Fruit Salad Cheesecake

Fruit Salad Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the fresh, vibrant flavors of fruit. It’s perfect for sunny days, gatherings, or whenever you crave something sweet and refreshing. This dessert is easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Fruit Salad Cheesecake is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s a delicious way to enjoy fruits, making it a bit healthier than traditional cheesecakes. Second, it is simple to prepare, and you can easily customize it with your favorite fruits. Lastly, this dessert looks beautiful, making it perfect for celebrations or special occasions!

How to Make Fruit Salad Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cold water
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, cubed
1 1/2 cups halved seedless grapes
1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained and cut in half
1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained and roughly chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
2 cups whipped topping

Directions:

Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
Make the Filling: In a saucepan, cook the drained pineapple with the sugar over medium heat. In a separate bowl, dissolve the gelatin in cold water and then add it to the pineapple mixture. Reduce the heat and stir in the cubed cream cheese until smooth. Let this mixture cool.
Add the Fruits and Nuts: Once the mixture has cooled, gently fold in the halved grapes, mandarin oranges, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans.
Fold in the Whipped Topping: Carefully fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the prepared crust. Refrigerate overnight to let it set.
Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the pan, slice, and serve it chilled.

How to Serve Fruit Salad Cheesecake

Serve Fruit Salad Cheesecake cold. You can add extra fruit on top or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a special touch. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or summer barbecues.

How to Store Fruit Salad Cheesecake

Store any leftover Fruit Salad Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

Tips to Make Fruit Salad Cheesecake

Make sure to drain the canned fruits well to avoid a watery cheesecake.
You can use different fruits based on what you like or have on hand.
To make it a bit sweeter, adjust the sugar according to your taste.

Variation

You can try adding other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even coconut flakes for a tropical twist. For a chocolate version, sprinkle some chocolate chips into the filling or add cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh fruits instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh fruits. Just make sure they are cut into bite-sized pieces.

Q: How long does it take for the cheesecake to set?
A: It’s best to let it set in the refrigerator overnight, but it usually takes about 4-6 hours to be fully set.

Q: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this cheesecake a day or two in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve.