If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the freshness of fruit, then this Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the answer. Imagine velvety cheesecake filling, mixed with a colorful medley of juicy fruits. It’s creamy, tangy, and refreshing—all in one bite! This dessert is perfect for parties, barbecues, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. Trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser and will be gone before you know it.
Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Here’s why Cheesecake Fruit Salad will quickly become a staple at your dessert table:
Creamy and Dreamy
The cheesecake filling is silky smooth and incredibly rich, making it the perfect base for all those fresh, vibrant fruits.
Refreshing
This fruit salad isn’t just about indulgence; the fresh fruit adds a burst of natural sweetness and juiciness, making it a refreshing treat. It’s like a healthy indulgence (well, almost!).
Easy to Make
The best part? This dessert comes together in no time. You don’t need to bake anything—just whip, mix, and chill. It’s practically foolproof, so anyone can make it!
Versatile
You can mix and match the fruits depending on what’s in season or what you love most. Berries, pineapple, kiwi, peaches—the options are endless!
Perfect for Any Occasion
From holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers, this cheesecake fruit salad is a great dish to bring along. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for serving a crowd.
Ingredients in Cheesecake Fruit Salad
This dessert is so simple to make, but the result is wonderfully indulgent! Here’s what you’ll need:
Cream Cheese
The heart of the cheesecake flavor, adding that smooth, tangy richness.
Whipped Topping
For that fluffy, airy texture that makes the cheesecake filling so light and creamy.
Powdered Sugar
Just a bit of sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract
Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the cheesecake mixture.
Lemon Juice
A little bit of lemon juice brightens up the filling and enhances the fruitiness of the salad.
Assorted Fresh Fruits
Choose your favorites, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, pineapple, or peaches. Mix and match for a colorful, vibrant salad.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 200
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 2g
Instructions
Let’s get started on this creamy, fruity masterpiece!
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will form your cheesecake base.
2. Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. This step will add that fluffy, light texture that makes the filling so dreamy.
3. Add Lemon Juice
Mix in the lemon juice to brighten up the filling and add a subtle tang that will complement the fruit.
4. Prepare the Fruit
Wash and chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Choose a variety of fruits for color, flavor, and texture. You can go for a tropical mix, a berry blend, or a combination of whatever fruits you prefer.
5. Combine Fruit and Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, gently toss the chopped fruit with the cheesecake filling. Be careful not to mash the fruit—just gently fold it in so that each piece is coated in the creamy mixture.
6. Chill
Refrigerate the fruit salad for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the salad is nice and chilled.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, serve this delicious Cheesecake Fruit Salad as a side dish, dessert, or snack. It’s best served cold, so make sure to keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it.
How to Serve Cheesecake Fruit Salad
This dessert is the perfect dish for many occasions. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:
BBQs and Picnics
Pack this refreshing cheesecake fruit salad in a bowl and bring it along to your next BBQ or picnic. It’s light and sweet, making it the ideal way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Family Gatherings
This fruit salad is great for feeding a crowd. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be made in a big batch to feed everyone at family gatherings or potlucks.
Holiday Parties
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday, this fruit salad adds a festive pop of color and flavor to your dessert table. It’s light and satisfying, a perfect way to balance out heavier holiday meals.
Breakfast or Brunch
Who says fruit salad is only for dessert? Serve it for brunch or breakfast to kick off the day with something light, creamy, and packed with fresh fruit.
Additional Tips
Customize the Fruit
Feel free to use any fruit you love or what’s in season. Some great options include:
- Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a berry-filled salad
- Kiwi, pineapple, and mango for a tropical twist
- Peaches, pears, and grapes for a more classic mix
Add a Crunch
If you’re craving a little texture, try adding some crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or even granola on top for a crunchy topping that mimics the crust of a cheesecake.
Make It Ahead of Time
This fruit salad can be made a day in advance, making it a great option for busy schedules. Just store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve when you need it.
Keep It Cool
For the best experience, keep the fruit salad chilled until serving. The cool, creamy mixture pairs perfectly with the refreshing fruit.
Swap the Whipped Topping
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use a low-fat or sugar-free whipped topping. You can also make your own homemade whipped cream if you want to skip store-bought products.
Dairy-Free Option
If you’re catering to dietary needs, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut whipped cream to make a delicious dairy-free version of this cheesecake fruit salad.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
A1: While fresh fruit is ideal, you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing it into the cheesecake filling.
Q2: Can I make this without cream cheese?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Q3: How long can I store the fruit salad?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, the fruit may start to release juices, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Q4: Can I add marshmallows to the salad?
A4: Absolutely! Mini marshmallows are a fun addition to this fruit salad. They add a soft texture and a bit of extra sweetness.
Q5: Can I make it into individual servings?
A5: Yes! You can portion out the fruit salad into individual serving cups for a fun, personalized dessert that’s easy to grab and go.
Q6: Is it okay to add citrus fruits?
A6: Yes! Oranges or grapefruit can be a great addition, but be sure to remove any seeds or membranes before adding them to the salad.
Q7: Can I make the salad without whipped topping?
A7: If you don’t want to use whipped topping, you can use homemade whipped cream instead. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Q8: Can I add a different flavor to the filling?
A8: Yes! You can add flavors like almond extract, cinnamon, or even a little honey to the cheesecake filling for a twist.
Q9: Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?
A9: Yes, this fruit salad is perfect for making ahead of time! Just refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Q10: Can I use a store-bought fruit mix?
A10: You can absolutely use a store-bought fruit mix, but be sure to choose one with no added sugar, so you can control the sweetness of the salad.
Conclusion
This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a perfect combination of creamy, tangy cheesecake filling and fresh, juicy fruit. Whether you’re serving it at a party, a holiday gathering, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, it’s sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly refreshing—what more could you ask for in a dessert? So go ahead and indulge in this fruity, creamy delight—you won’t regret it!
PrintCheesecake Fruit Salad 🍓🍏🍯
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the perfect combination of sweet and creamy. Fresh fruits like strawberries, apples, grapes, pineapple, and bananas are coated in a luscious cheesecake filling made with cream cheese and heavy cream. The addition of caramel drizzle makes this fruit salad even more indulgent and irresistible. It’s a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer BBQs, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
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
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash, peel, and chop all the fruit into bite-sized pieces. This includes strawberries, apples, grapes, pineapple, and bananas. Place all the fruit into a large mixing bowl and gently toss them together.
- 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. You can use an electric mixer to make this easier. Once the cream is whipped, gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Fruit Salad: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared fruit and gently fold everything together, ensuring the fruit is evenly coated with the creamy filling. Taste and, if necessary, adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar, but the fruit should already provide plenty of natural sweetness.
- Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the fruit salad. If you prefer, you can also serve the caramel on the side for dipping.
- Serve: Chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Enjoy: For a finishing touch, garnish with extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a bit of crunch. Enjoy this refreshing and indulgent fruit salad!
Notes
- If you’re preparing this ahead of time, refrigerate the fruit salad for up to 4 hours, but add the caramel drizzle just before serving to prevent it from soaking into the fruit.
- Feel free to swap the fruits for others based on what’s in season or your personal preference.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the fruit before mixing it with the cheesecake filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg