Description
This Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a delightfully creamy and fruity dessert that combines fresh tropical fruits with a rich cheesecake-flavored dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet treat, it offers a harmonious blend of strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple, kiwi, bananas, and grapes, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese and instant cheesecake pudding mixture.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup bananas, sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved (seedless)
Cheesecake Mixture:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant cheesecake pudding mix, unprepared
- 1 cup International Delight French Vanilla Creamer (or 1 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: Sprinkle the instant cheesecake pudding mix over the softened cream cheese. Beat the mixture thoroughly until the pudding and cream cheese are well combined and smooth.
- Add Creamer or Cream: While continuing to beat, gradually add the French Vanilla Creamer (or alternatively, the heavy cream mixed with vanilla extract) to the pudding and cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all the prepared fresh fruits – strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple, kiwi, bananas, and grapes.
- Fold in the Cheesecake Mixture: Carefully fold the creamy cheesecake mixture into the bowl of mixed fruit, being gentle to keep the fruit pieces intact and ensure even coating.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the dessert chill thoroughly. Before serving, garnish with extra fresh fruit or graham cracker crumbs if desired to enhance texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for best flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and creamer with vegan alternatives, though pudding mix must be checked for suitability.
- Graham cracker crumbs make a wonderful topping for added crunch and a classic cheesecake flavor.
- Serve chilled to maintain the creamy texture and refreshing fruit taste.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead, making it ideal for potlucks or picnics.
