Description
This Frozen Fruit Salad is a creamy, fruity dessert that combines a mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, whipped topping, and a variety of fruits including crushed pineapple, fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, and optional nuts. It is frozen until firm, making it a refreshing and delightful treat perfect for gatherings or hot days.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Fruits
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, well-drained
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, halved
- Sliced bananas (add just before freezing)
- Diced strawberries or mandarin oranges (optional additions)
Extras
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Mini marshmallows (quantity to taste)
Instructions
- Beat the base: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon juice together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the salad.
- Add sour cream and whipped topping: Mix in the sour cream thoroughly, then gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is well combined, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Add fruits and extras: Carefully fold in the drained crushed pineapple, well-drained fruit cocktail, halved maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts if using. Stir gently to distribute all ingredients evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Freeze: Spread the fruit and cream mixture evenly into an 8×8 or 9×9-inch freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly and place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight, allowing it to firm up completely.
- Serve: Before serving, remove the salad from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing. Serve chilled, garnished if desired, and enjoy this refreshing fruity dessert.
Notes
- Add sliced bananas just before freezing to prevent browning and ensure freshness.
- Optional additions like diced strawberries or mandarin oranges can be mixed in for extra fruit variety.
- Chopped nuts add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Mini marshmallows contribute a sweet, chewy texture and can be adjusted according to taste.
- Allowing the salad to sit shortly after freezing makes slicing easier without melting the dessert.
