Description
This Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad combines creamy cheesecake flavors with fresh fruits and a delightful caramel drizzle, finished off with crunchy granola or toffee bits for texture. It’s a no-bake, easy-to-make fruit salad perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Fruit
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 apple, diced
Toppings
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup granola or crushed toffee bits (for crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheesecake Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined with the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and fluffy base for the salad.
- Add Fruit: Add the chopped strawberries, blueberries, halved grapes, and diced apple to the bowl. Carefully fold these fruits into the cheesecake mixture to distribute them evenly without crushing them.
- Incorporate Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the caramel sauce into the salad and gently stir to mix it throughout, adding a sweet, rich flavor to the fruit and creamy base.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle the granola or crushed toffee bits over the top of the salad to add a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
- Optional Garnish: For extra sweetness and an attractive presentation, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the salad right before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter option, substitute some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Granola can be substituted with crushed nuts or cookie crumbs for different texture experiences.
- Keep the salad chilled until serving to maintain freshness.
- This salad is best served the same day it is made to avoid fruit sogginess.
