Some desserts are nostalgic. Some desserts are beautiful. Some desserts are unbelievably easy. And then there are the rare ones like these Strawberry Banana Cream Layer Cups that are all three at once. The first time I made them, I wasn’t trying to create anything spectacular. I wanted something fresh, cold, simple, and sweet without turning on the oven. What I ended up with was a layered dessert so buttery, creamy, fruity, and gorgeous that it instantly became a family favorite. These cups have the magic combination of textures: juicy strawberries, soft bananas, smooth cream, fluffy whipped topping, and the gentle crunch of cookie crumbs. Every spoonful tastes like summertime comfort and pure happiness layered neatly inside a glass.
What Is Strawberry Banana Cream Layer Cups
Strawberry Banana Cream Layer Cups are a no-bake layered dessert assembled in clear glasses or jars to show off beautiful alternating layers of fruit, creamy filling, whipped topping, and crushed cookies. They resemble mini trifles but require far less effort and no baking at all. These cups are portioned individually, making them perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply treating yourself. They strike that perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing something creamy, something fruity, something crunchy, all coming together into a light yet satisfying dessert.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
There are so many reasons these cups become a regular dessert in households. They’re incredibly fast to make just slice, whip, layer, and chill. They require minimal ingredients, all of which are easy to find and budget-friendly. They don’t heat up your kitchen. They look absolutely stunning, even when assembled casually. And perhaps most importantly, the flavor is universally loved. Strawberries and bananas are a duo that never fails, and the cream filling ties everything together into something truly crave-worthy. This dessert is customizable, forgiving, and almost impossible to mess up. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned baker, these cups deliver guaranteed success.
How Does It Taste?
Sweet. Fresh. Creamy. Light. Layered. Comforting. Every bite combines different textures and flavors: the juicy burst of strawberries, the silky sweetness of bananas, the mild richness of the cream filling, and the airy fluff of whipped cream. The crushed cookies soften slightly, turning into a tender, cake-like layer that holds everything together. The dessert feels indulgent without ever becoming heavy. It’s refreshing enough for summer, but cozy enough for year-round cravings. The taste lands somewhere between strawberry shortcake, banana pudding, and whipped cream pie yet still completely unique.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
Even though this dessert looks decadent, the ingredients offer some wholesome qualities thanks to the fresh fruit. Strawberries bring antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Bananas contribute potassium, vitamin B6, and natural sweetness. Using a balanced cream filling means you can adjust sugar and richness as you like. Whipped cream adds airiness, helping the dessert feel lighter in texture. Crushed cookies provide structure, contrast, and a hint of buttery flavor that rounds out the entire cup. And because the dessert is homemade, you have full control over sweetness levels, textures, and add-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 cups sliced strawberries
2 sliced bananas
1 ½ cups whipped cream
1 ½ cups cream filling (cream cheese mixture or pudding-style filling)
1 cup crushed cookies (vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or similar)
Tools You’ll Need
Cutting board and knife
Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or whisk
Clear serving cups or jars
Spoon or spatula
Optional piping bag
Optional Substitutions & Additions
You can transform this dessert easily depending on your mood or pantry. Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or tropical fruit. Swap bananas for kiwi or mango. For a richer dessert, use mascarpone. For a lighter dessert, use Greek yogurt instead of part of the cream filling. Try different cookies such as chocolate wafers, Biscoff, or shortbread. Add toppings like nuts, chocolate drizzle, toasted coconut, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This dessert is endlessly customizable and always delicious, no matter the variation.
How to Make
- Slice the strawberries and bananas into even pieces.
- Prepare the cream filling, whipping until smooth and creamy.
- Crush cookies into coarse crumbs.
- Add a spoonful of cream filling into the bottom of each cup.
- Layer strawberries on top, then add a sprinkle of cookie crumbs.
- Add another layer of cream filling, then add banana slices.
- Repeat until the cups are full.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice and banana slice.
- Chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
What to Serve With
These dessert cups pair wonderfully with iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, fruit spritzers, or coffee. They complement brunch foods like pancakes, waffles, muffins, and quiche. At parties, they look stunning on dessert tables next to cookies, cupcakes, and chocolate-dipped fruit. Because they aren’t heavy, they make a perfect finish to summer meals, BBQ nights, or grilled dinners.
Tips for Success
Dry strawberries well so the layers don’t get watery.
Use a piping bag for neater cream layers.
Keep bananas inside the layers instead of on top to prevent browning.
Chill the dessert before serving for best texture.
Use clear cups so the beautiful layers show through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using overly ripe bananas can make the dessert mushy.
Skipping the chilling time can cause sliding layers.
Adding too much liquid to the cream filling can make it runny.
Crushing the cookies too fine can eliminate the texture contrast.
Rushing the layers can mix ingredients instead of keeping them distinct.
How to Store & Reheat
These cups store best in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 24 hours. The bananas may brown over time, so if preparing ahead, add the banana garnish right before serving. Do not freeze; fruit and cream both change texture when frozen and thawed. Keep the cups cold until serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these a day ahead?
Yes, as long as they stay refrigerated. Add fresh banana garnish just before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Only if thawed and drained well.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use dairy-free whipped topping and a dairy-free cream base.
Can I change the cookies?
Absolutely—use any cookie you like.
Do I need special cups?
No. Any clear glass, jar, or dessert cup works.
Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)
Calories: 310
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 40g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 28g
Conclusion
Strawberry Banana Cream Layer Cups are one of those unforgettable desserts that deliver beauty, flavor, and simplicity all at once. They’re refreshing yet indulgent, fruity yet creamy, familiar yet exciting. Every layer adds something special juiciness from the strawberries, sweetness from the bananas, richness from the cream, softness from the whipped topping, and crunch from the cookies. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, bringing a treat to a party, or simply craving something comforting and cold, these cups always hit the spot. They’re easy enough for busy days, elegant enough for celebrations, and delicious enough to become a signature dessert you make again and again.
Strawberry Banana Cream Layer Cups – A Dreamy, Fresh, No-Bake Dessert You’ll Want Every Single Week
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Layered no-bake dessert with sliced strawberries, bananas, cream filling, whipped cream, and crushed cookies for a light, refreshing treat.
Ingredients
2 cups sliced strawberries
2 sliced bananas
1 1/2 cups whipped cream
1 1/2 cups cream filling
1 cup crushed cookies
Instructions
Slice strawberries and bananas.
Prepare cream filling until smooth.
Crush cookies.
Add cream filling to bottom of cups.
Layer strawberries and cookie crumbs.
Add more cream, then bananas.
Repeat layers.
Top with whipped cream and fruit.
Chill 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Dry strawberries well and add banana garnish just before serving for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: dessert
Keywords: strawberry banana cream layer cups, no bake dessert, layered fruit cups, fresh summer dessert