Summer is upon us, and what better way to welcome the balmy weather than with a bowl of Frozen Fruit Salad? This enduring classic combines the unadulterated joy of succulent fruits with the creamy allure of marshmallows and whipped toppings. It’s like a summer festival in your mouth, and the best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make. Whether you’re planning a potluck, a family reunion, or simply craving something sweet and chilly, this frozen fruit salad recipe is bound to make your day.
What is Frozen Fruit Salad?
You might be wondering, “What exactly constitutes a Frozen Fruit Salad?” Well, it’s a luscious amalgamation of chopped fruits, whipped topping, and cream cheese, usually with an optional sprinkle of nuts or other add-ins. Frozen to perfection, this no-bake delight provides a harmonious blend of texture and flavor, making it an ideal candidate for a light, yet gratifying, dessert.
The Art of Thicker Slices
Fancy a more substantial bite? The thickness of your frozen fruit salad slices is adjustable. The recipe is amenable to your whims; opt for a 9×9-inch baking dish over a 9×13-inch one for heftier servings. If that still doesn’t quench your appetite for a dense, fruity escapade, feel free to double the ingredients and use the same-sized dish.
Flexibility in Fruit Choices
The beauty of this frozen fruit salad recipe lies in its versatility. Don’t like the traditional fruits used? No worries! Swap them out for other canned or even fresh fruits. Soft fruits like pineapple and grapes make excellent substitutes. However, it’s wise to steer clear of fruits like bananas that might brown or turn mushy over time.
To Cool Whip or Not to Cool Whip
Cool Whip has its fans, but if you belong to the camp that prefers fresh whipped cream, you might wonder if it’s a suitable alternative. I haven’t tried it personally, but given that the dish is frozen, a fresh whipped cream substitute could potentially work. If you decide to go down this road, do share your experience!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this sumptuous dish, flexibility reigns supreme. You can either present it as a traditional dessert or push culinary boundaries by using it as a side dish for holiday gatherings. To ensure optimal palatability, pull it out of the freezer around 15 minutes before serving. This allows it to thaw just enough to make cutting and serving a breeze.
Storage Savvy
What to do with leftovers? Simply pop them back into a freezer-safe container. The frozen fruit salad keeps well for up to 2-3 months, so you can continue to enjoy its delightful flavors without a worry. Refrigeration, however, is not recommended as it alters both the texture and flavor.
Quick & Easy Frozen Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Mini Marshmallows
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 8 ounces Frozen Whipped Topping thawed
- 2 cans 15 ounces each Fruit Cocktail in Juice, thoroughly drained
- ½ cup Maraschino Cherries drained and halved
Instructions
- Preparation Galore: First, arm yourself with a 9×13-inch dish and spritz it generously with non-stick spray.
- Cream Cheese Euphoria: In a mixing bowl, utilize either a stand mixer or a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese on a medium-high setting. The goal is a texture that is not just smooth but unequivocally fluffy.
- Whipped Topping Symphony: Gently fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fruit & Fluff Fusion: Add the thoroughly drained fruit cocktail, halved maraschino cherries, and mini marshmallows into the bowl. Stir until all elements are seamlessly blended and cloaked in the creamy base.
- Freeze & Patience: Transfer this heavenly concoction into your prepped dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and exile it into the freezer for no less than 2 hours.
- The Final Act: When you’re about to serve, liberate the dish from its frozen sanctuary about 10-15 minutes earlier. This is essential to ensure that it’s thawed just enough to be cut into luscious squares.
- Savor the Magic: Cut, serve, and revel in the sumptuous simplicity of your Quick & Easy Frozen Fruit Salad!
Thanks for displaying the recipe!
I’m going to fix this tomorrow for my Granddaughter.
Thanks again!
I will try this for the kids.