Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Cheesecake Fruit Salad combining creamy cheesecake-flavored dressing with a variety of fresh fruits. Perfect for a refreshing dessert or a light snack, this recipe layers a smooth, fluffy cream cheese base with colorful mixed fruits and optional toppings like caramel drizzle and granola for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
Fruit
- 2–3 cups mixed fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, apples, bananas, kiwi, blueberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for tossing apples and bananas)
Optional Toppings
- Caramel drizzle
- Granola
- Nuts
- Mini marshmallows
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth to create a creamy foundation for the fruit salad.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavor: Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese until the mixture becomes fluffy and well combined.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, keeping the mixture light and airy to simulate a cheesecake texture.
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash, dry, and chop the mixed fruits into bite-sized pieces. If using apples and bananas, toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and preserve freshness.
- Assemble the Salad: In a tin foil tray or serving dish, spread half of the cheesecake mixture evenly at the bottom as the first layer.
- Add the Fruit Layer: Distribute half of the chopped mixed fruits over the cheesecake base layer, spreading them evenly.
- Top with Remaining Cheesecake Mixture: Spread the remaining cheesecake mixture over the fruit layer, creating a creamy second layer.
- Finish with Remaining Fruit: Scatter the remaining fruit on top of the final cheesecake layer to add color and freshness.
- Chill: Cover the assembled salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set and blend the flavors before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with optional toppings such as caramel drizzle, granola, nuts, mini marshmallows, or fresh mint leaves for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat whipped topping.
- Substitute fruits based on seasonality and preference; mango, peaches, or pineapple could be nice additions.
- For a more natural sweetener, use honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar.
- The salad is best served within 24 hours for freshness; the fruit may release juices over time.
- Lemon juice prevents browning but can slightly alter the flavor, so adjust quantity according to taste.
