This Tropical Fruit Salad Cheesecake is the perfect no-bake dessert to bring a burst of refreshing, fruity flavors to any occasion. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling and tropical fruits like pineapple, grapes, and mandarin oranges makes it a light, yet indulgent treat. With its crumbly vanilla wafer crust and a rich, fluffy topping, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s worth the overnight wait!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) vanilla wafer crumbs
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 (20 oz / 565 g) can crushed pineapple, drained
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) cold water
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 14 g total)
- 1 (8 oz / 225 g) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) halved seedless grapes
- 1 (11 oz / 310 g) can mandarin oranges, drained and halved
- 1 (10 oz / 280 g) jar maraschino cherries, drained and roughly chopped
- ½ cup (55 g) finely chopped pecans
- 2 cups (480 ml) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Prep Time:
- 30 minutes preparation time
- Overnight chilling for best results
Servings:
- Makes 10 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Crust
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of vanilla wafer crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until well combined.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to firmly press the crumbs into an even layer. Set the crust aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Making the Filling
- Cook the Pineapple: In a small saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple and ¾ cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pineapple mixture is warmed through.
- Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin over ½ cup of cold water. Let it sit for 1 minute to allow the gelatin to soften.
- Combine Gelatin and Pineapple: Stir the softened gelatin into the warm pineapple mixture. Continue stirring until the gelatin is fully dissolved into the mixture.
- Incorporate the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove the pineapple and cream cheese mixture from the heat and let it cool completely. Cooling is important to achieve the proper cheesecake consistency.
3. Assembling the Cheesecake
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Once the pineapple mixture has cooled, stir in 1 ½ cups halved seedless grapes, 1 can of drained mandarin oranges, chopped maraschino cherries, and ½ cup finely chopped pecans.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Setting the Cheesecake
- Pour the Filling: Pour the fruit and cream cheese filling into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.
5. Serving the Cheesecake
- Unmold the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the springform pan by running a knife around the edge before releasing the latch.
- Garnish and Serve: For a decorative touch, garnish the cheesecake with additional fresh fruit or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers. Slice and serve the cheesecake chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Tropical Twist: The combination of pineapple, grapes, mandarin oranges, and cherries brings an island-inspired twist to the classic cheesecake, making it perfect for warm weather or special occasions.
2. No-Bake Convenience: Since this cheesecake requires no baking, it’s an ideal dessert when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Just a quick stovetop step to dissolve the gelatin and you’re done!
3. Light and Fluffy: The whipped topping folded into the fruit and cream cheese mixture makes the filling light, fluffy, and irresistibly smooth.
4. Perfect for Sharing: With 10 generous servings, this cheesecake is great for parties, family gatherings, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 30 g
Enjoy this refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad Cheesecake that’s loaded with fruit, light in texture, and easy to make. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion!