Description
A delightful Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad combining creamy cheesecake-flavored dressing with fresh fruits and a crunchy topping. This no-cook dessert is perfect for quick preparation and offers a luscious blend of creamy, fruity, and caramel flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Dressing
- 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
Add-ons
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup granola or crushed toffee bits (for crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture until it is fully combined, creating a light, fluffy cheesecake-flavored dressing.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Add the chopped strawberries, blueberries, halved grapes, and diced apple into the bowl. Carefully fold them into the cheesecake mixture to evenly coat the fruit without crushing it.
- Mix in Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the fruit and cream cheese mixture, then gently stir to distribute the caramel evenly throughout the salad.
- Top with Crunch: Right before serving, sprinkle the granola or crushed toffee bits over the top of the salad to add a delightful crunch contrasting the creamy and juicy textures.
- Optional Garnish: For extra sweetness and an attractive finish, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top just before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served immediately to prevent the granola or toffee bits from becoming soggy.
- Feel free to substitute or add other fruits like bananas or kiwi for variety.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives.
- To make this salad more festive, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
