Our Berry Cheesecake Salad is a delicious mix of creamy cream cheese and vibrant, fresh summer berries, all complemented by a light, fluffy whipped topping. This sweet and refreshing salad is an absolute treat that makes any day feel a little more special. Make it for potlucks, BBQs, 4th of July parties, the holidays, or any day!
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is as straightforward as it gets. It involves easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick dessert fix.
- Versatile: The use of fresh fruits means you can customize this salad to suit your preferences, making it new and exciting each time you make it.
- Ideal for Gatherings: Its creamy, fruity goodness is a surefire crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for family dinners, picnics, and other social events.
Ingredients Needed
- Cream Cheese: The main ingredient of our dessert salad, make sure that it’s softened to room temperature before you beat it with a mixer. Low-fat cream cheese can be used as a healthier alternative.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds to the cream cheese a sweet touch. Do not substitute with granulated sugar, they won’t melt in the cream cheese and will have a bite.
- Vanilla Extract: It infuses a classic vanilla hint. A little bit of almond extract could be a good replacement if you’re out of vanilla.
- Whipped Topping (thawed): You will love the fluffy texture of the fluff salad thanks for the whipped topping. Light or low-fat whipped topping, or even homemade whipped cream, is also suitable.
- Mini Marshmallows: To add a fun and sweet touch. Look for vegetarian-friendly versions as a vegetarian option.
- Fresh Blueberries, Strawberries, and Raspberries: Go for the freshest berries for maximum flavor, and avoid using frozen fruit. You’re also free to include other fruits such as blackberries or bananas.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How To Make Berry Cheesecake Salad
- Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the whipped topping carefully.
- Introduce the marshmallows and fresh berries, then mix gently until well combined.
- Chill the salad in the fridge, covered, for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Tips For Making Cheesecake Salad
- Fresh fruit is the way to go: It prevents the salad from becoming too watery as frozen fruits can release water when thawed.
- Experiment with Different Fruits: Feel free to switch up the fruits based on your preferences or what’s in season. Add fruit like blackberries, banana, mangoes, pineapple, and/or kiwi.
- Fold the fruits gently: This is especially important for raspberries as they’re quite delicate.
- Pudding mix variation: For a twist, use cheesecake instant pudding mixes in place of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Serve Chilled: For the best taste and consistency, ensure your cheesecake salad is adequately chilled before serving.
Variation
- Tropical Cheesecake Salad: Swap out the berries for tropical fruits like diced pineapple, mango, and kiwi. You could also add some shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
- Autumn Fruit Cheesecake Salad: Use fruits like diced apples and pears, and consider adding a warming spice like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture.
- Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Salad: Use fresh cherries instead of berries and stir in some mini chocolate chips for a dessert that’s reminiscent of Black Forest gateau.
- Citrus Cheesecake Salad: Add segments of oranges, grapefruit, and a squeeze of lemon juice to the mix for a refreshing and tangy version.
- Peachy Cheesecake Salad: Use fresh, juicy peaches (or nectarines) instead of berries. You could add a touch of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture to complement the flavor of the peaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Yes, choose vegan cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives.
Yes, but for the best texture and flavor, it’s best prepared close to serving time. If you need to prepare it ahead, add the fruits just before serving to keep them fresh and firm.
Definitely, adding some nuts or granola can give your salad a nice contrasting texture.
Other Summer Easy Desserts To Try
We hope you enjoy making and tasting this Berry Cheesecake Salad. Don’t forget to rate and review this recipe, and be sure to pin it on your Pinterest boards. Happy cooking!
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Berry Cheesecake Salad
Equipment
- Hand mixer
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 12 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 16 ounces fresh blueberries
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries diced
- 6 ounces fresh raspberries
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping.
- Add the marshmallows and fresh berries, then fold together until well combined.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to one hour, serve cold.
Notes
- Go for fresh fruits over frozen to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- For a light alternative, low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping can be used.
- Instead of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, you can use cheesecake instant pudding mixes for an easier variation.
- Mix up the fruits based on your preference or seasonal availability. You can use tropical fruits for a tropical variation or apples and pears for an autumn version.
- Fresh raspberries are fragile, so fold the fruit in gently to maintain their shape.
- The salad is best served the same day it is made, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- If preparing ahead, add the fruits just before serving to keep them fresh and firm.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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