Crunch Dessert Salad

Crunch Dessert Salad in a bowl, topped with pretzels, chocolate chips, and fresh fruits

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

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Fold in the whipped topping gently using a spatula until well combined and fluffy.

2: Add the Fruits

  1. Gently fold in the strawberries, pineapple chunks, and grapes.
  2. If using bananas, add them just before serving to prevent browning.

3: Mix in the Crunch

  1. Add the crushed pretzels, chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, and nuts to the salad.
  2. Stir gently to evenly distribute the crunchy elements without breaking them too much.

4: Garnish and Serve

  1. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual dessert cups.
  2. Garnish with extra crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
  3. 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:

  1. Prepare the cream cheese base and chop the fruits ahead of time, but mix everything together just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
  2. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the pretzels may soften over time.
  3. 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)!

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Crunch Dessert Salad in a bowl, topped with pretzels, chocolate chips, and fresh fruits

Crunch Dessert Salad


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Fold in the whipped topping gently using a spatula until well combined and fluffy.

2: Add the Fruits

  1. Gently fold in the strawberries, pineapple chunks, and grapes.
  2. If using bananas, add them just before serving to prevent browning.

3: Mix in the Crunch

  1. Add the crushed pretzels, chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, and nuts to the salad.
  2. Stir gently to evenly distribute the crunchy elements without breaking them too much.

4: Garnish and Serve

  1. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual dessert cups.
  2. Garnish with extra crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
  3. 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