Here’s a detailed recipe for Easy Frozen Fruit Salad, along with its construction and variations:
Ingredients
- 2 cups Mini Marshmallows
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 8 ounces Frozen Whipped Topping, thawed
- 2 cups Canned or Fresh Fruit, drained (e.g., pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, cherries, or berries)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (optional, e.g., pecans or walnuts)
Construction
- Prepare the Cream Base
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Incorporate the Whipped Topping
- Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese until fully combined.
- Add Marshmallows and Fruit
- Stir in the mini marshmallows and your choice of fruit, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Optional: Add Nuts
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Freeze the Salad
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe dish or individual molds. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve
- Remove from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Slice or scoop into servings.
Variations
- Fruit Options
- Replace or mix fruits like diced mangoes, strawberries, peaches, or grapes. Ensure fresh fruits are patted dry to avoid excess water.
- Add Sweetness
- Stir in a tablespoon of honey, powdered sugar, or vanilla extract for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Twist
- Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top before freezing.
- Yogurt Substitute
- Replace cream cheese with plain or flavored Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Tropical Theme
- Use tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, papaya) and coconut flakes for a tropical version.
- Healthier Version
- Use sugar-free whipped topping and marshmallows or skip marshmallows altogether.
- Layered Presentation
- Layer the mixture with graham cracker crumbs for a parfait-style dessert.
This frozen fruit salad is perfect for hot days, potlucks, or family gatherings! Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and enjoy.