Cheesecake Fruit Salad 

Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the freshness of assorted fruits. This no-bake treat is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply indulging in a sweet, creamy delight. The creamy cheesecake filling complements the natural sweetness of the fruits, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients:

For the Fruit Salad:

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1 cup grapes (red or green), halved

• 2 cups green apples, chopped

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned), drained

• 1 cup bananas, sliced

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Fruit:

   • Wash and prep all the fruits: hull and slice the strawberries, chop the apples, halve the grapes, drain the pineapple chunks, and slice the bananas.

   • Place the prepared fruit in a large mixing bowl and gently toss to combine.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

   • In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

   • In another bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

   • Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the fruit and gently fold to coat all the pieces evenly.

   • Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more powdered sugar.

4. Add the Caramel Drizzle:

   • Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the salad or serve it on the side as a dipping option.

5. Chill and Serve:

   • Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.

   • Serve chilled, garnished with extra caramel drizzle or crushed graham crackers for added texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 224 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 5 g

• Saturated Fat: 3 g

• Cholesterol: 14 mg

• Sodium: 270 mg

• Potassium: 369 mg

• Fiber: 7 g

• Sugar: 31 g

• Vitamin A: 287 IU

• Vitamin C: 30 mg

• Calcium: 48 mg

• Iron: 1 mg