This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh fruit with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling and a satisfying crunch. Topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce, this fruit salad is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or simply a treat for yourself! Its easy-to-make nature makes it a convenient yet indulgent choice, with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

---

Ingredients:

For the Fruit Salad:

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 cups green apples, cored and diced
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1 cup granola or crushed graham crackers (for crunch)
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, for drizzling)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for that fluffy texture)

---

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the cream cheese: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything is well blended.
3. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much, as it provides the light texture of the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit

1. Toss the fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hulled and halved strawberries, diced green apples, and halved red grapes. Gently toss the fruit together until it’s evenly mixed.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Fruit Salad

1. Spread the cheesecake filling: Generously spread the cheesecake filling over the fruit mixture. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the filling so it coats all the fruit.
2. Mix gently: Gently fold the cheesecake filling into the fruit, ensuring that the fruit is fully coated with the creamy mixture.
3. Top with crunch: Sprinkle granola or crushed graham crackers over the top for a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling.
4. Drizzle caramel sauce: Finish the salad with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet and indulgent flavor boost.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set nicely.
2. Serve: After chilling, serve the salad chilled for the best flavor and texture.

---

Tips for Success:

• Fruit variations: Feel free to get creative with your fruit choices. You can add blueberries, pineapple chunks, or even bananas for a tropical twist.
• Make it ahead: This dessert can be prepared the day before. Just be sure to cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving.
• Extra indulgence: For an extra treat, top the salad with a few chocolate chips or drizzle some extra caramel sauce just before serving.
• Non-dairy option: You can substitute the cream cheese and whipping cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk-based cream cheese for a dairy-free version.

This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is an indulgent yet light dessert that brings a perfect blend of creamy sweetness, fruity freshness, and crunchy texture. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a refreshing and flavorful treat that feels special without the fuss!