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Strawberries, blueberries, and bananas always make me think of summer hangs and backyard cookouts. I first tried this Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad at a neighborhood picnic on the Fourth of July—the creamy layer just melted into the juicy berries so amazingly. After that, my friends and family kept begging me to bring it along every single year.
I ended up mixing instant cheesecake pudding with cream cheese when I was trying to make something lighter than the classic cheesecake. That creamy, chilled texture hit the spot but didn’t feel super heavy—and folding it with fresh berries felt like a cool way to serve a sweet treat, no oven needed.
Delicious Ingredients
- Cream cheese: All about that rich, tangy feel—pick full-fat for extra smoothness
- Instant cheesecake pudding mix: Delivers the classic cheesecake kick and helps firm up the filling
- French vanilla liquid creamer: Makes things sweet and silky—can’t find it? Heavy cream mixed with powdered sugar and some vanilla extract totally works
- Strawberries: Go for firm, red berries with no mushy spots—these add that bright pop of flavor
- Blueberries: Deep blue and plump brings awesome color
- Bananas: Chop and toss them in lemon juice right before mixing so they stay yellow
- Lemon juice: A little splash keeps everything fresh and wakes up the fruity flavors
Heads up: Double check the pudding box for “cheesecake” flavor—it makes a huge difference for taste.
How To Put It Together
- Finishing Touches:
- Mix everything together gently so the fruit doesn't break up. Scoop into your serving bowl and pop it in the fridge or enjoy right away.
- Adding the Fruit:
- Right after slicing, coat the bananas in lemon juice so they stay nice and yellow, then fold them in with the strawberries and blueberries for that red, white, and blue look.
- Pouring in the Creamer:
- Turn the mixer to low. Drizzle in the creamer a spoonful at a time, letting it mix in fully before adding more. This makes sure your filling stays smooth and clump-free.
- Pudding Power:
- Blend the dry pudding mix into the whipped cream cheese until it’s all the way blended in. That’s where the cheesecake taste really comes from.
- Getting Creamy:
- Start by whipping just the cream cheese until it’s velvety and all the lumps are gone. It might stick to the beaters but just keep going—it’s worth it for that dreamy texture.
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Top Perks
- Super creamy but jam-packed with sweet berries
- Keeps everyone happy, from kids to adults, especially during hot months
- No oven, no waiting—done in around 15 minutes
One summer, I dumped the creamer in too fast and the whole bowl turned lumpy—won’t try that again! Now I take it slow every time for dreamy results. Switch things up by trading blueberries for blackberries, or toss in some nuts for extra crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
Whip the creamy mixture and prep the fruit in advance—just stash each piece separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to mix, drain any liquid out of the fruit first or your mix will end up kind of watery.
Fun Flavor Twists
Try caramel or hazelnut creamer if you’re feeling wild, or sprinkle in some toasted coconut for a bit of a vacation vibe.
Season Switch-Ups
For chilly months, use pomegranate seeds and orange bits in place of berries. You’ll keep the festive vibe but go seasonal with your fruit.
Gear You’ll Want
An electric hand mixer makes the creamy parts easy work, and a big bowl is great for mixing it all together without crushing the fruit.
Extra Tips
- Slow down with the creamer—just add a little at a time for the smoothest mix
- Toss banana slices in lemon juice fast so they don’t turn brown
- Fold everything gently to keep the fruit whole and avoid making it all soggy
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Common Questions
- → Which creamer should I use here?
Liquid French vanilla creamer works great for a smooth, sweet taste, but you can swap in heavy cream mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla if you want.
- → Any tips to keep bananas from turning brown?
Cover banana slices with lemon juice. It slows down browning and keeps them looking fresh in the mix.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure, you can make the cream cheese filling and prepare the fruit separately. Toss them together just before eating for the best texture.
- → What gear do I need to put this together?
You’ll need a hand mixer and a bowl to whip up the cream cheese and mix everything smoothly.
- → What does the pudding mix do for the dessert?
The instant cheesecake pudding thickens the cream cheese, making the filling creamy but firm enough to hold the fruit well.