Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy – The smooth cheesecake base makes this dessert extra indulgent.
- Perfectly Crunchy – A golden Oreo and freeze-dried strawberry topping adds a delightful crunch.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps and minimal ingredients make it beginner-friendly.
- Customizable – Add extra fruit, chocolate, or different cookies to switch up the flavors.
- Great for Gatherings – This salad serves multiple people and is a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cheesecake Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for fluffiness)
For the Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Golden Oreos or shortbread cookies
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
Directions
Step 1: Make the Crunch Topping
- In a bowl, mix the crushed Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes for extra crispiness (optional).
- Let it cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Base
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. If using Cool Whip, skip this step.
- Gently fold the whipped cream (or Cool Whip) into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Carefully fold in the sliced strawberries and mini marshmallows (if using) into the cheesecake mixture.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the crunch topping over the salad to maintain the best texture.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for optional crunch topping)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Extra Fruit – Add bananas, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruitier twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted white or milk chocolate over the top.
- Nutty Addition – Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch.
- Different Cookies – Try graham crackers or vanilla wafers instead of Golden Oreos.
- Lemon Zest – Add a bit of lemon zest to the cheesecake base for a citrusy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Crunch Topping: Keep the topping separate until ready to serve to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the cheesecake mixture and strawberries will change.
FAQs
How do I keep the crunch topping from getting soggy?
Keep the topping separate and add it just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture.
What can I use instead of Golden Oreos?
Vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or shortbread cookies work well as substitutes.
Can I make this cheesecake salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cheesecake base and store it in the fridge. Add the crunch topping just before serving.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of heavy whipping cream?
Yes, Cool Whip is a great alternative and makes the recipe even easier.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use light cream cheese, sugar-free whipped topping, and whole-grain cookies for a lighter version.
Can I skip the marshmallows?
Absolutely! They are optional and mainly add fluffiness.
What if my cheesecake mixture is too thick?
Add a splash of milk or extra whipped cream to loosen the texture.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, white or milk chocolate chips would be a delicious addition.
How long can this sit out at a party?
It’s best served chilled but can sit out for about 1-2 hours before it starts to soften too much.
Conclusion
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad is an easy, creamy, and crunchy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy!
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad
A creamy and indulgent dessert, this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad combines fresh strawberries, a luscious cheesecake filling, and a crunchy golden Oreo topping. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special treat, this easy-to-make dessert is irresistibly delicious!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional for crunch topping)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for fluffiness)
For the Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Golden Oreos or shortbread cookies
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crunch Topping
- In a bowl, mix crushed Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes for extra crispiness (optional).
- Let it cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Base
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. (Skip this step if using Cool Whip.)
- Gently fold the whipped cream (or Cool Whip) into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Carefully fold in sliced strawberries and mini marshmallows (if using) into the cheesecake mixture.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the crunch topping over the salad to maintain the best texture.
Notes
- Extra Fruit: Add bananas, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruitier twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or milk chocolate over the top.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the crunch topping just before serving to maintain crispiness.