Crunch Dessert Salad is the ultimate combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy goodness. With a sweet cream cheese base, fresh fruits, and irresistible mix-ins, this no-bake dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you want an easy yet crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients:
The Base:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup powdered sugar
The Fruits:
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 banana, sliced (optional)
The Crunchy Add-Ins:
- ½ cup crushed pretzels
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
Preparation:
1: Prepare the Creamy Base
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently using a spatula until well combined and fluffy.
2: Add the Fruits
- Gently fold in the strawberries, pineapple chunks, and grapes.
- If using bananas, add them just before serving to prevent browning.
3: Mix in the Crunch
- Add the crushed pretzels, chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, and nuts to the salad.
- Stir gently to evenly distribute the crunchy elements without breaking them too much.
4: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual dessert cups.
- Garnish with extra crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Variations:
- Tropical Twist: Replace pretzels with shredded coconut and add diced mango or kiwi for a tropical flavor.
- Berry Delight: Use blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a berry-themed version.
- S’mores Crunch Salad: Replace fruits with mini marshmallows and add crushed graham crackers for a s’mores-inspired dessert.
Cooking Notes:
- For best results, drain canned pineapple thoroughly to avoid making the salad watery.
- Add the pretzels just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Taste the cream cheese base before adding the fruits and adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled in clear glasses or bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the fruits.
- Pair with warm beverages like coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience.
- Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup for extra indulgence.
Tips:
- Prepare the cream cheese base and chop the fruits ahead of time, but mix everything together just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the pretzels may soften over time.
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss them lightly in lemon juice before adding to the salad.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- None (no-bake recipe)
Total Time:
- 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this dessert salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese base and chop the fruits in advance, but mix in the fruits and pretzels just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and crunch.
Q: Can I substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?
A: Absolutely! Use 2 cups of freshly whipped heavy cream as a substitute for Cool Whip.
Q: Can I make this salad dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use a dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternative for a plant-based version.
Q: Can I freeze Crunch Dessert Salad?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the whipped topping and fruits may change in texture once thawed.
Conclusion:
Crunch Dessert Salad is a delightful mix of creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Quick to make and highly customizable, it’s a dessert that combines freshness with indulgence. Perfect for any occasion, this salad will have your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
PrintCrunch Dessert Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
The Base:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup powdered sugar
The Fruits:
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 banana, sliced (optional)
The Crunchy Add-Ins:
- ½ cup crushed pretzels
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
Preparation:
1: Prepare the Creamy Base
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently using a spatula until well combined and fluffy.
2: Add the Fruits
- Gently fold in the strawberries, pineapple chunks, and grapes.
- If using bananas, add them just before serving to prevent browning.
3: Mix in the Crunch
- Add the crushed pretzels, chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, and nuts to the salad.
- Stir gently to evenly distribute the crunchy elements without breaking them too much.
4: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual dessert cups.
- Garnish with extra crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None (no-bake recipe)
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 150mg
- Protein: 4g