Frozen Fruit Salad made with cream cheese, whipped topping, strawberries, bananas, and pineapple—a sweet, creamy, and refreshing summer dessert!
Isn’t it funny how certain recipes can transport you to a moment in time? For me, Frozen Fruit Salad is a one-way ticket to summers at my grandma’s house. She’d pull out this dessert on the hottest afternoons, and the second she sliced into it, the room would go silent—except for the sound of forks scraping plates.
The first time I tried to make it myself, I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical. Would it actually taste as good as I remembered? Could I pull it off without her magic touch? Spoiler alert: It was almost perfect—my bananas browned a little, but hey, that’s life, right?
Now, it’s a staple in my own kitchen. Whether it’s a barbecue, a potluck, or just a random day when I need a little nostalgic pick-me-up, this dish always comes through. It’s like a hug from your past, but cold, creamy, and loaded with fruit.
Why You’ll Love This Frozen Fruit Salad Recipe?
- Cool and refreshing: Perfect for those days when the heat has you questioning all your life choices.
- No oven, no stress: You don’t even have to turn on the oven. Can I get an amen?
- Foolproof crowd-pleaser: Even your pickiest eater cousin will ask for seconds.
- Simple but versatile: You can switch up the fruit, add extras, or make it exactly as-is—either way, it’s delicious.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the simple brilliance of these ingredients:
- Cream Cheese: This is what gives the salad its creamy, tangy base. Let it soften at room temp for easy mixing.
- Whipped Topping: The fluffy magic that turns this from “just fruit” into dessert heaven. It also makes for a great garnish if you have extra.
- Strawberries: Fresh and juicy, these bring color and natural sweetness. Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh is really the way to go.
- Bananas: These add a creamy texture and sweetness. Dice them just before mixing to keep them from browning too much.
- Crushed Pineapple: Tropical vibes, anyone? Just make sure to drain it well, or your salad might get a little too soggy.
How To Make Frozen Fruit Salad?
This recipe is so simple, it almost feels like cheating. But when it comes to desserts, I say the easier, the better.
- Start with the cream cheese.
Let the cream cheese soften on the counter for about 30 minutes. I’ve tried rushing this step before, and let me tell you—lumpy cream cheese is not the vibe. - Mix in the strawberries.
Once the cream cheese is soft, stir in the diced strawberries. They’ll add a natural sweetness and give the mixture a pretty pink tint. - Add the pineapple and bananas.
Fold in the crushed pineapple (drained really well!) and diced bananas. Be gentle—nobody wants mushy fruit. - Fold in the whipped topping.
This is where the magic happens. The whipped topping lightens everything up and makes the mixture extra fluffy. Don’t overmix, though—you want to keep that airy texture. - Spread and freeze.
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan and smooth it out. Pop it in the freezer for at least two hours, or until it’s firm enough to slice. - Serve and enjoy.
Let the salad sit out for about 10 minutes before serving so it softens just enough to cut easily. Pro tip: Dip your knife in hot water between slices for clean cuts. Add a dollop of whipped topping on top, and you’re golden!
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them:
- Freezer: Cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and it’ll keep for up to two weeks. Just thaw slightly before serving.
- Fridge: If you somehow don’t finish it in one go, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours—but it’ll lose some of its frozen charm.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some fun ideas:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Switch up the fruit: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries, or mix in diced mango for a tropical twist.
- Add crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition for a little texture.
- Go dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped topping to make it vegan-friendly.
- Extra sweetness: Toss in mini marshmallows or a handful of sweetened coconut for a fun surprise.
- Chocolate lovers unite: Drizzle with a little melted chocolate before freezing for a decadent touch.
What to Serve with Frozen Fruit Salad?
This dessert can stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level:
- Grilled meats: The fruity sweetness complements savory dishes like grilled chicken or pork.
- Iced tea or lemonade: A refreshing drink to wash it all down.
- Vanilla ice cream: Because, let’s be honest, more creaminess is always a good idea.
- A fresh green salad: For a nice, crisp contrast to the creamy fruitiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s better to make it a day ahead so it has plenty of time to freeze.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but fresh fruit works best for this recipe. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid extra liquid.
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
Toss the diced bananas in a little lemon juice before mixing them in. It keeps them looking fresh without changing the flavor.
So, what do you think? Ready to give this Frozen Fruit Salad a try? Whether you’re bringing it to a barbecue or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your day. If you tweak the recipe, let me know—I’m always looking for new ideas!
<Remember it later>
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:
Frozen Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups whipped topping plus extra for serving
- 1 pint strawberries diced
- 2 large bananas chopped and diced
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple well-drained
Instructions
- To achieve a smooth consistency allow 8 ounces of cream cheese to soften at room temperature.
- In a bowl combine the cream cheese with strawberries.
- Incorporate drained crushed pineapple and diced bananas by folding them into the mixture.
- For a fluffy texture add 2 cups of whipped topping. Fold it in.
- Evenly spread the mixture in a 9x13 baking pan.
- Place the pan in the freezer until it becomes firm, which typically takes a few hours.
- Before serving allow it to sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- To slice the dessert dip a knife in hot water for cutting.
- Enhance its presentation by garnishing with dollops of whipped topping.
- Indulge, in this Frozen Fruit Salad!
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!
