Description
A fresh, creamy fruit salad with a cheesecake-like filling made from cream cheese, whipped cream, and caramel, perfect for potlucks and summer barbecues.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups green apples, chopped (toss with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained if canned
- 1 cup bananas, sliced (add just before serving if you want less browning)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- Optional garnishes: crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts (pecans or almonds), fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Wash and dry strawberries. Hull and slice them. Chop apples into bite-sized pieces and toss immediately with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Halve grapes and drain pineapple if canned.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla until completely smooth.
- Whip the cream: Chill a mixing bowl and beaters. Pour in the heavy cream and whip to stiff peaks.
- Fold gently: Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream until just combined.
- Combine fruit and filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the fruit and fold gently until the fruit is evenly coated.
- Caramel and chill: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve chilled: Before serving, drizzle extra caramel if desired and sprinkle with garnishes.
Notes
For lighter versions, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and explore various fruit swaps to match seasons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American