Southern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe
Introduction
Southern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful, creamy dessert that combines tangy cream cheese with fresh, vibrant fruit. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a refreshing treat any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Step 3: Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine all the prepared fruits.
- Step 5: Carefully fold the fruit mixture into the cream cheese mixture until the fruit is evenly coated.
- Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh seasonal fruits for the best flavor and texture.
- Substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- For a tangier twist, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest into the cream cheese mixture.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving again. Because of the fresh fruit, this salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different fruits in this salad?
Yes, feel free to swap or add fruits like kiwi, mango, or raspberries depending on your preference and availability.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling for at least 1 hour helps the flavors meld and the salad to firm up slightly, but you can refrigerate up to 4 hours for best results.
PrintSouthern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe
This Southern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a creamy, fruity dessert salad combining a luscious cheesecake-flavored base with a medley of fresh fruits. It’s easy to prepare, refreshing, and perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or a light dessert offering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheesecake Base
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
Fruit Mix
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Sweetness and Flavor: Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract thoroughly until well combined, creating a sweet, flavorful base.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until it is smooth and fluffy, taking care not to deflate the topping.
- Combine Fruit: In a separate bowl, toss together the strawberries, blueberries, pineapple chunks, grapes, and drained mandarin oranges to evenly distribute the fruits.
- Mix Fruit with Cream Cheese Base: Carefully fold the fruit mixture into the creamy base until all the fruit is coated evenly, ensuring the salad is well combined.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chill time allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to firm up, enhancing the taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh fruit for the best texture and flavor; canned fruit should be well-drained.
- For a lighter version, substitute the full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping with light whipped topping.
- This salad is best served chilled, and leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days.
- Feel free to customize with seasonal fruits or other berries for variation.
Keywords: cheesecake fruit salad, creamy fruit salad, southern fruit salad, no bake dessert, sweet fruit salad
