Creamy Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe
Introduction
Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful, creamy dessert that combines the tangy flavor of cream cheese with the sweetness of fresh fruit and caramel. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing treat any time of year.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup whipped topping
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- 2 apples, chopped
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and creamy.
- Step 2: Add the chopped apples, halved grapes, and pineapple chunks to the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently to coat the fruit evenly.
- Step 3: Drizzle caramel sauce over the salad and mix lightly to distribute some of the caramel throughout.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of fruits like strawberries or mandarin oranges for extra color and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Chill the fruit salad thoroughly to enhance the creaminess and allow the caramel to soak in.
Storage
Store the cheesecake fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best served chilled. Stir gently before serving, and avoid freezing as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this fruit salad a day in advance?
Yes, preparing the salad a day ahead allows the flavors to blend perfectly, but be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving.
What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
You can substitute caramel sauce with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile, or leave it out entirely for a less sweet dish.
PrintCreamy Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe
This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful and creamy dessert salad combining whipped cream cheese, fluffy whipped topping, and a medley of fresh fruits like apples, grapes, and pineapple, all finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat, this no-bake recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress with its rich, creamy texture and refreshing fruity flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Fruit
- 2 medium apples, cored and chopped
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
Topping
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: In a large bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Gradually fold in the whipped topping gently to maintain the light, airy texture without deflating it.
- Add the Fruit: Carefully mix in the chopped apples, halved grapes, and pineapple chunks into the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture until all the fruit is evenly coated.
- Drizzle with Caramel and Chill: Transfer the fruit salad to a serving bowl or individual cups, then drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- Use cream cheese softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Fresh fruit works best, but canned pineapple should be well drained to avoid excess liquid.
- You can substitute the caramel sauce with chocolate syrup or honey for variation.
- For a healthier option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free caramel sauce.
- This salad is best served within 24 hours to maintain fruit freshness.
Keywords: cheesecake fruit salad, no-bake dessert, creamy fruit salad, caramel fruit salad, easy dessert
