This Easy Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad mixes the sweetness of fresh peaches with creamy cheesecake goodness. It’s a delicious treat perfect for any gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Using ripe, fresh peaches gives this salad the best flavor. If they’re out of season, canned or frozen peaches can work too. Just be sure to drain them well if using canned!
Cream Cheese: I prefer full-fat cream cheese for a rich taste, but you can use low-fat or even a vegan cream cheese alternative if you’re looking for lighter options.
Whipped Topping: While Cool Whip is convenient, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream. Just whip some heavy cream with a little sugar until fluffy for a fresher taste.
Cinnamon Graham Crackers: For added crunch, you might want to use other cookies like crumbled Biscoff or digestive biscuits. They add a unique twist while still complementing the peach flavor.
How Do I Whip Heavy Cream to the Right Consistency?
Whipping cream is key for that fluffy texture in your salad. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with chilled heavy cream for the best results. Cold cream whips faster!
- Use a clean bowl and beaters to avoid any greasy leftovers affecting the cream.
- Whip the cream on medium speed. As it thickens, increase the speed to high.
- Keep whipping until you see stiff peaks. This means the cream can stand straight when you lift the beaters out!
Be careful not to over-whip, or you’ll end up with butter! If you see soft peaks first, continue until they become stiff but still creamy. Enjoy your creamy salad!
Easy Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Fresh Peaches: 5 cups, sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1/2 cup
- Whipped Topping: 1 (8 oz) container (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Cinnamon Graham Crackers: 1 cup, clusters or crushed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and lets the salad firm up slightly—perfect for serving chilled!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat it until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your delicious salad!
2. Add Sugar and Flavor:
Next, sprinkle in the powdered sugar and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until it’s well combined and smooth. You’ll want a sweet, creamy texture—just perfect for your salad!
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using a mixer, whip it until stiff peaks form. This might take a few minutes, but it’s worth it for that fluffy texture!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, gently fold the whipped cream and the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula or a big spoon to combine everything carefully so you keep that light fluffy feel.
5. Fold in the Peaches:
Slowly add in the sliced fresh peaches, being careful not to mash them too much. You want them to be gently coated with the creamy mixture. This will give you bursts of peach goodness in every bite!
6. Add Graham Crackers:
Gently mix in half of the cinnamon graham crackers, but save the other half to sprinkle on top later. This adds a nice crunchy texture to your creamy salad!
7. Transfer and Top:
Carefully transfer the fruit salad into a nice serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker clusters on top for that extra crunch and a beautiful finish.
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This gives it time to chill and lets all the delicious flavors blend together before serving. Enjoy your cool and creamy peach cobbler cheesecake fruit salad either as a tasty dessert or as a refreshing side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the salad watery.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Fruit Salad?
Leftover peach cobbler cheesecake fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, covered tightly, and keep the graham cracker topping separate until serving to maintain its crunchiness.
What If I Can’t Find Whipped Topping?
If you can’t find whipped topping like Cool Whip, you can make your own! Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form and fold it into the mixture as directed in the recipe.
