Say hello to the easiest, most refreshing treat you’ll ever whip up—Frozen Fruit Salad! If you have a soft spot for creamy, fruity desserts that are hassle-free, you’re in for a real treat. This frozen salad is deliciously cool, packed with juicy strawberries, sweet pineapple, and ripe bananas all nestled in a creamy, dreamy base. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare—just mix, freeze, and slice. Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or anytime you need a make-ahead dessert that feels extra special but takes minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: You don’t need any fancy skills or equipment—just a bowl, a mixer, and a few minutes of your time.
- Super Versatile: It’s refreshing enough for a summer barbecue, but works equally well during the holidays or potlucks.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will swoon over the sweet, creamy flavors and frosty texture.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepares in advance and goes straight from freezer to table, freeing up your mealtime stress.
- Customizable: Perfect for using up whatever fruit you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick look at the simple, delicious ingredients that make this frozen fruit salad truly shine:
- Strawberries: Lend a sweet-tangy burst and pretty color; fresh or even thawed frozen berries will work.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the texture rich, creamy, and holds everything together; be sure it’s nice and soft for easy blending.
- Crushed Pineapple: Adds lots of tropical sweetness; be sure to drain well so the salad doesn’t get icy.
- Bananas: Bring natural sweetness and a soft, creamy bite; sliced or chopped—your call.
- Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and sweetness; great for folding everything together and giving a fluffy finish.
- Extra Whipped Topping (for serving): Adds a pretty, creamy touch right before serving.
Tip: For best results, use fully ripened bananas and strawberries for maximum flavor!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
There are so many fun ways to customize this frozen fruit salad:
- Berry Bonanza: Swap some strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of texture.
- Citrus Twist: Add a handful of mandarin orange segments for a bright zest.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping if needed.
- Tropical Version: Add diced mango or shredded coconut for island vibes.
- Less Sweet: Dial back the whipped topping and add a dollop of Greek yogurt for some tang.
How to Make Frozen Fruit Salad
Step 1: Cream the Base
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and diced strawberries until smooth and well combined. Don’t worry if there are a few strawberry bits—those little pops of flavor are wonderful.
Step 2: Add the Fruits and Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, chopped bananas, and whipped topping. Use a spatula or wooden spoon so everything stays light and fluffy.
Step 3: Freeze
Pour the creamy fruit mixture into a 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in your freezer and let it chill until solid—this takes several hours, but overnight (or up to 24 hours) gives the best results.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
About 10-15 minutes before serving, let the pan sit at room temperature to soften slightly. Cut into squares, top with extra whipped topping if you like, and enjoy that first frosty, creamy bite.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let it sit at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Excess liquid can lead to an icy texture, so don’t rush this step.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold gently after adding the fruits and topping so the salad keeps its volume.
- Freeze Overnight: For the cleanest slices and creamiest texture, give it plenty of time to freeze.
- Use a Hot Knife: Dip your knife in hot water and dry before slicing for perfect, clean squares.
How to Serve
This frozen fruit salad looks gorgeous cut into squares and served straight from the freezer on individual plates. A little dollop of extra whipped topping and a few fresh strawberry slices elevate the presentation. It pairs beautifully with grilled summer fare, baked ham, or even as a refreshing palate cleanser between courses. Want to fancy it up? Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes—kids will love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store any leftovers in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to a week—just thaw slightly before slicing again.
Freezing
Since it’s designed to be served frozen, this salad is freezer-friendly! Freeze in the pan or transfer to airtight containers for individual portions.
Reheating
Note: This dish is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating needed! If it’s too hard to cut, let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use different fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! Blueberries, peaches, raspberries, or even grapes all work well. Just make sure to chop them small for even freezing, and always drain any canned fruit very well.
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Is there a way to make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes! Opt for a sugar-free whipped topping and cream cheese, and use unsweetened fruit. You’ll still get plenty of sweetness from the fruit itself.
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How far in advance can I make frozen fruit salad?
You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply freeze until you’re ready to serve. Any longer, and it can get a bit icy around the edges, but it’s still tasty.
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My frozen fruit salad came out icy—what happened?
Usually, too much liquid is the culprit. Ensure your pineapple (and other fruits) are well-drained, and aim for a quick, gentle mix when assembling to avoid breaking down the whipped topping.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both nostalgic and truly refreshing, Frozen Fruit Salad delivers every time. It’s creamy, fruity, and so simple to throw together, making it the hero of any busy weeknight, potluck, or family dinner. Gather your fruit, cream cheese, and whipped topping and create something your whole table will rave about—you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat all year round!
Print
Frozen Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8-24 hours (including freezing time)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Frozen Fruit Salad is a delightful, creamy dessert made with fresh strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and a rich cream cheese base, all folded together with whipped topping and frozen until solid. Perfect for summer gatherings or a make-ahead treat, it’s easy to prepare and serves as a refreshing, fruity addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 pint strawberries, diced
- 2 bananas, chopped or sliced
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
Creamy Mixture
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups whipped topping, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and diced strawberries until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Add Remaining Fruit & Whipped Topping: Gently stir in the drained crushed pineapple, chopped bananas, and 2 cups of whipped topping using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Freeze the Salad: Pour the fruit and cream mixture into a 9×13-inch pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the freezer and allow it to chill until solid; this can take up to 24 hours for best results.
- Serve: Remove the frozen fruit salad from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Slice into squares and serve with extra whipped topping, if desired.
Notes
- Allow the salad to thaw slightly for easier slicing.
- Optional: Top with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
- This dessert is best served slightly softened but still cold.
- If making ahead, cover tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/10 of pan)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
