Description
A refreshing and creamy cheesecake fruit salad combining fresh mixed berries with a sweet and tangy cream cheese dressing, perfect for a light dessert or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 1 pound Strawberries (cut into quarters)
- 6 ounces Blackberries
- 6 ounces Raspberries
- 1 pint Blueberries
- 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
Cheesecake Dressing
- 1 8-ounce brick Cream Cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
Optional Garnishes
- Shredded Coconut
- Granola
Instructions
- Combine the Berries: In a large bowl, gently combine the strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, ensuring the fruit is mixed without crushing the delicate berries.
- Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the berries. Toss gently to coat the berries evenly, then set the bowl aside to let the flavors mingle.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, creating the base of the cheesecake dressing.
- Mix in Sugars and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat the mixture thoroughly until it is fluffy and well combined, providing sweetness and flavor depth.
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth, creating a light and creamy dressing.
- Combine Fruit and Dressing: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the bowl of mixed berries.
- Fold Together: Carefully fold the cheesecake dressing and fruit together to ensure the berries are evenly coated without crushing them, maintaining their texture.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the cheesecake fruit salad chilled. Garnish with additional berries, shredded coconut, or granola as desired to add texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking the berries.
- For best flavor, use fresh, ripe berries.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor melding.
- Optional toppings like shredded coconut or granola add nice texture contrast.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
