Description
Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing classic dessert made with a blend of cream cheese, whipped cream, and a medley of drained canned fruits. This no-bake treat is frozen into squares for a cool, delightful finish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Fruit & Nuts
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, drained
- 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Drain Fruits: Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple, fruit cocktail, and maraschino cherries. Halve the cherries if desired to enhance texture and appearance.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture, making sure it is fully incorporated and the mixture remains light and fluffy.
- Add Fruits and Flavorings: Stir in the drained pineapple, fruit cocktail, halved cherries, optional chopped walnuts, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently to evenly distribute all ingredients without crushing the fruits.
- Freeze: Spread the mixture evenly into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and freeze for 4 to 6 hours, or until firm.
- Serve: Let the frozen salad sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly. Cut into squares or scoop into bowls, then serve and enjoy this classic frozen fruit dessert.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the canned fruits very well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Allowing the frozen salad to soften slightly before serving improves texture and flavor release.
- Store any leftovers covered in the freezer for up to 3 days for best quality.
