Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad is a cherished family recipe that brings together a delightful combination of creamy textures and vibrant flavors. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a sweet treat on a hot summer day, this salad is sure to become a beloved tradition in your household too. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries or raspberries, slightly thawed and chopped
- 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup maraschino cherries, halved
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Creamy Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the whipped heavy cream and granulated sugar to the cream cheese, and continue beating until well combined and fluffy.
- Combine the Fruits:
- Add the drained crushed pineapple, chopped strawberries or raspberries, and drained mandarin oranges to the creamy mixture.
- Gently fold the fruits into the creamy mixture until evenly distributed.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in the chopped pecans, halved maraschino cherries, and sliced bananas.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the salad to add a refreshing citrus flavor and prevent the bananas from browning.
- Mix Thoroughly:
- Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring that the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Chill and Serve:
- Transfer the fruit salad mixture into a large, shallow dish or a freezer-safe container.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the freezer.
- Allow the fruit salad to freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the fruit salad is fully frozen, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Scoop the frozen fruit salad into individual serving bowls or onto dessert plates.
- Garnish with additional chopped pecans or maraschino cherries if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing and creamy goodness of Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- For added texture and crunch, consider adding a handful of toasted coconut flakes or chopped almonds to the fruit salad mixture.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar according to your taste preferences.
- Feel free to customize the fruit selection based on your preferences or what you have available. Pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, and bananas are classic choices, but you can also incorporate other fruits such as kiwi, grapes, or diced apples.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
- Unfortunately, this recipe contains ingredients that are not typically suitable for a keto or low-carb diet due to their higher sugar content. However, you can explore alternative recipes that use low-carb sweeteners and keto-friendly fruits.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad ahead of time and store it in the freezer until ready to serve. It’s a convenient make-ahead dessert option for entertaining or special occasions.
- Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen fruit?
- While frozen fruit works well in this recipe, you can certainly use fresh fruit if preferred. Just make sure to chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces and adjust the sweetness and tartness levels accordingly.
Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and fruity flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to any gathering. With its simple preparation and irresistible taste, this recipe is a timeless classic that will be enjoyed by family and friends for years to come. Give it a try and savor the sweet memories it creates!
This detailed recipe guide provides step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and suggestions for customization, ensuring that you can recreate Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad with ease and confidence. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a refreshing dessert, this frozen fruit salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Enjoy the creamy texture and burst of fruity flavors in every bite!
