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If you love fruity, creamy desserts that bring a burst of tropical sunshine to your table, then the Hawaiian Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining luscious cream cheese, the tangy sweetness of fresh pineapple, strawberries, and mandarin oranges, and the delightful chewiness of mini marshmallows, this salad is pure, no-fuss magic. It’s like a cheesecake and fruit salad had the perfect, refreshing love child that’s perfect for warm days, potlucks, or any time you want a dessert that cheers you right up.

Hawaiian Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Hawaiian Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From creamy and tangy to sweet and juicy, these simple components come together to make an unforgettable dish.

Cream cheese: Softened for that smooth, rich base that gives this salad its cheesecake vibe.
Instant cheesecake pudding mix: Provides that unmistakable cheesecake flavor without any baking required.
Heavy whipping cream or half-and-half: Adds silky richness, making the dressing light and airy.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream mixture gently, blending perfectly without graininess.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the creamy dressing.
Strawberries: Fresh and juicy with a slight tartness that balances the sweetness.
Fresh pineapple: Adds tropical tang and a bit of juiciness for that island feel.
Mandarin oranges: Their bright, citrusy bursts elevate the fruit mix.
Banana: Sliced fresh, adding a creamy texture and mellow sweetness.
Mini marshmallows: Little pockets of chewy sweetness that surprise with every bite.
Optional shredded coconut: For a bit of tropical flair and subtle crunch.
Optional chopped pecans: Introduces a nutty texture contrast to the creamy salad.

How to Make Hawaiian Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheesecake Mixture

Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s perfectly smooth. This is the foundation of your salad’s texture, so take your time getting it creamy without lumps. Then add the dry instant cheesecake pudding mix, heavy cream or half-and-half, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until the mixture is luscious, creamy, and slightly thickened. This dreamy base will coat your fruit and give the salad its signature cheesecake flavor.

Step 2: Fold in the Fresh Fruit and Marshmallows

Gently fold in the hulled and sliced strawberries, chopped pineapple, drained mandarin oranges, sliced banana, and those adorable mini marshmallows. The key here is to be gentle so you don’t mush the fruit but still get everything evenly coated in that cheesecake dressing. Each bite will be a perfect harmony of creamy and fruity with delightful pops of texture from the marshmallows.

Step 3: Add Optional Toppings and Chill

If you want to give your salad some extra flair, sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped pecans over the top. The coconut adds a tropical crunch, while the pecans bring a buttery, nutty note that plays well with the sweet dressing. Finally, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors mingle and the texture set beautifully before serving.

How to Serve Hawaiian Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a stunning finish, add a little extra shredded coconut or a handful of toasted pecans just before serving. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely pop of color and add a subtle refreshing lift to the dish that complements the tropical fruit perfectly.

Side Dishes

This salad is a star on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with light grilled dishes, such as teriyaki chicken, or alongside a brunch spread with fluffy pancakes or waffles. It’s a versatile dessert salad that can enhance many meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Hawaiian Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe in individual parfait glasses layered with granola or crushed graham crackers for extra texture. You can even hollow out a pineapple or melon to use as a vibrant serving bowl that amps up the tropical experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours as the fresh fruit, especially the banana, can start to brown and lose its vibrant texture.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing because the fresh fruit and creamy cheesecake mixture tend to become watery and separate when thawed. For the freshest flavor and texture, it’s best made and enjoyed fresh or within a day.

Reheating

Since this is a cold, no-cook dessert salad, reheating is not recommended. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if refrigeration caused it to thicken too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for the Hawaiian Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe?

While fresh fruit is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen fruit if needed. Just be sure to drain it well to keep the salad from becoming too watery.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?

You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream substitutes, but keep in mind it may alter the classic cheesecake flavor and texture that make this salad so special.

How long should I chill the salad before serving?

About 30 minutes is perfect to let the flavors meld and the cheesecake mixture thicken slightly, resulting in the best creamy texture.

Can I make this salad a day in advance?

Yes, but add the banana slices right before serving to prevent them from browning and turning mushy.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, toasted coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of granola add wonderful texture contrasts to this creamy salad.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough trying this Hawaiian Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe at your next gathering or anytime you crave a dessert that feels like a sunny escape in every bite. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Once you taste it, this tropical cheesecake salad will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe box.