🍓 Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad 🥄
Ingredients
2 cups mixed fresh fruit
1 cup diced fresh pineapple
1 cup halved green or red grapes
1 large apple, diced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup granola or crushed graham crackers (for crunch)
1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture
Instructions
Prepare the Fruits: Wash, dry, and chop all the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Toss the diced apple with a little lemon juice to keep it from oxidizing. Combine all the fruits in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the whipped topping, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, blending until fully incorporated and fluffy. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more powdered sugar.
Assemble the Salad: Gently fold the cheesecake filling into the bowl of mixed fruits, ensuring the fruit is evenly coated but not overmixed. Be careful not to crush the delicate fruits.
Add Crunch and Drizzle: Just before serving, sprinkle the granola or crushed graham crackers over the top for a satisfying crunch. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the salad, creating decorative swirls. For an additional layer of flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts on top if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature, scooping the salad into bowls or onto plates. This dish pairs beautifully with a dollop of extra whipped topping for an extra touch of decadence.