This Easy Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a fun twist on your classic dessert! It’s packed with sweet peaches, creamy cheesecake goodness, and a sprinkle of crunchy topping. Yum!
Whenever I make this, my family can’t get enough! It’s a cheerful treat that’s super easy to whip up. Perfect for summer gatherings, or just when you need a little sunshine in a bowl! ☀️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are great for this recipe, but you can use canned peaches too. Just make sure to drain them well. If you can’t find peaches, you could substitute with nectarines or even canned pears.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Both will maintain a creamy texture in the salad while cutting back on calories.
Whipped Topping: If you prefer a healthier alternative, homemade whipped cream made from heavy cream works well. Just whip it until soft peaks form and then fold it in gently.
Mini Marshmallows: These add sweetness and texture, but if you’re avoiding sugar, you can leave them out. You could also use mini chocolate chips as a fun twist!
Crushed Vanilla Wafers: Nilla Wafers are classic, but you can substitute with Graham cracker crumbs or even granola for a different crunch. Just check that they have a similar sweetness level.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheesecake Mixture is Smooth?
Getting a smooth cheesecake mixture is all about the right mixing technique! Start with softened cream cheese for easy blending. Here’s how to achieve that silky texture:
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This softens it up nicely.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- When adding the whipped topping, fold it in gently with a spatula. This keeps the mixture airy and light.
Taking your time with this step pays off in the end, ensuring that luscious creaminess everyone loves!
Easy Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups fresh or canned peaches, diced (if canned, drain well)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies (such as Nilla Wafers), crushed
- Optional: additional fresh fruit like blueberries or strawberries for extra color and flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful fruit salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare and then chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. This allows all the flavors to mix beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the base of your cheesecake flavor, so make sure to get it nice and fluffy!
2. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Gently add the whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture and fold it in carefully. You want it to stay light and airy, so take your time and mix gently.
3. Combine the Fruit and Marshmallows:
In a large serving bowl, combine the diced peaches, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. This adds texture and a bit of crunch to your fruit salad.
4. Mix Everything Together:
Add the cream cheese mixture to the bowl with the peaches and marshmallows. Gently fold everything together until all the fruit is well coated with the creamy mixture. Try not to break the peaches!
5. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Right before you’re ready to serve, fold in the crushed vanilla wafer cookies. This will help keep them crunchy, so they give a nice bite to the salad.
6. Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate the fruit salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. When you’re ready to serve, give it one last gentle mix and garnish with whole peach slices or extra cookie crumbs if you like.
Enjoy this creamy, fruity, and crunchy dessert that tastes just like peach cobbler in a refreshing fruit salad form! Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches are the star of this salad, you can mix in other fruits like diced apples, pears, or berries for added flavor and color. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if using tart fruits!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the crushed cookies may lose their crunch, so add them just before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a non-dairy whipped topping. You’ll still get that creamy texture without the dairy!
What Can I Use Instead of Vanilla Wafer Cookies?
If you don’t have vanilla wafers, try using Graham cracker crumbs or a nut-based granola for a crunchy topping. Both options will work well while adding a different flavor profile!
