Description
This Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy cheesecake filling mixed with fresh fruits and topped with a crunchy caramel, graham cracker, pecan, and chocolate chip topping. Perfect for a refreshing dessert that balances fruity freshness with rich, creamy sweetness and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange slices (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (or crushed vanilla wafers)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, fluffy filling.
- Prepare the fruits: Slice and dice all the fresh fruits as needed—hulled and sliced strawberries, halved grapes, diced apple, pineapple chunks, sliced banana, and optional mandarin orange slices. Combine all the fruits in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine fruit and filling: Fold the cheesecake filling gently into the mixed fruits, making sure to coat all the fruit pieces evenly without crushing them, preserving the texture of the fruit.
- Prepare the crunchy topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the caramel sauce, crushed graham crackers, chopped pecans, and optional mini chocolate chips to form the caramel crunch topping.
- Assemble the salad: Spoon the creamy fruit and cheesecake mixture into a serving dish. Drizzle the caramel crunch topping evenly over the surface.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. Serve chilled for the best creamy and crunchy contrast.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds.
- Use fresh fruits in season for best flavor and texture.
- Make the caramel sauce homemade for a richer taste or use store-bought for convenience.
- The salad is best served within 24 hours to maintain fruit freshness and texture.
- Optional ingredients like mandarin oranges and mini chocolate chips add flavor complexity but can be omitted based on preference.
