This easy no-bake dessert is creamy, fruity, and loaded with delicious little surprises in every spoonful. Made with a smooth vanilla cream, juicy strawberries, chocolate pieces, and crunchy nuts, it’s the perfect chilled treat for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want something sweet without turning on the oven.
The creamy texture and colorful mix-ins make this dessert both beautiful and irresistible. Best of all, it comes together with simple ingredients and needs just a little time in the refrigerator to set.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- No oven required — perfect for warm days.
- Rich, creamy texture with strawberries and chocolate in every bite.
- Easy to customize with your favorite fruits, nuts, and sweets.
- Great for preparing ahead of time.
- A lovely dessert to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Base
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream (480 ml)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397 g)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Mix-Ins
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed, dried, and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped chocolate cookies or chocolate candy pieces
- 1/3 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings, for topping
Optional: Add chopped bananas, raspberries, or your favorite crunchy biscuits.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese
Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two or three additions. Use a spatula and fold slowly to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Fruit and Chocolate
Fold in the chopped strawberries, chocolate pieces, cookie pieces, and nuts. Reserve a little of each ingredient for the topping.
Make sure the strawberries are thoroughly dried after washing so they do not add excess moisture.
Step 5: Chill the Dessert
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or glass bowl. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle the reserved chocolate, strawberries, and nuts over the surface. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the dessert becomes thick and spoonable.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the chilled dessert into serving bowls. Add extra chocolate shavings or chopped nuts if desired, and serve cold.
Tips for the Best Results
- Dry the strawberries well: Excess water can make the cream loose.
- Use cold whipping cream: It whips faster and holds its shape better.
- Fold gently: This keeps the dessert light and airy.
- Chill long enough: Four hours is a good minimum, but overnight gives the best texture.
- Customize the mix-ins: Try chocolate sandwich cookies, hazelnuts, raspberries, or white chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert the day before?
Yes! It is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best because frozen fruit releases extra liquid as it thaws. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them very well before adding them.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of heavy cream?
Yes. You can substitute approximately 3 cups of thawed whipped topping for the heavy cream. Fold it into the cream cheese mixture gently.
How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The fruit may release moisture over time, so it is best enjoyed within the first two days.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container, but the texture may change after thawing. For the creamiest result, serve it chilled from the refrigerator rather than frozen.
No-Bake Creamy Fruit and Chocolate Dessert
Prep: 20 minutes · Chill: 4 hours · Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream (480 ml)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (397 g)
- 8 oz softened cream cheese (225 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped chocolate cookies or candy
- 1/3 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings, for topping
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in the condensed milk and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold in the strawberries, chocolate, cookie pieces, and nuts.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and decorate with the reserved toppings.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve cold and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Notes: Dry the strawberries thoroughly and fold gently to keep the dessert fluffy.
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