Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad (Printable)
Creamy cheesecake mixture folded with tropical fruits for a refreshing chilled dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Cheesecake Mixture
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - ½ cup heavy cream
03 - ½ cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Fruits
05 - 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks, drained
06 - 1 ½ cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
07 - 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
08 - 1 cup green grapes, halved
09 - 1 medium banana, sliced
10 - 1 cup miniature marshmallows
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tbsp shredded coconut, toasted
12 - Fresh mint leaves
# Directions:
01 - Beat softened cream cheese in large mixing bowl until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
02 - Add heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to cream cheese. Beat on medium-high speed until mixture becomes fluffy and well-combined, approximately 3-4 minutes.
03 - Gently fold pineapple chunks, strawberries, mandarin oranges, grapes, and banana slices into cheesecake mixture using spatula, being careful not to crush delicate fruits.
04 - Fold miniature marshmallows into salad for added sweetness and texture, if desired.
05 - Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and mixture to firm slightly.
06 - Remove from refrigerator, sprinkle toasted coconut over top and garnish with fresh mint leaves immediately before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It tastes like cheesecake but requires zero baking and comes together in under 15 minutes
- The combination of creamy and fruity textures creates something incredibly addictive that appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents
02 -
- Adding the banana too early will turn your salad brown and unappetizing so slice and fold it in last
- If the cream cheese is not completely softened, you will end up with tiny lumps that ruin the smooth texture
03 -
- Drain canned fruits in a colander for at least 15 minutes and even pat them gently with paper towels
- Make the cream mixture the night before and keep it separate from the fruit, then combine about an hour before serving