Frozen Fruit Salad

Frozen Fruit Salad is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a sweet treat anytime. This creamy, fruit-filled dish combines the goodness of fresh strawberries, bananas, and pineapple with a fluffy cream cheese and whipped topping mixture, creating a vibrant and satisfying frozen treat.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups whipped topping, plus more for serving if desired
• 1 pint strawberries, diced
• 2 large bananas, chopped and diced
• 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature until softened.
2. Prepare the Fruit: Dice the strawberries into small pieces, chop the bananas, and drain the crushed pineapple to remove excess juice.

Mix the Ingredients

3. Combine Cream Cheese and Strawberries: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and diced strawberries. Mix well until the strawberries are evenly distributed.
4. Fold in the Remaining Ingredients: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and chopped bananas. Next, add the whipped topping and fold it in until well combined, being careful not to overmix.

Freeze the Mixture

5. Spread the Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared fruit mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Freeze: Place the baking pan in the freezer and allow the dessert to freeze until hardened completely, which typically takes several hours. It’s best to prepare this dessert in advance.

Serve the Frozen Fruit Salad

7. Thaw Slightly: When ready to serve, remove the frozen fruit salad from the freezer and let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.
8. Slice and Serve: Dip a knife in hot water to make slicing easier. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Optionally, top each serving with an additional dollop of whipped topping.

Serving Information

This recipe yields approximately 12-16 servings, with a prep time of 15 minutes. The total time varies depending on freezing duration.

Variations

• Mixed Fruits: Feel free to substitute or add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a unique twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Coconut Delight: Add shredded coconut for a tropical flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover fruit salad in the freezer, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept for up to 2 months. For best results, slice and serve directly from the freezer, as thawing can affect texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be substituted for a lighter version.
2. How long does it take to freeze completely?
   It usually takes several hours; overnight is ideal.
3. Can I prepare this dessert a day ahead?
   Yes, this dessert is perfect for preparing in advance.
4. What if I don’t have whipped topping?
   You can make your own whipped cream as a substitute.
5. Is this dessert gluten-free?
   Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
6. How can I serve this for a party?
   You can pre-slice and place them in individual cups for easy serving.
7. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
   Yes, just make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice.
8. Is it safe to refreeze leftovers?
   It’s best not to refreeze once it has been thawed to maintain quality.
9. How can I make this dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives.
10. Can this be made in a different shape?
    Yes, you can use different baking dishes or molds to create fun shapes.

Conclusion

Frozen Fruit Salad is a versatile and refreshing dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. With its creamy texture and vibrant fruit flavors, it’s a perfect addition to any gathering or simply as a delicious treat on a warm day. Enjoy the delightful combination of tastes and textures!

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