Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the sweet, creamy, and irresistibly refreshing dish you didn’t know you needed—but once you try it, you’ll crave it all year round. Imagine rich cheesecake filling hugging juicy chunks of fresh fruit in every spoonful. It’s dessert and salad in one, and it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Fruit Salad
- Creamy meets refreshing: That cheesecake-like base is rich but lightened by the juicy fruit.
- No baking required: A quick and easy dessert salad that’s ready in minutes.
- Endlessly customizable: Use whatever fruits you love or have on hand.
- Potluck superstar: This is one dish that will disappear fast.
- Kid and adult approved: A guaranteed win with all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Instant cheesecake pudding mix | 1 (3.4 oz) package |
| Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) | 8 oz |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Powdered sugar (optional) | 2 tbsp |
| Strawberries (hulled and sliced) | 2 cups |
| Pineapple chunks (drained) | 1 cup |
| Red grapes (halved) | 1 cup |
| Blueberries | 1 cup |
| Mandarin oranges (drained) | 1 cup |
Optional Add-Ins:
- Mini marshmallows
- Bananas (add just before serving to avoid browning)
- Kiwi slices
- Cherries
How to Make Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the dry cheesecake pudding mix and vanilla. Blend until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Add powdered sugar if you want extra sweetness.
Step 2: Fold in the Fruit
- Gently fold in strawberries, pineapple, grapes, blueberries, and mandarin oranges.
- Stir gently to avoid crushing the fruit.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a few extra berries on top for flair.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free base.
- Chill before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Drain canned fruits well to avoid watering down the salad.
- Add bananas or apples just before serving to avoid browning.
- For a fluffier version, add mini marshmallows.
Health and Nutrition
Cheesecake Fruit Salad is meant to be a treat. It’s not your average leafy green salad, but it can still be enjoyed in moderation:
- Calories per serving: ~220–260 (depending on ingredients and portions)
- Great source of Vitamin C thanks to the fruit
- Contains dairy (not suitable for lactose-intolerant diets unless substitutions are made)
Looking for a more tropical twist? Try our Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad or the summery Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Salad.
Variations to Try
Classic Berry Cheesecake Salad
- Use only strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream base.
Peach Cheesecake Salad
- Swap in sliced peaches and crushed graham crackers.
- Try our Peach Cheesecake Salad version for a peachy dream.
Tropical Cheesecake Fruit Salad
- Use pineapple, mango, banana, and coconut flakes.
- Add chopped macadamia nuts for crunch.
FAQs
What fruits go best in Cheesecake Fruit Salad?
Use strawberries, pineapple, grapes, mandarin oranges, and blueberries for the best flavor balance in your Cheesecake Fruit Salad.
Can I make Cheesecake Fruit Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare your Cheesecake Fruit Salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge.
Can I use fresh or canned fruits?
Both work! Just make sure to drain canned fruit well before adding to your Cheesecake Fruit Salad.
Is this salad healthy?
While Cheesecake Fruit Salad includes fruit, it’s more of a dessert than a healthy salad.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese?
Alternate wording: Can I swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt? Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt, but the texture and taste of your Cheesecake Fruit Salad will change.
Does it contain gluten?
Yes—Cheesecake Fruit Salad is gluten-free as long as your pudding mix is labeled gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store Cheesecake Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Cheesecake Fruit Salad?
Freezing is not recommended. The texture of your Cheesecake Fruit Salad will break down once thawed.
Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1½ cups strawberries sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1½ cups grapes halved
- 1 cup pineapple chunks drained if canned
- 2 bananas sliced
- Optional garnish: crushed graham crackers or white chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until creamy.
- Add marshmallows and fruit (except bananas), gently mix.
- Fold in bananas just before serving.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.