Description
Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the natural sweetness of fresh fruits. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, BBQ, or a potluck. The mixture of juicy strawberries, apples, grapes, pineapple, and bananas is complemented by a smooth and rich cheesecake filling, all topped off with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Here’s how to make this crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
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
Ingredients for the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
Ingredients for the Caramel Drizzle
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Fruit: Start by washing, peeling, and chopping the strawberries, apples, grapes, pineapple, and bananas into bite-sized pieces. Place all the fruit into a large mixing bowl and gently toss them together.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In another mixing bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
3. Assemble the Fruit Salad: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared fruit. Gently fold the mixture into the fruit, ensuring everything is evenly coated. If desired, adjust the sweetness by adding a little more powdered sugar, but the fruit should provide plenty of natural sweetness.
4. Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the fruit salad. Alternatively, serve the caramel on the side for dipping if preferred.
5. Serve: Chill the cheesecake fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together. Garnish with extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a bit of crunch.
6. Enjoy: This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the perfect dessert for any gathering or celebration. With its blend of sweet fruits, creamy cheesecake, and indulgent caramel, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake fruit salad for at least one hour before serving. This helps the flavors to blend and the filling to firm up slightly, creating the perfect creamy texture.
- Garnish with Toppings: Consider garnishing with additional caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for extra crunch and sweetness. You could also top with some chopped nuts for added texture.
- Portioning: If serving at a party or BBQ, consider individual servings in small bowls or jars for easy grab-and-go options, making it more convenient for guests.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2-3 days. However, the bananas may soften and change color, so it’s best to eat it within a couple of days.
- Avoid Freezing: Since the cheesecake filling contains whipped cream, it is not suitable for freezing. Freezing may cause the texture to change and become watery once thawed.
- Fresh Fruit Adjustment: If you plan to store it for a longer period, consider omitting the bananas before storage, as they tend to brown quickly. Add fresh bananas just before serving to maintain their texture and color.
