Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the perfect balance between fresh and indulgent. It combines a light, creamy cheesecake-style dressing with colorful, juicy fruit for a dessert that feels refreshing yet satisfying. I love this recipe because it is incredibly easy to prepare and does not require any baking, making it ideal for warm days, gatherings, or last-minute desserts. The creamy base tastes just like classic cheesecake filling, while the fruit keeps everything light and vibrant. The first time I made this, I used a mix of berries and grapes, and it disappeared almost immediately. It is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and simple enough for everyday treats while still feeling special enough for celebrations.
Print
Cheesecake Fruit Salad: A Creamy, No-Bake Dessert Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and creamy dessert salad that combines fresh fruit with a sweet cheesecake-style filling, perfect for parties and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Add all prepared fruit to the bowl.
- Gently fold until fruit is evenly coated with the cheesecake mixture.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for best results.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Best served the same day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cream cheese creates the rich, tangy cheesecake flavor that forms the base of the salad.
Vanilla pudding mix helps thicken the dressing and adds classic sweetness.
Milk smooths the mixture and gives it a creamy, spoonable texture.
Whipped topping lightens the dressing, making it airy and fluffy.
Strawberries add brightness, color, and natural sweetness.
Blueberries provide a juicy burst of flavor and beautiful contrast.
Grapes add crisp texture and balance the creamy dressing.
Pineapple chunks bring a slight tang that complements the cheesecake base.
Mandarin oranges add citrusy sweetness and softness.
Bananas contribute creaminess and mild sweetness when added just before serving.
Directions
Begin by allowing the cream cheese to soften fully at room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the vanilla pudding mix and milk, then continue mixing until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
Gently fold in the whipped topping, taking care not to deflate it. This step gives the dressing its light, cheesecake-like texture.
In a separate large bowl, combine all the prepared fruit except the bananas. Pour the cheesecake dressing over the fruit and gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Just before serving, slice and add the bananas, mixing gently to incorporate. Chill briefly if desired, then serve cold.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves eight people. Preparation takes about fifteen minutes, with optional chilling time of thirty minutes for best flavor.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Stir gently before serving. This dish is served cold and should not be reheated.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesecake Fruit Salad is easy to customize with whatever fruit you enjoy or have available. For a berry-focused version, use strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. I tried this combination once, and it tasted especially fresh and vibrant.
You can also swap vanilla pudding mix for cheesecake-flavored pudding to intensify the dessert flavor. For extra texture, mini marshmallows or chopped nuts can be folded in gently.
If you prefer a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping. For a citrus twist, add a small amount of lemon zest to the dressing, which brightens the overall flavor without overpowering the fruit.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert provides vitamins and fiber from fresh fruit, along with calcium from the dairy components. While creamy and sweet, it is lighter than traditional cheesecake and best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Soften cream cheese fully
This ensures a smooth, lump-free dressing.
Fold gently
Gentle folding keeps the mixture light and fluffy.
Add bananas last
This prevents browning and keeps them fresh.
Chill briefly
A short chill improves flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a few hours ahead, but add bananas just before serving.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is best, as frozen fruit releases excess moisture.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is mildly sweet and balanced by fresh fruit.
Can I make it without pudding mix?
Yes, but the dressing will be softer.
What fruit should I avoid?
Very watery fruits can thin the dressing.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, whip it to soft peaks before folding in.
How do I prevent fruit from sinking?
Mix gently and serve soon after assembling.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, it is sweet, colorful, and easy to eat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to two days for best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a simple, no-bake dessert that brings together creamy cheesecake flavor and fresh fruit in one irresistible dish. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit, it is a reliable recipe for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want a light yet indulgent treat.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!