Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Cheesecake Fruit Salad – A Creamy, Crunchy, and Sweet No-Bake Dessert

Introduction: The Best of Both Worlds – Cheesecake Meets Fruit Salad

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both fresh and indulgent? This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the perfect hybrid of a rich cheesecake filling and a colorful, refreshing fruit medley. With the creaminess of whipped cheesecake, the crunch of granola or graham crackers, and a sweet caramel drizzle, it’s a dessert that checks every box: easy, quick, no-bake, and always a hit!

Perfect for holidays, summer BBQs, potlucks, brunch tables, or even a weeknight treat, this recipe is endlessly adaptable and crowd-pleasing. Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Fruit Salad

No baking required – cool, creamy, and effortless

Fresh meets rich – juicy fruit balanced by fluffy cheesecake filling

Customizable – use any fruits you like

Make-ahead friendly – tastes better after chilling

Great for gatherings – visually stunning and easily scalable

Ingredients

Fruit Base:

2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved

2 cups green apples, cored and diced

1 cup red grapes, halved

Crunchy Topping:

1 cup granola or crushed graham crackers

Caramel Drizzle:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

> Tip: Feel free to swap in blueberries, bananas, kiwi, or pineapple depending on what’s in season!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again until creamy and well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light, fluffy, and smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit

1. Wash and dry all fruits thoroughly.

2. Dice the apples, halve the grapes, and cut strawberries into bite-sized halves.

3. Toss all fruits together in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

1. Spoon or spread the cheesecake mixture over the fruit.

2. Gently fold the fruit and filling together until well coated.

3. Sprinkle the top with granola or crushed graham crackers.

4. Drizzle with caramel sauce generously.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

2. Serve chilled, garnished with extra fruit, mint leaves, or a dusting of cinnamon for flair.

Variations & Add-Ins

1. Berry Cheesecake Salad

Use strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

2. Tropical Cheesecake Salad

Swap in pineapple, mango, kiwi, and shredded coconut.

3. Chocolate Lovers’ Version

Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling and drizzle with chocolate sauce.

4. Nutty Crunch

Use chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds instead of granola.

5. Banana Split Style

Add sliced bananas, cherries, and chocolate drizzle for a fun twist.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead:

Prepare cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance.

Cut fruit right before assembling to prevent browning.

Storage:

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Best served the day it’s made to retain texture.

> Tip: If using apples or bananas, toss them with a little lemon juice to slow oxidation.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 8 Servings)

Calories: 290

Fat: 16g

Carbs: 32g

Sugar: 24g

Protein: 3g

Nutrition will vary based on fruit and topping choices.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit?

Fresh is best to avoid excess liquid, but thawed and well-drained frozen fruit can work.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of heavy cream?

Yes, substitute with 2 cups of whipped topping like Cool Whip for a faster version.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and coconut whipped cream.

Will the granola stay crunchy?

It will soften slightly as it sits, so add it just before serving for maximum crunch.

Conclusion: A Sweet & Creamy Crowd Favorite

This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the kind of dessert that makes people swoon at potlucks and beg for the recipe. Creamy, fruity, crunchy, and perfectly sweet—it’s a no-fail dish that tastes like you spent hours making it (but really didn’t!). Whether you’re hosting brunch or looking for a treat to cool off with on a warm day, this salad is sure to be a new favorite.

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