Indulge in this Better Than Sex Fruit Salad, blending Cool Whip, cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, tropical fruits, and fresh berries into a creamy, irresistible treat.
Alright, let me take you back. Picture a chaotic family potluck—you know, the kind where Aunt Linda’s trying to outdo everyone with her seven-layer dip and Uncle Joe still thinks his “secret” BBQ sauce is life-changing. I had signed up for dessert (rookie mistake), and naturally, I forgot… until about two hours before showtime.
I dug through the pantry and found a can of cherry pie filling, some Cool Whip, and—bam—there it was: my grandmother’s handwritten “Better Than Sex Fruit Salad” recipe. Bold name, right? But honestly? After I whipped it up (in under 15 minutes, mind you) and took it to the potluck, it disappeared faster than Joe’s BBQ. Grandma knew what she was doing. It’s creamy, fruity, a little tangy, and absolutely addictive.
Now, it’s my go-to for every family gathering, backyard BBQ, and late-night sweet tooth emergency.
Why You’ll Love This Better Than Sex Fruit Salad Recipe?
- Creamy Meets Fruity: Sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, and Cool Whip create the dreamiest base.
- No Bake? No Problem: This is a dump, mix, chill kind of recipe—no oven drama here.
- Ridiculously Versatile: Make it tropical, make it festive, make it yours.
- Crowd-Pleaser Status: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, holidays, or when you just want to impress without trying too hard.
- It’s Literally Addictive: I dare you to stop at one bowl.
Ingredient Notes:
Creamy Magic:
- Cool Whip (8 oz): The cloud-like fluff that binds it all together.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): Adds that sweet, velvety richness.
- Sour Cream (8 oz): Balances out the sweetness with a bit of tang.
Fruity Fun:
- Fruit Cocktail (15 oz can, drained): I go for chunky tropical-style—extra pineapple bits for the win.
- Crushed Pineapple (8 oz can, drained): Sweet, juicy, and blends in perfectly.
- Cherry Pie Filling (21 oz can): This is what gives the salad its signature pinkish hue and jammy sweetness.
- Bananas (2 large, sliced): Creamy texture and that classic fruity flavor.
Optional (But Totally Worth It):
- Strawberries (1 cup, sliced): Adds color and a juicy pop.
- Blueberries (1 cup): For little bursts of sweet-tart goodness.
- Kiwi (2, diced): A tangy kick and a gorgeous green touch.
How To Make Better Than Sex Fruit Salad?
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base
Grab the biggest mixing bowl you own—this salad is going to be the star. Stir together the Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk, and sour cream until you’ve got a smooth, creamy cloud of goodness.
Step 2: Fruit It Up
Drain that fruit cocktail and crushed pineapple. Nobody wants a watery salad. Add both to your creamy base, along with the cherry pie filling. Gently fold it all together. That cherry pie filling is going to make everything perfectly pink and delicious.
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Step 3: Add the Fresh Stuff
Slice your bananas and, if you’re feeling fancy, toss in strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi. Fold them in gently—this salad’s about big, juicy bites, not fruit mush.
Step 4: Chill Out
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. It helps everything meld together into this creamy, fruity masterpiece.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Give it one last stir before serving, then spoon it into bowls, cups, or—let’s be real—straight from the serving bowl if you’re anything like me.
Storage Options:
- Fridge Life: Keeps for 3 days in an airtight container.
- Banana Hack: Add fresh bananas just before serving if you’re prepping ahead—they brown fast.
- Freezer? Nope: The creamy base doesn’t thaw well, so just stick to the fridge.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Light Version: Use light Cool Whip and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Tropical Vibes: Swap cherry pie filling for mango or peach and add coconut flakes.
- Vegan Twist: Use coconut whipped cream and plant-based yogurt.
- Holiday Edition: Add cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Extra Crunch: Throw in mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or granola for texture.
What to Serve with Better Than Sex Fruit Salad?
- BBQ Favorites: This salad cuts through heavy grilled meats like pulled pork or BBQ ribs.
- Brunch Buffet: Serve it next to pancakes, waffles, or quiche.
- As Dessert: Layer it with granola for a parfait or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Snack Attack: Honestly? It’s perfect solo—just grab a spoon.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make it ahead?
You bet. It actually gets better the longer it chills. Just add the bananas right before serving so they stay fresh.
Can I go all-fresh fruit?
Totally. Swap out the canned stuff for fresh pineapple, cherries, or peaches—but keep the cherry pie filling if you want that classic sweetness.
It’s too sweet—what now?
Cut back the sweetened condensed milk or swap the cherry pie filling for fresh berries. Adding extra sour cream also helps balance it out.
The Salad That’ll Steal the Show
Look, I get it—the name’s a little over-the-top. But once you try this Better Than Sex Fruit Salad, you’ll understand why it’s been passed down through family BBQs, potlucks, and every holiday spread since the dawn of Cool Whip. It’s creamy, fruity, sweet, tangy, and just downright delicious.
Make it. Share it. And then tell me—is it really that good?
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Better Than Sex Fruit Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 ounces fruit cocktail, drained (chunky tropical style recommended)
- 1 can 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- 2 large bananas sliced
- 1 can 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1 package 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
Optional Additions:
- 1 c fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 c fresh blueberries
- 2 kiwis peeled and diced
Instructions
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth. And well blended.
- Add the Fruits: Drain the fruit cocktail. And crushed pineapple well. Add them to the creamy mixture. Along with the cherry pie filling. Gently stir to combine. Be careful not to break up the fruit too much.
- Incorporate Fresh Fruits: Slice the bananas. And, if using, add the fresh strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis. Gently fold these into the mixture. Ensuring even distribution.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least four hours. This allows the flavors to meld. And the salad to set properly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled. Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving. Spoon it into a serving dish. And enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
Can’t wait to try this!