Fruit Salad Cheesecake

Fruit Salad Cheesecake

Fruit Salad Cheesecake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the vibrant flavors of assorted fruits. This no-bake recipe is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just satisfying your sweet cravings on a warm day. Its balance of sweetness and tartness, alongside a crunchy crust, makes it a favorite among cheesecake enthusiasts. Plus, it’s a quick preparation for a dessert that impresses.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Fruit Salad Cheesecake is not only visually appealing with its colorful fruit mix, but it also delivers an explosion of flavors in each bite. The creamy filling, complemented by the assortment of fruits like pineapple, grapes, and maraschino cherries, creates a harmonious blend that’s sure to please any palate. What’s more, this recipe is a breeze to make – requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. It’s an ideal dessert for those hot summer days or any occasion where you need to impress guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Fruit Salad Cheesecake. Each component works together to create a luscious dessert that is both satisfying and refreshing.

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Filling:

  • 1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 1/2 cups halved seedless grapes
  • 1 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained and cut in half
  • 1 10 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 2 cups whipped topping such as Cool Whip

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the crust by combining the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a solid crust. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: To prepare the filling, start by combining the granulated sugar and cold water in a small saucepan. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the sugar-water mixture and let it sit for about 1 minute to soften the gelatin.

Step 3: Next, heat the saucepan over low heat while stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved; this will usually take just a few minutes. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the gelatin mixture to the cream cheese, mixing until thoroughly combined and fluffy.

Step 5: Stir in the drained crushed pineapple, halved seedless grapes, halved mandarin oranges, and the chopped maraschino cherries into the cream cheese mixture. Pour in the finely chopped pecans, and gently fold the mixture to combine.

Step 6: Finally, gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well mixed and the filling is smooth. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping too much.

Step 7: Carefully pour the fruit and cream cheese mixture over the crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring that it touches the edges.

Step 8: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until it is firm and set. It can be left overnight for the best results.

Step 9: Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice into portions and serve chilled.

FAQs

Can I make this Fruit Salad Cheesecake a day in advance?

Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day in advance. In fact, making it the day before allows the flavors to meld and ensures that the cheesecake sets properly.

How should I store the leftovers?

Leftover Fruit Salad Cheesecake should be kept in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit?

Absolutely! You can substitute fresh fruit for the canned options, but make sure to adjust any liquids accordingly to prevent the cheesecake from becoming too watery.

What can I serve this cheesecake with?

This cheesecake is delicious on its own, but if you’d like, you can serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel, or additional fresh fruit on top for added flavor and presentation.

Is this cheesecake gluten-free?

The crust made from vanilla wafer crumbs is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the crust with gluten-free cookie crumbs or a gluten-free graham cracker crust if needed.

Conclusion

Fruit Salad Cheesecake is a fantastic dessert option that combines ease with impressive taste and presentation. Perfect for any occasion, it allows you to step away from traditional cheesecakes and indulge in a fruity delight. With its colorful fruit, creamy filling, and delectable crust, this cheesecake is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Try it out, and you’ll see why it’s such a hit!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *