Picture the most luscious, creamy dessert mashup you can imagine — that’s exactly what Cheesecake Fruit Salad is all about. This playful, no-bake treat takes everything you adore about classic cheesecake and gives it a fresh, fruity twist, folding in berries, grapes, and citrus for pure sunshine in a bowl. Whether you need an effortless party showstopper, a sweet side dish for a BBQ, or a fun way to celebrate summer fruit, Cheesecake Fruit Salad is bound to win raves from kids and adults alike.

Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together for a dessert that tastes like you spent hours making it. Each one brings something special, creating a salad that’s rich, creamy, colorful, and oh-so-irresistible.

Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy foundation that gives the “cheesecake” flavor — let it come to room temperature for the smoothest results!
Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix (3.4 oz, dry): Adds that signature flavor and helps thicken up the base to ultra-creamy perfection.
Vanilla Yogurt (1 cup): Lends silkiness and tang while keeping the mix light and spoonable.
Whipped Topping (1 cup, like Cool Whip): Gently folded in for airy texture — don’t skip this step if you want a cloud-like salad!
Strawberries (2 cups, hulled & sliced): Their juicy sweetness is a must; go for perfectly ripe berries for best flavor.
Blueberries (1 cup): These little pops of color offer a sweet-tart burst in every bite.
Green Grapes (1 cup, halved): Their crispness adds welcome crunch and contrast to the creamy base.
Mandarin Oranges (1 cup, drained): Tender and citrusy, they balance the richness perfectly.
Banana (1, sliced, optional): Creamy and sweet, just toss with lemon juice to keep them from browning if you’re adding them in.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, optional): A quick toss with banana slices preserves their bright color and fresh taste in your fruit salad.

How to Make Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese

Start by placing your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and beat it until it’s completely smooth and lump-free. This is your blank canvas — making sure the cream cheese is whipped makes the rest of your Cheesecake Fruit Salad dreamy and velvety, not clumpy.

Step 2: Mix in Pudding and Yogurt

Add the dry instant cheesecake pudding mix and the vanilla yogurt to your cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to blend everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that already smells irresistible. This step lays down the unique cheesecake flavor and that signature tang.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Now, gently add the whipped topping. Use a spatula to fold — not stir — it in so you don’t lose that wonderful airy fluff. The result should be light, billowy, and perfectly creamy, like the heart of a cheesecake transformed into a dessert mousse.

Step 4: Add the Fruit

Here comes the fun part! Add all your prepared fruit: strawberries, blueberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, and banana if you’re using it. For bananas, toss them with a little lemon juice first to keep them gorgeous and fresh. Use a gentle lifting and folding motion so you coat every piece of fruit without breaking them up. The vibrant colors will have you swooning before you even take a bite.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For best flavor and texture, chill your Cheesecake Fruit Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This brief rest lets the flavors meld and the base thicken just enough, making every spoonful absolutely dreamy!

How to Serve Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Garnishes

Your Cheesecake Fruit Salad is gorgeous as is, but a few finishing touches can make it extra special. Try a dusting of crushed graham crackers, a sprinkle of fresh mint, or a handful of extra berries right on top to make it party-ready in seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair your fruit salad with other picnic or potluck favorites. It’s wonderful alongside savory dishes like grilled chicken, barbecue, or sandwiches, as its sweet creaminess balances hearty main courses beautifully. It also stands tall next to other summer salads and chilled desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cheesecake Fruit Salad into mini parfaits layered in mason jars, scoop it into hollowed-out melon bowls, or serve it in individual dessert cups for a brunch spread. This salad isn’t just delicious — it’s also a conversation starter when you present it playfully!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cheesecake Fruit Salad, stash it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will hold up beautifully for a day, maybe two, though the fruit may soften and release a bit of juice. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

While it’s tempting, freezing Cheesecake Fruit Salad isn’t recommended. The creamy base and fruit will lose their texture when thawed — you want this salad fresh and fluffy!

Reheating

No heating needed — this is a true no-bake dessert! Simply let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if it’s very cold from the fridge, then give it a stir and serve. The flavors are at their best when it’s perfectly chilled but not icy.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits in Cheesecake Fruit Salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is endlessly adaptable — try adding sliced kiwis, pineapple, raspberries, or even blackberries. Just keep in mind that extra-juicy fruit might add moisture to the salad, so stir gently and serve soon after mixing.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your cheesecake pudding mix is labeled gluten-free (most are, but double-check), the whole recipe works for gluten-free diets. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of gatherings!

Can I make Cheesecake Fruit Salad lighter?

Definitely. Swap in light cream cheese, lower-fat yogurt, and a light whipped topping. The salad will still be creamy and flavorful, but you’ll cut down on calories and fat a bit.

Will the bananas turn brown?

Bananas can brown quickly, so if you include them, toss the slices in lemon juice before folding into the salad. If you’re making the salad ahead, you may want to add the banana just before serving for best appearance.

Can I make Cheesecake Fruit Salad ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare all the creamy base ingredients and prep the fruit separately, then combine everything just before serving. If you must mix it completely ahead, serve within 24 hours for the freshest taste and look.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Cheesecake Fruit Salad before, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s the ultimate fuss-free treat that tastes downright decadent, but comes together in minutes. Make it for your next get-together or as a sweet surprise for family — you just might find yourself making it all summer long!

Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This no-bake salad features a luscious blend of cream cheese, cheesecake pudding, yogurt, and whipped topping mixed with a variety of fresh fruits. Light, refreshing, and easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Mixture:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3.4 oz) package instant cheesecake pudding mix (dry)
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Fruit:

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup green grapes, halved
1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
1 banana, sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for banana)

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Instructions

Cheesecake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the dry cheesecake pudding mix and vanilla yogurt, and mix until well combined and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Assembly: Add the prepared fruit to the bowl and gently fold to combine, making sure all the fruit is coated in the cheesecake mixture. If using bananas, toss them with a bit of lemon juice before adding to prevent browning. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Customize this salad with your favorite fruits like kiwi, raspberries, or pineapple.
Best served the same day.
For a lighter version, use light cream cheese and yogurt.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert, Salad
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American