How to Make the Perfect Frozen Fruit Salad

Ella
Ella
Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by...
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Looking for a refreshing and delicious treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy? A frozen fruit salad might be your new favorite go-to! Bursting with vibrant colors, natural sweetness, and a cool, creamy texture, this classic dish is perfect for hot days, festive gatherings, or just a sweet snack anytime. Ready to discover why this chilled delight is making a comeback? Keep reading!

This nostalgic dessert recipe brings American charm to any table with cool, creamy comfort.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 1 slice

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 1 can 20 ounces crushed pineapple drained
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup sliced bananas
  • 1 cup halved red grapes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • 8 by 8 inch freezer-safe baking dish
  • Plastic wrap or aluminum foil

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Leave your cream cheese at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes so it blends easily without lumps. In a large mixing bowl, beat until it is light and smooth.
  2. Add creamy components: Mix in the sour cream, whipped topping, and sugar. Use a mixer on low speed and scrape down the sides with a spatula. It should look like a thick, dreamy dessert base now.
  3. Stir in pineapple: Fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple. Too much moisture here can make your salad icy rather than creamy, so give it a good drain in a mesh sieve.
  4. Add fruit: Gently stir in the strawberries, bananas, and grapes. As a little tip, toss the banana slices in lemon juice first to help prevent browning and preserve that lovely freshness.
  5. Finish with extras: Sprinkle in the chopped pecans and mini marshmallows. Fold everything together slowly to avoid smashing the fruit or deflating the fluffy cream base.
  6. Freeze it right: Transfer the mixture into an 8 by 8 inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Give it at least 4 hours in the freezer to set fully.
  7. Serving: Let the dish sit out for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing into squares. The edges will soften slightly and become the perfect creamy consistency.

Nutrition per serving

Calories 210
Protein 2 grams
Carbohydrates 24 grams
Fat 12 grams
Sugar 18 grams
Fiber 2 grams
Sodium 55 milligrams

Description

Frozen fruit salad is the kind of dish that feels like summer wrapped in a velvet ribbon of nostalgia. It delivers a sweet and creamy bite from frozen fruit mingled with cream cheese and whipped topping. Each spoonful melts in your mouth like sunshine on a warm July afternoon. The blend of juicy pineapple, vibrant strawberries, and soft bananas brings a burst of refreshing flavor, while the crunch of chopped pecans adds a delightful texture contrast.

With its pale pink hue and frosty exterior, frozen fruit salad feels both elegant and down-to-earth. Whether you’re pulling it from the freezer at a Fourth of July picnic or plating it at a Sunday brunch, its charm is effortless. Memories of lazy summers and family gatherings come to life the moment you take a bite, balancing creamy richness with cool fruitiness in the most comforting way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This frozen fruit salad is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. It can be made entirely in advance, stored in the freezer, and pulled out just when you need it. Perfect for holidays and entertaining, it serves both a dessert and a side dish role, fitting onto the picnic table or the holiday spread with equal grace.

The recipe is highly flexible and can be adjusted to personal taste or seasonal availability. You can swap in different fruits, use Greek yogurt for more protein, or make it nut-free with ease. It is a naturally sweet treat that feels indulgent without being heavy, making it ideal for hot weather when you crave something cool and satisfying.

Serving and Storage Tips

To serve the frozen fruit salad, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing so it is easier to cut and serve. For family meals or events, you can place the entire dish on a serving platter with extra fruit garnishes for presentation.

Store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. Do not refrigerate it for long periods as it can become mushy. You can also make this dish up to two days ahead of time, freeze, and have it ready when needed. Avoid refreezing after it has fully thawed to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Dessert, American, frozen fruit salad, summer dessert, make ahead, holiday recipe

For extra flavor, try folding in some chopped maraschino cherries or a handful of shredded coconut. If you love a tangy note, consider replacing sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and added tartness.

FAQ

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the fruit before mixing. Too much moisture can lead to ice crystals and change the creamy texture of the salad.

Is there a sugar-free version?

You can easily omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Be sure to taste the mixture before freezing to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

What is the best way to prevent banana slices from browning?

Toss the sliced bananas in fresh lemon juice just before folding them into the salad. This helps preserve their color and bright flavor even once frozen.

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Frozen Fruit Salad

Frozen fruit salad is a refreshing, nostalgic frozen dessert featuring a blend of pineapple, strawberries, bananas, grapes, cream cheese, and whipped topping. Elegant yet easy, this make-ahead treat is perfect for summer gatherings, holiday spreads, or family brunches. Sweet, creamy, and delightfully cool with a crunch of pecans.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 1 can 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup sliced bananas
  • 1 cup halved red grapes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
  • Add the sour cream, whipped topping, and sugar to the bowl and mix until well combined and creamy.
  • Fold in the drained crushed pineapple with a rubber spatula.
  • Add the strawberries, bananas, and grapes. Drizzle the lemon juice over the fruit and fold gently to avoid breaking the fruit pieces.
  • Stir in the chopped pecans and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the mixture into an 8 by 8 inch freezer-safe baking dish and spread evenly.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  • When ready to serve, let the dish sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSodium: 55mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18g
Keyword frozen fruit salad, summer dessert, make ahead, holiday recipe, American dessert
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Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by home, travel, and the joy of simple ingredients. From cozy comfort food to bold global flavors, YummyHorizon is your place to explore, taste, and create. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just getting started, I'm here to guide you through flavorful journeys- one delicious recipe at a time. Welcome to my kitchen, where every meal opens a new horizon.