Description
Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a luscious, no-bake dessert salad that blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mandarin oranges, strawberries, and banana. Enhanced with mini marshmallows and optionally topped with shredded coconut or pecans, this refreshing dish is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a light yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant cheesecake pudding mix (dry)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit and Extras
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 banana, sliced (add just before serving)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Optional: shredded coconut
- Optional: chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Pudding Mix and Dairy: Incorporate the dry instant cheesecake pudding mix, heavy whipping cream (or half-and-half), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese. Beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and slightly thickened, forming a rich cheesecake-flavored base.
- Fold in Fruits and Marshmallows: Gently fold in the strawberries, chopped pineapple, drained mandarin oranges, banana slices, and mini marshmallows into the cheesecake mixture. Stir carefully to coat all fruit fully while maintaining the mixture’s light texture.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle shredded coconut and/or chopped pecans over the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly for the best taste and presentation.
Notes
- Add the banana just before serving to prevent it from browning and losing its fresh appearance.
- For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and use milk instead of heavy cream.
- This salad is best enjoyed the same day it’s made to maintain freshness and optimal texture.
