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:
- 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.
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
- 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. - 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. - What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Substitute whipped topping, like Cool Whip, for a similar texture. However, the flavor may differ slightly. - 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. - 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
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.
