Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake filling and a medley of fresh, juicy fruits. This recipe is my go-to when I want to add a touch of elegance to a summer gathering or holiday feast without much effort. The luscious cream cheese filling paired with the sweetness of the fruits creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Topped with a rich caramel drizzle, it’s an irresistible dessert or snack that looks as good as it tastes. Let’s dive into this decadent yet refreshing treat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Refreshing: The cheesecake filling is smooth and velvety, perfectly complementing the fresh fruit.
• Customizable: Swap out fruits or add your favorites to make it your own.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute dessert needs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck, this dish is always a hit!

The Recipe

Ingredients

For the Fruit Salad:

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 cups green apples, chopped
• 1 cup grapes (red or green), halved
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned), drained
• 1 cup bananas, sliced

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Beat the Cream Cheese:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
2. Whip the Cream:
   In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This ensures a fluffy and light texture.
3. Combine:
   Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream.

Assemble the Fruit Salad:

4. Prepare the Fruits:
   Wash, hull, slice, and chop the fruits as listed. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
5. Mix the Fruits:
   In a large bowl, gently toss the strawberries, green apples, grapes, pineapple chunks, and bananas together.
6. Add the Filling:
   Spoon the cheesecake filling over the mixed fruits. Gently fold the filling into the fruit until evenly coated.

Finishing Touch:

7. Drizzle with Caramel:
   Just before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the fruit salad for a touch of decadence.
8. Chill and Serve:
   Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve in individual bowls or a large decorative dish.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving:
  Serve chilled in clear bowls or glasses to showcase the vibrant colors of the fruit. Garnish with a sprig of mint or additional caramel drizzle for extra flair.
• Storage:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that bananas may brown slightly, so consider adding them fresh when serving again.

Helpful Notes

• Fruit Variations:
  Add blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi for more color and flavor. Avoid fruits like watermelon that release too much liquid.
• Prevent Browning:
  Toss apple and banana slices in a little lemon juice before mixing to prevent them from browning.
• Caramel Sauce:
  If using store-bought caramel sauce, warm it slightly to make drizzling easier. Homemade caramel sauce can elevate the flavor.
• Make Ahead:
  Prepare the cheesecake filling and fruits separately up to a day in advance. Combine just before serving to keep it fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake filling and chop the fruits a day in advance. Combine them and add the caramel drizzle just before serving.
2. Can I use frozen fruits?
   While fresh fruits are ideal, frozen fruits can work in a pinch. Thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
   Substitute whipped topping, like Cool Whip, for a similar texture. However, the flavor may differ slightly.
4. Can I skip the caramel drizzle?
   Absolutely! The salad is delicious on its own, but you can add honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a lighter topping.
5. How can I make this recipe healthier?
   Use low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and reduce the powdered sugar to your taste. You can also skip the caramel drizzle or use a sugar-free version.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of creamy cheesecake and fresh fruit. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Give it a try and watch your family and friends come back for seconds!

Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Patricia

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Fruit Salad:

• 2 cups strawberries hulled and sliced
• 2 cups green apples chopped
• 1 cup grapes red or green, halved
• 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
• 1 cup bananas sliced

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream chilled

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• ½ cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade

Instructions

 

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

Beat the Cream Cheese:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Whip the Cream:

• In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This ensures a fluffy and light texture.

Combine:

• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream.

Assemble the Fruit Salad:

Prepare the Fruits:

• Wash, hull, slice, and chop the fruits as listed. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Mix the Fruits:

• In a large bowl, gently toss the strawberries, green apples, grapes, pineapple chunks, and bananas together.

Add the Filling:

• Spoon the cheesecake filling over the mixed fruits. Gently fold the filling into the fruit until evenly coated.

Finishing Touch:

Drizzle with Caramel:

• Just before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the fruit salad for a touch of decadence.

Chill and Serve:

• Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve in individual bowls or a large decorative dish.

Notes

• Fruit Variations:
  Add blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi for more color and flavor. Avoid fruits like watermelon that release too much liquid.
• Prevent Browning:
  Toss apple and banana slices in a little lemon juice before mixing to prevent them from browning.
• Caramel Sauce:
  If using store-bought caramel sauce, warm it slightly to make drizzling easier. Homemade caramel sauce can elevate the flavor.