If you love cheesecake and fresh fruit, this Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the perfect no-bake dessert! Itβs light, creamy, and packed with juicy fruit, with a crunchy granola or graham cracker topping and a rich caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
Perfect for potlucks, summer BBQs, or a quick sweet treat, this easy fruit salad tastes like cheesecake in every biteβbut without all the effort!
Why Youβll Love This Cheesecake Fruit Salad
β Quick & Easy β Just mix, chill, and enjoy!
β Creamy & Fruity β A cheesecake-inspired dressing with fresh fruit.
β No-Bake Dessert β No oven needed, just 10 minutes of prep.
β Perfect for Any Occasion β Great for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight treats.
β Customizable β Use your favorite fruits and toppings!
What Does This Fruit Salad Taste Like?
This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is sweet, tangy, and creamy, with the perfect balance of freshness from the fruit, richness from the cheesecake mixture, and crunch from the granola or graham crackers. The caramel drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness, making every bite irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fruit Salad:
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved π β Sweet and juicy.
- 2 cups green apples, cored and diced π β Adds a crisp, tart contrast.
- 1 cup red grapes, halved π β Naturally sweet and refreshing.
- 1 cup granola or crushed graham crackers πͺ β Mimics the classic cheesecake crust.
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) π― β Drizzled on top for indulgence.
For the Cheesecake Dressing:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened π§ β The key to a rich, creamy texture.
- Β½ cup powdered sugar β Sweetens the cheesecake mixture.
- Β½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt β Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract β Enhances the cheesecake flavor.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk β For a smoother consistency.
How to Make Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add vanilla Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit
- Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries.
- Core and dice the green apples.
- Slice the red grapes in half.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, gently toss the strawberries, apples, and grapes together.
- Fold in the cheesecake dressing until the fruit is evenly coated.
Step 4: Add the Toppings & Serve
- Just before serving, sprinkle granola or crushed graham crackers on top.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve with Cheesecake Fruit Salad
πͺ With Shortbread Cookies β Perfect for dipping!
π¨ With Vanilla Ice Cream β Makes it even more indulgent.
β With a Cup of Coffee or Tea β A light, sweet treat.
π« With a Chocolate Drizzle β Because chocolate makes everything better!
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesecake Fruit Salad
β Use Cold Fruit β It keeps the salad refreshing and crisp.
β Donβt Add Granola Until Serving β This keeps it crunchy instead of soggy.
β Adjust Sweetness β Add more or less powdered sugar to taste.
β Use Fresh, Ripe Fruit β For the best flavor and texture.
β Customize It! β Try blueberries, pineapple, or bananas for variety.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Add granola and caramel just before serving to maintain crunch.
Freezer:
- Not recommended, as the fruit will release too much water when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the fruit and cheesecake mixture a day ahead, but mix them together just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of cream cheese?
Yes! Substitute Cool Whip for a lighter version, but it wonβt be as rich and creamy.
Whatβs the best granola to use?
Go for a honey or vanilla-flavored granola to complement the flavors.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Bananas, blueberries, raspberries, or pineapple work great too!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
Final Thoughts on Cheesecake Fruit Salad
This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is sweet, creamy, and incredibly easy to make! With fresh fruit, a rich cheesecake-inspired dressing, crunchy granola, and caramel drizzle, every bite is pure dessert heaven. Whether youβre making it for a potluck, picnic, or weeknight treat, this no-bake dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
π¬ Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And donβt forget to pin it on Pinterest and share your delicious creation! πππβ¨