Description

Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a luscious no-bake dessert that combines creamy cheesecake-flavored dressing with a medley of fresh fruits and a delightful crunchy topping. This easy-to-make salad marries the richness of cream cheese and whipped topping with the freshness of apples, grapes, strawberries, and pineapple, all swirled with luscious caramel sauce. Topped with granola or caramel-coated pretzels for an irresistible crunch, it’s the perfect sweet treat for gatherings or a special family dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Dressing

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Fruit Mix

3 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
2 cups halved grapes
1½ cups sliced strawberries
1 cup chopped pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)

Toppings

1 cup granola or crushed caramel-coated pretzels
½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cheesecake Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Add the dry instant cheesecake pudding mix and milk, mixing thoroughly until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy, creating a smooth, rich cheesecake-flavored base.
Combine the Fruit: Add the chopped apples, halved grapes, sliced strawberries, and chopped pineapple to the cheesecake mixture. Carefully fold the fruits into the creamy base to coat them evenly without bruising or mashing the delicate fruit pieces.
Incorporate Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the fruit and cheesecake mixture, then lightly swirl it through the salad to add a sweet caramel flavor without fully blending it in, preserving the lovely marbled effect and varied taste.
Add Crunchy Topping Before Serving: Just before serving, fold in the granola or crushed caramel-coated pretzels to add a satisfying crunch. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top if desired to enhance the caramel flavor and presentation.

Notes

For best texture, add the crunchy granola or pretzels right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Feel free to swap or add your favorite fruits such as blueberries or bananas; however, avoid fruits that brown quickly if preparing in advance.
This dessert is best served chilled, so refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving if possible.