Southern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this Southern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet with a delightful mix of fruit textures. The cheesecake base, made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla, perfectly complements the fresh, juicy fruits like strawberries, pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Whether you serve it at a summer barbecue or a family dinner, this fruit salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it an easy choice for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 can pineapple tidbits (drained, 8 oz)

• 1 can mandarin oranges (drained, 11 oz)

• 1 cup strawberries (sliced)

• 1 cup grapes (halved)

• 1 banana (sliced)

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.

3. In a separate large bowl, add the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, grapes, and banana.

4. Gently fold in the cheesecake mixture with the fruit mixture until everything is evenly coated.

5. Add the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut (if using) and mix gently.

6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 people

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours

Variations

• Fruit Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the fruits based on your preferences or what’s in season. Some popular additions include blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.

• Nuts: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.

• Coconut: If you love coconut, you can increase the amount of shredded coconut or even use toasted coconut for added texture.

• Low-fat Version: You can use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt to lighten up the recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Southern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit salad is best served chilled, and the texture will remain the same if you follow the storage instructions. It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream cheese mixture may separate when thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?

Frozen fruit may not have the same texture as fresh fruit, but it can be used. Make sure to thaw the fruit and drain excess liquid before adding it to the salad.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this fruit salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.

3. Is it possible to make a dairy-free version of this fruit salad?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese, and use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.

4. Can I use a different kind of fruit?

Absolutely! You can swap out the fruits in this recipe for your favorites like peaches, mango, or even pomegranate seeds.

5. How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

To prevent the bananas from turning brown, you can toss them in a little bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

6. How long will this salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?

This fruit salad will stay fresh for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

7. Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese?

While whipped cream can be used as an alternative, the cream cheese provides a richer, thicker texture that’s characteristic of the cheesecake flavor.

8. Is there a way to make this salad lighter?

To lighten it up, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, and opt for fresh fruit without the marshmallows.

9. Can I add more marshmallows?

You can definitely add more mini marshmallows to increase the sweetness and texture. Just be sure to balance it with the other ingredients.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check that the mini marshmallows you use are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Southern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that brings together the creamy goodness of cheesecake and the fresh flavor of fruits. It’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from family gatherings to potlucks. The best part? It can be made ahead, ensuring you’ll have a refreshing, indulgent treat ready when you need it. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a favorite at your next event!

Print

Southern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Southern Style Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake filling with the refreshing sweetness of fresh fruits, perfect for any gathering.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 can pineapple tidbits (drained, 8 oz)

1 can mandarin oranges (drained, 11 oz)

1 cup strawberries (sliced)

1 cup grapes (halved)

1 banana (sliced)

1 cup mini marshmallows

½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. In a separate large bowl, add the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, grapes, and banana.
4. Gently fold in the cheesecake mixture with the fruit mixture until everything is evenly coated.
5. Add the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut (if using) and mix gently.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Fruit Mix-ins: Swap out fruits based on preferences or what’s in season.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
• If you love coconut, increase the amount of shredded coconut or use toasted coconut for added texture.
• For a low-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s not recommended to freeze this dish.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg