This refreshing frozen fruit salad is a delightful taste of summer, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light and nostalgic dessert. It’s packed with creamy goodness, sweet and tart fruits, and a delightful crunch of nuts. (Prep time: 15 minutes, Freeze time: at least 4 hours)
Serves: 12–15 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries or raspberries, slightly thawed and chopped
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup maraschino cherries, halved
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Prep (15 minutes): In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream until well combined.
- Mix-ins (10 minutes): Add the drained crushed pineapple, chopped strawberries or raspberries, and mandarin oranges to the creamy mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the fruits evenly.
- Fold-ins (5 minutes): Gently fold in the chopped pecans and halved maraschino cherries. In a separate bowl, toss the banana slices with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Then, gently fold the bananas into the salad mixture.
- Freeze (at least 4 hours, ideally overnight): Spread the fruit salad evenly into a 9×13 inch pan. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve (10–15 minutes): Remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese and use light whipped topping.
- Toast the pecans for extra nutty flavor.
- Swap fruits based on the season or preference (peaches, mangoes, or mixed berries).
- Add a splash of rum or orange liqueur for a sophisticated twist.
- Always pat dry any canned or frozen fruits before adding them to maintain the creamy consistency.
- For an elegant touch, serve each slice on a bed of lettuce.