Best Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Cheesecake Fruit Salad for its rich, creamy cheesecake filling combined with the refreshing taste of fresh fruits. It’s a versatile dessert that balances sweet and tart flavors and offers a satisfying crunch from the granola or crushed graham crackers. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a visually stunning dish that will be the star of any event. It’s a perfect option for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple indulgence at home.

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)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

   • In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
   • In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

2. Prepare the Fruit:

   • In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, green apples, and grapes. Gently toss to mix.

3. Assemble the Fruit Salad:

   • Spread a generous layer of the cheesecake filling over the fruit mixture and gently fold the filling into the fruit, making sure everything is coated evenly.
   • Top with granola or crushed graham crackers for added texture and crunch.
   • Drizzle with caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent, sweet finish.

4. Serve:

   • Chill the cheesecake fruit salad for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
   • Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and fruity dessert!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion sizes. The total preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, plus 1 hour of chilling time.

Variations

• Fruit Swap: You can easily swap out the strawberries, green apples, or grapes for other fruits such as blueberries, pineapple, or kiwi.
• Low-fat version: Use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter version of the cheesecake filling.
• Add nuts: For an extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top along with the granola or graham crackers.
• Flavored sauce: Instead of caramel sauce, you can drizzle chocolate syrup, raspberry sauce, or honey for a different flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cheesecake fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors will continue to meld and develop even after refrigeration. There’s no need to reheat; simply serve chilled again.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?

Fresh fruit is recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen fruit if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing.

2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream. Ensure the granola or graham crackers are also dairy-free.

3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cheesecake fruit salad a day ahead. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

4. Is there a way to make this less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cheesecake filling to make it less sweet. You can also use a sugar substitute for a healthier alternative.

5. Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add fruits like bananas, blueberries, or pineapple to enhance the flavor and texture.

6. What can I use instead of caramel sauce?

If you don’t have caramel sauce, try using honey, chocolate sauce, or even a berry compote for a fruity topping.

7. Can I make this recipe with non-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use non-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of the cheesecake filling. Just note that the texture might be a little different.

8. What if I don’t have granola or graham crackers?

You can substitute granola or graham crackers with crushed cookies, pretzels, or even nuts for added crunch.

9. How long should I chill the cheesecake fruit salad?

Chill for about 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to set.

10. Can I freeze this cheesecake fruit salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the fruit and cheesecake filling may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after a brief chill in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a wonderfully creamy, crunchy, and fruity dessert that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at any gathering. With a simple cheesecake filling, fresh fruit, and a sweet caramel drizzle, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert or something a little indulgent, this salad offers the best of both worlds.