🍓 Tip: This creamy fruit salad is best served chilled as a luxurious mid-day treat or as a refreshing dessert after dinner. It’s perfect for baby showers, brunch tables, summer get-togethers, or anytime you want a quick no-bake dessert that impresses without the fuss.

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🍓 Caramel Crunch Cheesecake Fruit Salad (Base Version) 🍇🥜

A smooth and tangy cheesecake-style fruit salad made with whipped cream cheese and a colorful blend of fresh berries and grapes.

Calories per serving (~1 cup): ~250 kcal
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional)
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 6–8

Forget boring fruit salads — this version brings the classic creamy cheesecake flavor into every bite without ever turning on the oven. Juicy strawberries and grapes are paired with fluffy whipped cheesecake bites, creating a delicious balance between tangy, sweet, and creamy. This base version is perfect on its own, or you can add toppings like caramel, cookie crumbs, or nuts to take it to the next level.

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🧁 Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Bites:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold

For the Fruit Salad:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

• 2 cups green grapes

• 1 cup red grapes

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.

• Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined.

• In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.

• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth, light, and fluffy. Do not overmix — you want it airy like mousse.

2. Prepare the Fruit:

• Wash and pat dry all the fruit.

• Hull and halve the strawberries. Keep the grapes whole or slice them if preferred.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the strawberries and grapes.

• Add spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture and gently fold everything together. The fruit should be coated but not crushed.

4. Chill (Optional):

• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up slightly.

5. Serve:

• Scoop into individual dessert bowls or glasses. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

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⚡ Energy-Saving Tip:

• This is a completely no-bake recipe, requiring no stovetop or oven use, helping to save energy and keep your kitchen cool.

• Use a hand mixer on low speed to conserve electricity when whipping cream.

• Chill your salad in the upper shelf of the refrigerator, which is typically cooler and more energy-efficient for short-term storage.

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✅ Health & Nutrition Notes:

Great for:

• People who love creamy desserts but want something lighter and fresher than traditional cheesecake.

• A delicious way to get more fruit into your diet while still enjoying a dessert.

• Perfect for vegetarians and those who prefer egg-free, gelatin-free options.

Not suitable for:

• Individuals who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy unless dairy-free alternatives are used.

• Those on a low-sugar or low-fat diet, as cream cheese and whipped cream add significant fat and sugar.

• Not recommended for people with grape allergies or who are on low-FODMAP diets.

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Would you like me to expand this version by adding toppings like caramel, cookie crumbs, or roasted nuts again — or maybe convert it into a low-fat or vegan-friendly option? Just say the word!