This Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad is an irresistible dessert that combines creamy cheesecake bites, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and a sweet caramel drizzle. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. The mix of textures and flavors creates a delightful experience with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this fruit salad is a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. The creamy cheesecake bites paired with juicy strawberries and grapes are already delicious on their own, but adding crunchy nuts and a luscious caramel drizzle really takes it to the next level. The white chocolate drizzle adds a sweet finishing touch that makes it feel extra special. It’s a perfect blend of textures, from creamy to crunchy, and the fresh fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesecake and caramel.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Bites:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Fruit Salad:
2 cups strawberries, halved
2 cups green grapes
1 cup red grapes
For the Toppings:
¼ cup crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs
½ cup caramel sauce
¼ cup chopped peanuts or pecans
¼ cup white chocolate drizzle
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Cheesecake Bites: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Cut the cheesecake mixture into small squares and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Fruit Salad: Once the cheesecake bites are chilled, take a serving dish and layer the strawberries, green grapes, red grapes, and cheesecake bites.
Sprinkle and Drizzle: Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts over the top. Drizzle caramel sauce and white chocolate drizzle over everything. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for an extra chilled dessert.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
Fruits: You can swap in other fruits such as blueberries, pineapple, or even kiwi for a twist on the flavor.
Nuts: If you’re not a fan of peanuts or pecans, try substituting with almonds, walnuts, or even a mix of your favorite nuts.
Cheesecake Flavor: For a fun variation, try adding a bit of lemon zest or cinnamon to the cheesecake mixture for a unique flavor profile.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and a plant-based caramel sauce to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
This Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad is best served fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cheesecake bites may soften a little, but the flavors will still be delicious. It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the fruit and cheesecake will change once thawed.
Related Recipes:
- Cheesecake Fruit Salad
- Creamy Cheesecake Fruit Salad
- Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle
FAQs
How can I make the cheesecake bites firmer?
If you prefer firmer cheesecake bites, you can chill them for a bit longer or even freeze them for 10-15 minutes before cutting them into squares.
Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake bites and fruits in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use other fruits in the salad?
Absolutely! You can use any fruits you like—blueberries, peaches, or even pineapple would make great additions to the salad.
How do I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make this fruit salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or skip the graham crackers altogether.
Can I substitute the white chocolate drizzle?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate drizzle instead of white chocolate for a different flavor.
Conclusion
This Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and crunchy. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a barbecue, or just as a special treat, it’s sure to impress. The combination of fresh fruits, creamy cheesecake, and indulgent toppings makes it a dessert that everyone will love!
📖 Recipe:
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Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a decadent dessert combining creamy cheesecake bites, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make fruit salad brings together the best of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Bites:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Fruit Salad:
2 cups strawberries, halved
2 cups green grapes
1 cup red grapes
For the Toppings:
½ cup caramel sauce
¼ cup crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs
¼ cup chopped peanuts or pecans
¼ cup white chocolate drizzle
Instructions
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Prepare the Cheesecake Bites: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Cut the cheesecake mixture into small squares and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
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Assemble the Fruit Salad: Once the cheesecake bites are chilled, take a serving dish and layer the strawberries, green grapes, red grapes, and cheesecake bites.
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Sprinkle and Drizzle: Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts over the top. Drizzle caramel sauce and white chocolate drizzle over everything. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for an extra chilled dessert.
Notes
Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the cheesecake bites and fruit ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cheesecake bites may soften, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Variations: Swap fruits like blueberries or pineapple, and adjust the nuts to your preference for a twist. A vegan option is available with dairy-free ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Salad
- Method: No-bake, Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 295 kcal
