This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a fun twist on a classic! It’s filled with juicy peaches, creamy cheesecake flavors, and a crunchy topping that gives it a cobbler feel.
It’s like having dessert and fruit together—what’s not to love? I mix it up on hot days because it feels cool and refreshing. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so why not whip it up?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring a wonderful sweetness! If they aren’t in season, canned peaches work fine. Just make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess liquid.
Cream Cheese: This is essential for the cheesecake taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using neufchâtel cheese. It has a similar texture but is lower in fat.
Sour Cream: It adds tanginess to the mix. You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist or if you’re out of sour cream.
Graham Crackers: Traditional choice gives that cobbler texture. Use cinnamon graham crackers for extra flavor, or crush some cookies like digestive biscuits if you can’t find graham crackers.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the dessert extra rich and creamy. Light cream works too, but it won’t be as thick. For a dairy-free option, try coconut whipped cream.
How Do I Get the Whipped Cream Just Right?
Whipping cream can be tricky! The key is to chill your mixing bowl and beaters before you start. Here’s how:
- Pour the heavy cream into the cold bowl and sprinkle in the sugar.
- Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- For stiff peaks, beat a bit longer; just be careful not to over-whip, or it might turn into butter!
Gently fold the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture to keep that fluffy texture. Taking your time with this step will make your salad light and enjoyable!
Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time in the fridge for the best flavor and texture. So, plan ahead and let it sit while you wait for dessert time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Cream Cheese Base:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it’s nice and smooth. Next, add the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
2. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, pour in the heavy cream and add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Use a hand mixer to whip it until you reach stiff peaks. This might take about 3-5 minutes. Remember, don’t rush it—this will make your salad nice and fluffy!
3. Combine the Cream Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; you want it to remain light and airy!
4. Add the Fruits:
Now, fold in the diced peaches and mini marshmallows. This will give your salad that yummy fruity flavor. Just mix until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Create the Layers:
In a large serving dish or trifle bowl, place half of the crushed graham crackers at the bottom. Then, pour half of the peach and cream mixture over the graham cracker layer. It’s like building a delicious little dessert mound!
6. Repeat the Layers:
Next, add the remaining graham crackers and then top it off with the rest of the peach and cream mixture. This will create a beautiful layered effect.
7. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Sprinkle any additional crushed graham crackers over the top for an extra bit of crunch. If you love nuts, this is the perfect time to add them too!
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps all the flavors mix together perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, just scoop it out and enjoy your delicious salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing. This helps prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Can I Make This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Salad Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt. For the whipped cream, look for a dairy-free whipped topping made from coconut or almond milk.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to mix everything back together, as the layers may separate a bit over time.
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even bananas for added flavor and variety. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if the fruits are particularly sugary.
