The Ultimate Summer Dessert: Cheesecake Fruit Salad
This cheesecake fruit salad is a dreamy blend of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, crisp green apples, juicy red grapes, crunchy granola, and a sweet caramel drizzle. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, holidays, or any time you crave a no-bake dessert that’s fresh yet indulgent.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the fruit salad:
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 (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
-
Make the cheesecake filling:
-
In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
-
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
-
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
-
-
Prepare the fruit:
-
Wash all fruit and pat dry thoroughly.
-
Hull and halve strawberries.
-
Core and dice green apples into bite-sized cubes.
-
Slice grapes in half.
-
-
Assemble the salad:
-
In a large serving bowl, combine strawberries, apples, and grapes.
-
Add the cheesecake filling and gently fold until fruit is evenly coated.
-
Sprinkle granola or graham crackers on top.
-
Drizzle with caramel sauce.
-
-
Chill and serve:
-
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
-
Serve cold and enjoy!
-
Notes
-
Fruit Variations: Try adding blueberries, mango, kiwi, or peaches.
-
Crunch Options: Swap granola for toasted coconut or chopped nuts.
-
Sweetener Alternatives: Use honey or chocolate sauce instead of caramel.
-
Make Ahead: Prepare filling and cut fruit separately; combine just before serving for best texture.
-
Apple Browning Tip: Toss diced apples in lemon juice before mixing.