Name: Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved; • 2 cups green apples, cored and diced; • 1 cup red grapes, halved; • 1 cup granola or crushed graham crackers; • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); • 8 oz cream cheese, softened; • 1 cup powdered sugar; • 1 tsp vanilla extract; • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

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Get ready for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent! Imagine a creamy cheesecake filling tossed with a colorful medley of fresh fruits, each bite offering that delightful contrast of tangy and sweet. This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is like a cross between your favorite cheesecake and a fruit salad, and trust me—it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re serving it as a light dessert after a family meal or bringing it to your next gathering, it’s going to be the star of the show. The best part? It’s super easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy that sweet tooth. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Fruit Salad

This dessert is a perfect balance of fresh and creamy, and it’s packed with flavor. Here’s why it’ll become a go-to recipe:

Light Yet Indulgent: You get the best of both worlds here—fruity freshness mixed with the creamy, dreamy texture of cheesecake filling. It’s the ideal treat when you’re craving something rich but still want something light.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here! Just a few ingredients, and you’re ready to assemble. It’s the perfect dessert for when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.

Customizable: Use whatever fruits are in season, or whatever you have on hand. You can easily switch up the fruits to fit your preferences—this salad is as versatile as it is tasty!

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck, this Cheesecake Fruit Salad is always a hit. It’s light, refreshing, and indulgent all at once, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to whip up this irresistible dessert:

Cream Cheese: The base of your cheesecake filling! It’s creamy and slightly tangy, providing that signature cheesecake flavor we all love.

Greek Yogurt: Adding a touch of tang and creaminess, Greek yogurt gives the filling a lighter texture while still making it rich and smooth.

Whipped Topping: This lightens up the filling and gives it a fluffy texture. You can use regular or light whipped topping based on your preference.

Powdered Sugar: Just a bit of powdered sugar sweetens up the cream cheese and yogurt mixture, balancing out the tanginess.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings depth and warmth to the creamy filling, making it even more irresistible.

Mixed Fresh Fruit: The star of the salad! You can use a variety of fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, grapes, and kiwi—whatever is in season or what you love best.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to create this creamy, fruity masterpiece? Let’s do it!

Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. You want a thick but fluffy texture.

Prepare the Fruit: Wash and chop your fresh fruit into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from fruits like pineapple or watermelon to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

Assemble the Salad: Gently fold the chopped fruit into the cheesecake filling. Be careful not to crush the fruit; you want everything to stay in nice, juicy pieces.

Chill: For the best results, chill the fruit salad for at least an hour before serving. This lets the flavors meld together and allows the cheesecake filling to firm up a bit.

Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the cheesecake fruit salad into bowls or individual cups. Top with extra fruit or a dusting of graham cracker crumbs for that cheesecake crust flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 300

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Cheesecake Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with many things. Here are some serving suggestions:

Fresh Mint: Add a few fresh mint leaves on top to enhance the flavors with a refreshing herbal note.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: For an extra cheesecake touch, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top just before serving. It’s like adding the crust to your fruit salad!

Whipped Cream: If you want to take it up a notch, serve it with a dollop of extra whipped cream on top. More creaminess never hurt anyone, right?

Serve as a Side: It’s a great side dish to serve alongside grilled meats, BBQ, or a light lunch. It’s sweet enough to double as a dessert, but fresh enough to be a perfect companion to a savory meal.

Additional Tips

A few extra tricks to help you make this fruit salad your new favorite:

Use Cold Ingredients: For the creamiest texture, make sure the cream cheese and yogurt are cold when you mix them. This helps create that smooth, fluffy consistency.

Sweeten to Taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if you like it sweeter or cutting back if you prefer a lighter, more tangy flavor.

Seasonal Fruits: You can mix up the fruit based on what’s in season. Think juicy peaches in the summer, apples in the fall, or pomegranates in the winter. The possibilities are endless!

Prep Ahead: You can prep the cheesecake filling and chop the fruit ahead of time. Store the filling in the fridge, and keep the fruit in an airtight container. When you’re ready, just fold them together and chill.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The fruit will release more liquid over time, so the salad is best enjoyed fresh!

Make It Individual: If you’re serving this for a party or potluck, consider portioning the salad into individual cups for easy serving and a cute presentation.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of fruit?
A1: Absolutely! This salad is super customizable, so feel free to use your favorite fruits—berries, melons, citrus, or even tropical fruits like mango or papaya.

Q2: Can I make this without whipped topping?
A2: Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the whipped topping and use just cream cheese and yogurt. It’ll still be creamy but with a slightly denser texture.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake filling and fruit ahead of time and store them separately. Combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and juicy.

Q4: Can I use frozen fruit?
A4: Fresh fruit works best for this recipe, as it holds up better in the creamy mixture. However, you can use frozen fruit if that’s what you have—just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before mixing it in.

Q5: How do I keep the fruit from getting soggy?
A5: Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the fruit before adding it to the salad. Also, try not to let the salad sit too long before serving to prevent the fruit from releasing too much moisture.

Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, and the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt.

Q7: Can I add nuts or granola?
A7: Definitely! Add some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, or sprinkle some granola on top for a crunch factor. It’ll give the salad a lovely texture contrast.

Q8: How do I make it sweeter?
A8: If you like your salad on the sweeter side, you can add a little honey or more powdered sugar to the filling. Taste as you go to make sure it’s just right for you.

Q9: Can I make this into a larger batch?
A9: Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe by doubling or tripling the ingredients. Just make sure to use a larger bowl to mix everything together!

Q10: What’s the best way to serve this?
A10: Serve it chilled, in individual bowls or a large serving dish. If you want to add an extra touch, you can garnish each serving with extra fruit or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.

Conclusion

This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. The creamy cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the burst of fresh, juicy fruit, and it’s a light yet indulgent treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to something special, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, customizable, and so delicious—it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!