Banana Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars are a creamy, fruity dessert layered with smooth cheesecake filling, fresh banana slices, and sweet strawberries, all on top of a buttery crust. I love how light yet decadent these bars taste — like a fruity cheesecake and banana split rolled into one chilled, sliceable treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I make this when I want a no-fuss dessert that feels special but comes together easily. The combination of sweet bananas, juicy strawberries, and tangy cream cheese is perfectly balanced, and the layers look beautiful when sliced. It’s a great choice for warm weather, potlucks, or anytime I want a fresh and creamy bite.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Graham cracker crumbs
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Unsalted butter, melted
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Cream cheese, softened
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Powdered sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Whipped topping or whipped cream
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Fresh bananas, sliced
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Fresh strawberries, sliced
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Optional: strawberry jam or glaze for topping
directions
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I mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan to form the crust. I chill it for 15 minutes to set.
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In a mixing bowl, I beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
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I fold in whipped topping gently until fully combined.
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I spread half the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, then add a layer of sliced bananas followed by sliced strawberries.
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I spread the remaining cheesecake filling over the fruit and smooth the top.
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I add more strawberries on top, and if I want a shiny finish, I drizzle a little strawberry jam or glaze over them.
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I chill the bars for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 9 to 12 bars, depending on how I slice them, and takes about 25 minutes to prepare, plus 2 hours to chill.
Variations
Sometimes I use vanilla wafer cookies or shortbread instead of graham crackers for the crust. I’ve also mixed crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the filling for a boost of berry flavor. For a chocolatey twist, I drizzle chocolate sauce over the top or mix cocoa into the crust.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. These bars are meant to be served cold, so I don’t reheat them — they’re best straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit?
I don’t recommend it — frozen strawberries and bananas tend to release too much liquid and make the bars soggy.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes — I usually prepare the whole dish the night before serving so it has plenty of time to chill and set.
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
I brush the banana slices lightly with lemon juice before layering them to help keep them fresh and prevent browning.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes — I’ve used homemade whipped cream, just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks and folded in gently to keep the filling fluffy.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
I don’t freeze it — the texture of the cream cheese filling and fresh fruit can change too much when thawed.
Conclusion
Banana Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars are one of my favorite fruity desserts to make when I want something refreshing, creamy, and full of flavor. With their beautiful layers and easy prep, they’re perfect for sharing — or for keeping in the fridge when I just need a sweet moment to myself.
Print
Banana Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars are a no-bake dessert layered with creamy cheesecake filling, fresh bananas and strawberries, all on a buttery graham cracker crust — a fruity, refreshing treat perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Optional: 1/4 cup strawberry jam or glaze for topping
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a lined 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan and chill for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping until fully combined.
- Spread half the filling over the chilled crust.
- Layer banana slices, then strawberry slices on top.
- Spread the remaining cheesecake filling over the fruit and smooth the top.
- Top with additional strawberries and drizzle with strawberry jam or glaze if using.
- Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use vanilla wafers or shortbread for a different crust.
- Add freeze-dried strawberries to the filling for extra flavor.
- Brush bananas with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Store in the fridge; do not freeze or reheat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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