of graham cracker crumbs, you can experiment with other types of cookie crumbs like crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or chocolate cookies. This will add a different flavor profile to your dessert.
5. Creamy Yogurt: To make your salad a bit lighter, you can substitute a portion of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, strawberry yogurt or even vanilla yogurt. This will add a tangy and creamy element to the salad.
6. Flavored Extracts: Besides vanilla extract, you can try using other flavored extracts like almond, coconut, or lemon. These extracts will infuse your salad with a unique taste and aroma.
Tips & Tricks For the Best Cheesecake Fluff Salad
Here are some tips to help you create the best creamy strawberry cheesecake fluff salad:
1. Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh and ripe, juicy strawberries, or any other berry fresh fruit type. Also, make sure to use good quality full cream cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for the cheesecake base.
2. Chill Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are properly chilled before combining them. Cold ingredients will help maintain the fluffiness and texture of the salad.
3. Gentle Mixing: When combining the ingredients, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense and heavy texture. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the Cool Whip and other ingredients until just incorporated. This will keep the salad light and airy.
4. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture as you go along and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more powdered sugar, and if you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount. Keep in mind that the sweetness of the strawberries will also contribute to the overall sweetness of the salad.
5. Texture Balance: Aim for a balance of textures in your salad. The creamy cheesecake filling should be complemented by the softness of the marshmallows and the slight crunch of the graham cracker crumbs. Ensure the strawberries are diced into small, bite-sized pieces for great texture.
6. Chilling Time: After combining all the ingredients, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and the salad to set. If possible, chill it for a few hours or overnight to achieve the best results.
7. Garnish Just Before Serving: Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs on top of the salad right before serving. This will ensure that they stay crisp and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
How to Store No Bake Cheesecake Fluff Salad
Refrigeration: To maintain the quality and freshness of the salad, it’s essential to store it in the refrigerator. After preparing and serving, promptly cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
Chill Time: Allow the strawberry cheesecake fluff salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the salad to set, achieving the perfect consistency.
Keep it Cool: Store the salad in the coldest part of your refrigerator, such as the main compartment or the designated salad drawer. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any spoilage.
Consume Within a Few Days: While the salad can be stored in the refrigerator, it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
Avoid Freezing: Due to the creamy nature of the salad, it’s not recommended to freeze it. Freezing can negatively affect the texture and cause the ingredients to separate upon thawing.
Re-stir if Needed: If you notice any separation or slight settling of ingredients after refrigeration, gently stir the salad with a spoon or spatula before serving. This will redistribute the flavors and bring back its creamy consistency.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both deliciously creamy and bursting with fruity flavor, then look no further than the strawberry cheesecake salad! This no bake dessert is one of the best dessert salads out there, sure to be a huge hit at any gathering or dinner party.
With its rich and indulgent texture, this creamy fruit salad is perfect for those who crave something sweet but don’t want to get bogged down in heavy desserts. And as far as strawberry desserts go, this one takes the cake (or should we say pie?).
So whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth on a lazy afternoon, whip up some of this mouth-watering strawberry cheesecake salad – your taste buds will thank you!