No-Bake Strawberry Banana Bliss
This delightful No-Bake Strawberry Banana Bliss is a light and refreshing dessert that will steal the spotlight at any gathering. Originating from Taste of Home's April/May 1999 edition, this indulgent dessert harmoniously combines layers of buttery graham cracker crust, sweetened cream, and vibrant fruits, making it the perfect treat for spring and summer picnics, barbecues, and parties. No flour or baking needed, just simple ingredients and the magic of chill time. A family-friendly favorite, it promises smiles from guests of all ages.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
2 cups (Crushed (about 32 squares))
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Granulated sugar
1/4 cup (N/A)
Butter
1/2 cup (Softened)
Confectioners' sugar
2 cups (N/A)
Milk
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Bananas
3 large (Cut into 1/4 inch slices)
Crushed pineapple
2 (8 ounce) cans (Drained)
Fresh strawberries
2 quarts (Sliced)
Cool Whip
2 cups (N/A)
Chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is No-Bake Strawberry Banana Bliss?
It is a light and refreshing layered dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, sweetened cream, and vibrant fresh fruits.
Is any baking required for this recipe?
No, this is a completely no-bake dessert that sets in the refrigerator.
What are the main ingredients in the crust?
The crust consists of 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
How many graham cracker squares do I need to make the crumbs?
You will need approximately 32 graham cracker squares to produce 2 cups of crushed crumbs.
What goes into the creamy middle layer?
The cream layer is made from 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How should the bananas be prepared?
You should use 3 large bananas and cut them into 1/4 inch slices.
Do I need to drain the pineapple?
Yes, it is important to drain the 2 cans of crushed pineapple before adding them to the dessert.
What type of strawberries should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 quarts of fresh, sliced strawberries.
Is Cool Whip used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 cups of Cool Whip as part of the topping layers.
What kind of nuts are used for the topping?
The dessert is topped with 1 1/2 cups of chopped walnuts.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This recipe originally appeared in Taste of Home's April/May 1999 edition.
Is this dessert suitable for kids?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly favorite that appeals to guests of all ages.
When is the best time to serve this dessert?
It is perfect for spring and summer occasions like picnics, barbecues, and outdoor parties.
How much butter is needed in total?
You will need a total of 1 cup of butter: 1/2 cup melted for the crust and 1/2 cup softened for the cream.
Does this recipe contain any flour?
No, this recipe is flour-free and does not require any baking.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Can I use granulated sugar in the cream layer?
No, the cream layer specifically requires confectioners' sugar to ensure a smooth texture.
How many cans of pineapple do I need?
You will need 2 cans (8 ounces each) of crushed pineapple.
How much milk is used in the cream mixture?
The recipe requires exactly 1 tablespoon of milk.
Is this a heavy or light dessert?
It is described as a light and refreshing dessert thanks to the fruit and whipped topping.
What makes this dessert 'bliss'?
The harmonious combination of buttery crust, sweet cream, and fresh fruit creates a blissful flavor profile.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, while walnuts are traditional, you could substitute them with pecans or leave them out if there is a nut allergy.
Are the strawberries cooked?
No, the strawberries are used fresh and sliced to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients used to build this layered treat.
Does the recipe require any chill time?
Yes, 'chill time' is described as the magic that sets the dessert, though specific hours are not listed.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is recommended to prevent excess moisture and to maintain the structure of the layers.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The primary flavors are strawberry, banana, and pineapple, complemented by a sweet cream and buttery crust.
Is the cream layer very sweet?
With 2 cups of confectioners' sugar, it is sweet, but it is balanced by the fresh tartness of the strawberries and pineapple.
What is the preparation for the strawberries?
They should be cleaned and sliced before being layered into the dessert.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy, no-bake recipe with simple instructions and common ingredients.