Fruit Salad Cheesecake is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit. It’s perfect for a summer gathering, potluck, or just when you’re craving something light yet decadent. The fruit topping adds a burst of sweetness and color, complementing the smooth cheesecake layer.
Here’s a simple, no-bake recipe for a delicious Fruit Salad Cheesecake:
Fruit Salad Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- A pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons gelatin (or agar agar as a vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup water
For the Fruit Topping:
- 2 cups mixed fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mango, pineapple, or peaches)
- 1/4 cup fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, or strawberry) or honey (optional, for a glossy finish)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs), granulated sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (or any round cake pan). Use the back of a spoon to press the crumbs firmly into the base and slightly up the sides of the pan.
- Refrigerate the crust for about 30 minutes to set.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 1/4 cup water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. After that, gently heat it over low heat (or microwave for 10-15 seconds) until it’s fully dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream (if using). Beat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the dissolved gelatin to the cream cheese mixture and mix until combined. This will help the cheesecake filling set nicely.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Chill the Cheesecake:
- Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for the best texture. The cheesecake should be firm and set.
4. Prepare the Fruit Topping:
- While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the fruit by washing and slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Use a mix of your favorite fruits—berries, tropical fruits, or stone fruits all work beautifully.
- If you want a shiny finish, warm the fruit preserves (or honey) in a small saucepan until it becomes liquid. Brush the glaze over the fruit to give it a glossy look. Alternatively, you can serve the fruit fresh without any glaze.
5. Assemble the Fruit Salad Cheesecake:
- Once the cheesecake has set, carefully release the springform pan. Arrange the fresh fruit on top of the cheesecake in a decorative pattern.
- You can place the fruit in sections, making it look like a fruit salad, or scatter it across the top in a more random fashion.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color and freshness.
6. Serve:
- Slice and serve chilled. The cheesecake will be creamy, light, and full of vibrant fruit flavors.
Tips:
- Customize the fruit topping: Feel free to adjust the fruit depending on what’s in season. Berries, kiwi, mango, and citrus fruits add nice variety, but tropical fruits like pineapple and coconut work well too.
- Make it a no-bake option: The gelatin helps the filling set without baking, but if you don’t want to use gelatin, you can also substitute with cream cheese and whipped cream for a lighter, mousse-like texture.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate: For extra decadence, drizzle some melted chocolate ganache over the fruit topping for a chocolatey twist.
- Make individual servings: You can also create mini cheesecakes in small jars or cupcake liners for a fun, personalized dessert.
This Fruit Salad Cheesecake is light, refreshing, and beautifully creamy, making it the perfect dessert for warm weather or any celebration. The combination of rich cheesecake with vibrant fruit makes every bite a delight. Enjoy!