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Looking for a no-bake dessert that’s festive, creamy, fruity, and ready in minutes? Meet the Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Salad! This vibrant recipe combines rich cheesecake flavor with juicy strawberries, blueberries, and bananas—perfectly capturing the patriotic colors of the season.
Ideal for 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any summer picnic, this chilled salad isn’t just easy to throw together—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to make this recipe from scratch, including variations, expert tips, nutritional info, and more.
Let’s start with understanding what makes this fruit salad so special.
What Is Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Salad?
A No-Bake Dessert That’s Both Sweet and Fresh
Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Salad isn’t your average fruit salad. It’s a luscious, creamy medley of flavors and textures—a little bit tangy, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot of delicious. Instead of a whipped topping or yogurt, this salad uses a cheesecake-inspired base, combining cream cheese, instant cheesecake pudding, and French vanilla creamer for that rich, velvety body.
Add to that the fresh brightness of strawberries and blueberries, the soft sweetness of bananas, and the optional chewy pop of marshmallows, and you’ve got yourself a spoonful of summer in every bite.
Where This Dessert Shines
This recipe checks every box:
✅ Quick and Easy: Just mix and fold—no oven, no fuss.
✅ Customizable: Add marshmallows, granola, or whipped topping if you like.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Best served chilled, so you can prep in advance.
✅ Perfect for Patriotic Holidays: The red, white, and blue theme makes it an instant July 4th favorite.
When to Serve It
You’ll find this cheesecake salad to be a hit at:
Backyard BBQs
Potlucks and picnics
Baby showers or bridal brunches
Holiday cookouts
And even as a weeknight dessert when you’re craving something refreshing!
🎉 Bonus: It doubles as a side dish or a dessert, depending on how sweet you like your salads!
Ingredients Breakdown
The Core Ingredients That Make the Magic
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Salad — it’s all about combining creamy and fresh!
🧀 Creamy Base
8 oz cream cheese (softened) – This is the rich foundation that adds the “cheesecake” flavor.
3.4 oz instant cheesecake pudding mix – Adds structure and boosts that creamy cheesecake vibe.
1 cup French vanilla creamer – This sweet liquid binds everything together, adding vanilla undertones without extra sugar.
🍓 Fruit Trio (The Red, White & Blue!)
1 pound strawberries – Washed, hulled, and sliced.
12 ounces blueberries – Rinsed and dried. No slicing needed!
4 large bananas – Peeled and sliced just before mixing to avoid browning.
🍋 Freshness Kick
1/4 cup lemon juice – Not just for flavor! It keeps the bananas from browning and adds brightness.
Optional Add-ins (Make It Your Own!)
Mini marshmallows – For that pillowy texture and added sweetness.
Whipped topping – If you want a fluffier, more mousse-like finish.
Chopped nuts or granola – Adds a subtle crunch, perfect for texture lovers.
Ingredient Tips
Use fresh fruit for best results—frozen berries tend to get mushy.
Not a fan of bananas? Try apple slices or white grapes.
Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
For more creative ways to incorporate pudding mix into your desserts, check out these best tips for using instant pudding in no-bake desserts
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Cheesecake Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
Add the cheesecake pudding mix and lemon juice.
Gradually pour in the French vanilla creamer, mixing constantly until the base is creamy and thick like custard.
👉 Pro Tip: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before starting. It’ll mix more easily and stay smooth.
Step 2: Prep and Add the Fruit
Rinse and pat dry your strawberries and blueberries.
Hull and slice the strawberries.
Slice the bananas last, then toss them in a small amount of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Gently fold all the fruit into your cheesecake mixture using a spatula.
🥄 Be gentle—you don’t want to crush the berries or mash the bananas.
Step 3: Optional Add-ins
If you’re going for extra sweet and fluffy, fold in a cup of mini marshmallows.
For an airy texture, stir in whipped topping gently.
For crunch, add crushed graham crackers or slivered almonds just before serving.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
When ready to serve, give it a quick stir and garnish with a few extra berries on top for that wow factor!
🎉 Perfect served cold on a sunny day!
If you’re craving something with a bit of crunch and fruity flair, these strawberry cheesecake nachos make the perfect complement to your Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Salad.
Creative Variations & Flavor Twists
Not Just for the Fourth of July 🎆
Though it’s a classic for patriotic holidays, this salad is super versatile and easy to tweak for any event or craving.
💐 Spring Brunch Version
Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries.
Add a dash of orange zest for citrusy brightness.
Use vanilla yogurt instead of French vanilla creamer for a lighter base.
🍂 Fall-Inspired Cheesecake Salad
Replace strawberries with chopped apples or pears.
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream mixture.
Mix in toasted pecans or walnuts for a warm, nutty crunch.
🍫 Dessert-Style Upgrade
Stir in white chocolate chips or mini dark chocolate chunks.
Top with graham cracker crumbles or cookie crumbs before serving.
Serve in mini dessert cups for a fancy touch!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
🕒 How Long Does It Last?
Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Salad is best served the day it’s made, but you can make it a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve.
In the fridge: Lasts up to 2 days, but bananas may brown slightly.
In an airtight container: Helps keep the fruit fresh and prevents the salad from absorbing fridge odors.
❄️ Can You Freeze It?
Not recommended. Due to the high dairy and fruit content, freezing can alter the texture, making it watery and grainy when thawed.
🧊 Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the cheesecake base a day in advance and store it separately.
Cut and refrigerate the strawberries and blueberries in advance.
Add bananas and fold all ingredients together just before serving to keep it looking and tasting fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even easy recipes have a few traps! Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Mixing Cold Cream Cheese ❄️
Always let the cream cheese soften at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend smoothly and may leave lumps.
2. Overmixing the Fruit 🍌
Fold fruit in gently using a spatula—not a whisk or mixer—to avoid mashing berries or breaking banana slices.
3. Adding Bananas Too Early 🕒
Bananas brown fast. Slice and fold them in right before serving to keep the salad fresh-looking and appetizing.
4. Not Chilling Before Serving 🥶
This salad shines when it’s cold. Letting it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour allows the flavors to meld and gives it that dreamy texture.
5. Skipping the Lemon Juice 🍋
Lemon juice prevents bananas from browning and adds a burst of fresh acidity that balances the rich base. Don’t leave it out!
FAQ – People Also Ask
❓ Can I make cheesecake salad the night before?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before. For best results, store the cheesecake mixture and chopped fruit separately. Combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and the bananas from browning.
❓ Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Frozen fruit releases excess moisture when thawed, which can make the salad watery and ruin its creamy texture.
❓ How do I keep bananas from turning brown in cheesecake salad?
Toss the banana slices in lemon juice before mixing them into the salad. This not only helps preserve their color but also adds a subtle tartness that balances the richness.
❓ Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes—if you make sure your cheesecake pudding mix and French vanilla creamer are gluten-free. Always double-check the labels to be sure.
❓ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just note that it will be tangier and slightly less firm.
Print
Red, White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
This creamy, no-bake cheesecake fruit salad bursts with patriotic colors from fresh strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, and 4th of July celebrations!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8–10 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 3.4 oz (1 box) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 cup (240ml) French vanilla liquid coffee creamer
- 1 lb (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 12 oz (340g) fresh blueberries
- 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the fruit: Wash and slice the strawberries. Rinse blueberries. Peel and slice bananas, then toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set all fruit aside.
- Make the cheesecake base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the dry cheesecake pudding mix and blend until well combined.
- Add the creamer: Gradually mix in the French vanilla creamer. Beat until light, fluffy, and fully incorporated.
- Fold in the fruit: Gently fold the strawberries and blueberries into the cheesecake mixture. Lastly, add the bananas.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, serve the same day you prepare it.
- You can swap bananas for mini marshmallows if you’re worried about browning.
- Use sugar-free pudding and light creamer for a lower-calorie option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: patriotic fruit salad, 4th of July dessert, no-bake cheesecake salad, summer berry salad, creamy fruit salad