Of course! Frozen Fruit Salad is a classic, retro dessert that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for hot days, potlucks, or as a make-ahead treat. It’s not a salad in the green, leafy sense, but a delightful frozen concoction of fruit, creamy goodness, and often marshmallows or nuts.
Here’s a guide to making a classic version, along with variations and tips.
What is Frozen Fruit Salad?
Think of it as a cross between a fruit salad, a creamy fruit mousse, and ice cream. It’s typically made with a base of whipped cream or whipped topping, canned or fresh fruit, and other mix-ins, all frozen until firm and then sliced or scooped to serve.
Classic Pineapple & Cherry Frozen Fruit Salad
This is the quintessential version you might remember from church cookbooks or family gatherings. It’s sweet, creamy, and bursting with fruity flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 6 hours or overnight
Servings: 12
Ingredients
· 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
· 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained well
· 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and quartered (reserve a few whole ones for garnish)
· ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
· 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed – OR – 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks with 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Cream the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and lump-free.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined.
- Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Using a spatula, gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple, quartered cherries, and chopped nuts (if using).
- Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping (or your freshly whipped cream) until no white streaks remain. Be gentle to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, a loaf pan, or a gelatin mold. Smooth the top with your spatula. Garnish with a few whole maraschino cherries if desired.
- Cover and Freeze: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.
- Serve: Remove from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before serving to make it easier to slice. Cut into squares and serve.
Popular Variations & Ideas
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some delicious twists:
· Tropical: Use drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut.
· Berry Blast: Substitute the cherries and pineapple with a mix of well-drained frozen berries (thawed and patted dry), like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
· Ambrosia Style: Add 1 cup of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of shredded coconut along with the fruit.
· Strawberry Cheesecake: Use a 10 oz package of sweetened frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) instead of pineapple and cherries. You can even swirl in some strawberry jam.
· Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, light sweetened condensed milk, and light whipped topping.
Tips for the Perfect Frozen Fruit Salad
· DRAIN YOUR FRUIT! This is the most important step. Excess liquid from the fruit will form ice crystals and make the final product watery. Drain the fruit in a colander, and for even better results, press it gently with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
· Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened. This will prevent lumps and make for a silky-smooth base.
· Don’t Skip the Fat: Using low-fat dairy can sometimes result in an icy texture. The fat in the cream cheese and whipped cream helps create a creamy, scoopable final product.
· Make-Ahead Marvel: This is a perfect do-ahead dessert. It can be made and kept frozen for up to 2 weeks.
· Serving Suggestion: For a pretty presentation, line your pan with plastic wrap before adding the mixture. Once frozen, you can lift the entire block out, invert it onto a serving platter, and slice it.
Enjoy this delightful, nostalgic treat! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.