This Easy Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is like summer on a plate! It features juicy peaches, creamy cheesecake mix, and crunchy bits that give it a delightful twist.
Trust me, this salad is a hit at any gathering! I love tossing it together in minutes and watching it disappear at parties. Perfect for warm days or when I need a sweet treat! 🍑😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are ideal for this salad. If they aren’t in season, you can use thawed frozen peaches. They provide sweetness and juiciness, just ensure to drain excess moisture.
Greek Yogurt: I like using vanilla Greek yogurt for added creaminess and flavor. You can swap it with regular vanilla yogurt or even cottage cheese for a lighter option, though the texture will differ a bit.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that classic cheesecake taste. For a lighter version, you could use low-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat.
Graham Crackers: Mini graham cracker chunks add crunch to the salad. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts instead for a similar crunch.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts bring in a nice nutty flavor. If you have nut allergies, feel free to leave them out or use sunflower seeds for a crunch without the nuts.
How Do I Make the Perfect Cheesecake Dressing?
The key to a smooth and creamy cheesecake dressing is properly beating the cream cheese. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. If it’s too cold, it will be lumpy.
- Beat until it’s completely smooth before adding any other ingredients. This ensures no lumps remain.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to fully incorporate them.
- Finally, add the yogurt and blend until all ingredients are well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust if needed!
This technique will give you a delightful base for your fruit salad, making it taste like a dessert! Enjoy!
How to Make Easy Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 5 ripe peaches, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (or regular vanilla yogurt)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini graham cracker chunks or crushed graham crackers
- Optional: a small handful of pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors mix and meld together. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you enjoy this treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cheesecake Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This is important to ensure there are no lumps! Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is well blended.
2. Add the Yogurt:
Next, blend in the vanilla yogurt. Keep mixing until the mixture is fluffy and creamy, resembling a cheesecake batter. This is what makes our dressing so tasty!
3. Fold in the Peaches:
Now, gently fold in the sliced peaches. Be careful not to mash them! You want every peach piece to be coated in that delicious cheesecake dressing.
4. Mix in the Graham Crackers:
Add the graham cracker chunks to the mixture. Fold them in lightly, reserving a few for extra crunch on top before serving. If you’re using nuts, toss them in now as well.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This helps all the flavors blend and gives it a cool, refreshing taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir. Serve it cold in a large bowl, topping it with the reserved graham cracker chunks and additional nuts if desired. Enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
There you have it—an Easy Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad that you and your friends will love! Enjoy this delightful treat! 🍑😋
FAQ for Easy Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess syrup. This will ensure your salad doesn’t become too sweet or watery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if it sits longer, the peaches may release juices, so give it a gentle stir before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight!
What Other Fruits Can I Add to This Salad?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped strawberries, blueberries, or even diced nectarines would pair wonderfully in this fruit salad. Just keep the proportions in mind so that the cheesecake dressing can coat everything evenly!