Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad

This refreshing frozen fruit salad is a delightful taste of summer, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light and nostalgic dessert. It’s packed with creamy goodness, sweet and tart fruits, and a delightful crunch of nuts. (Prep time: 15 minutes, Freeze time: at least 4 hours)

Serves: 12–15 servings

Ingredients:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries or raspberries, slightly thawed and chopped
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
½ cup chopped pecans
⅓ cup maraschino cherries, halved
2 ripe bananas, sliced
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

Prep (15 minutes): In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream until well combined.
Mix-ins (10 minutes): Add the drained crushed pineapple, chopped strawberries or raspberries, and mandarin oranges to the creamy mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the fruits evenly.
Fold-ins (5 minutes): Gently fold in the chopped pecans and halved maraschino cherries. In a separate bowl, toss the banana slices with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Then, gently fold the bananas into the salad mixture.
Freeze (at least 4 hours, ideally overnight): Spread the fruit salad evenly into a 9×13 inch pan. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Serve (10–15 minutes): Remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips:

For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese and use light whipped topping.
Toast the pecans for extra nutty flavor.
Swap fruits based on the season or preference (peaches, mangoes, or mixed berries).
Add a splash of rum or orange liqueur for a sophisticated twist.
Always pat dry any canned or frozen fruits before adding them to maintain the creamy consistency.
For an elegant touch, serve each slice on a bed of lettuce.