Description
Indulgent fruit salad cheesecake blends creamy richness with fresh, juicy notes for a delightful dessert experience. Summer memories dance on your palate with each smooth, tangy slice that promises pure culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 1 1/2 cups seedless grapes, halved
- 1 (20 oz/567 g) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (11 oz/312 g) can mandarin oranges, drained and cut in half
- 1 (10 oz/283 g) jar maraschino cherries, drained and roughly chopped
Dairy and Base Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz/226 g) package cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Thickening and Binding Ingredients:
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by pulverizing vanilla wafers and blending with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator to solidify.
- Create a fruity base by simmering crushed pineapple with sugar over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, developing a rich, sweet essence.
- Activate gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water, allowing it to bloom for one minute, then incorporate into the warm pineapple mixture.
- Reduce heat to low and introduce cream cheese cubes, stirring until they melt completely and blend into a silky, uniform consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool thoroughly.
- Gently integrate halved grapes, mandarin orange segments, chopped maraschino cherries, and pecans into the cooled cream cheese mixture.
- Delicately fold whipped topping into the fruit-filled base, ensuring even distribution and maintaining a light, airy texture.
- Transfer the luscious filling onto the prepared crust, using a spatula to create a smooth, even surface.
- Seal the cheesecake and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight, allowing the dessert to set and flavors to meld harmoniously.
Notes
- Swap vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free whipped topping to create a lighter, healthier alternative without compromising on taste.
- Drain fruits thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cheesecake too runny, maintaining a perfect creamy consistency.
- Experiment with seasonal fruits like berries or kiwi to add vibrant colors and unique flavor profiles to the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg