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Frozen Fruit Salad

Frozen Fruit Salad with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and canned fruit — a vintage no-bake dessert that’s creamy, fluffy, and perfect for holidays.

Here’s the full traditional recipe 👇


🍒 Frozen Fruit Salad (Old-Fashioned Recipe)

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 (8 oz / 225 g) package cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 (8 oz / 225 g) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
    or 2 cups freshly whipped cream

  • 1 (20 oz / 565 g) can crushed pineapple, well drained

  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can fruit cocktail, drained

  • 1 (11 oz / 300 g) can mandarin oranges, drained

  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

  • ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained & patted dry

  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

⚠️ Important: Drain fruit very well or the salad will become icy.


👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Cream Base

  1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.

  2. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until creamy and fluffy.

2️⃣ Fold in Whipped Topping

  1. Gently fold in whipped topping (or whipped cream) until fully combined.

3️⃣ Add Fruit & Mix-Ins

  1. Fold in drained pineapple, fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, cherries, and nuts (if using).

  2. Mix gently so fruit doesn’t break apart.


4️⃣ Freeze

  1. Spread mixture into a 9×9-inch glass dish (or loaf pans).

  2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

  3. Freeze for at least 4–6 hours, preferably overnight.


5️⃣ Serve

  • Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

  • Cut into squares and serve frozen.


💡 Tips for Best Results

✔ Pat cherries dry to prevent pink streaking
✔ For easier slicing, dip knife in warm water
✔ For a lighter texture, freeze in muffin tins for individual servings


🥥 Optional Variations

  • Add ½ cup shredded coconut

  • Replace fruit cocktail with strawberries & peaches

  • Stir in ½ cup sour cream for tangier flavor

  • Add crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake-style twist


If you’d like, I can also give you:

  • A no-cream-cheese version

  • A lighter / lower sugar version

  • Or the classic church potluck 1950s version with condensed milk

Just tell me which one you prefer 😊

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