This fun cheesecake salad is a festive treat packed with creamy layers of cheesecake and colorful berries. Perfect for summer picnics and celebrations!
The best part? It’s super easy to make! I love mixing up the cream cheese and whipped topping, then folding in fresh strawberries, blueberries, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs. Delicious! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Soften it at room temperature for easier mixing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese instead, which has lower fat content but a similar taste.
Powdered Sugar: This gives the salad its sweetness. If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup, but remember it may change the flavor slightly.
Cool Whip: This adds fluffiness. If you want a homemade alternative, whip heavy cream until peaks form and sweeten to taste.
Fresh Strawberries & Blueberries: Fresh is best for vibrant flavor. You can substitute with raspberries or blackberries, or even use frozen berries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain first.
Mini Marshmallows: These add a fun texture! If you’re aiming for a healthier salad, you can skip them or use diced bananas for a different texture.
Graham Crackers: Optional for crunch. You can swap them with crumbled shortbread cookies or even nut granola for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Cream Cheese Mixture Is Smooth?
Getting that creamy texture is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps avoid lumps.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix it until you see a smooth consistency—a minute or two should do the trick.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything well. This ensures all the sugar and cream cheese are mixed evenly!
Following these steps will help you create a creamy and fluffy base for your cheesecake salad!
How to Make Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cool whip (or whipped topping)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (optional for added texture)
Estimated Time:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time. Make sure to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving so all those lovely flavors meld together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this. It should take just a couple of minutes!
2. Sweeten the Mixture:
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Keep mixing until it’s all well combined and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps left!
3. Fold in the Cool Whip:
Now, it’s time to make it fluffy! Gently fold in the cool whip until the mixture is light and airy. Don’t stir too hard—just fold carefully so you keep that lovely fluffiness.
4. Add the Fresh Fruits and Marshmallows:
Next, add in those colorful berries! Toss in the diced strawberries, blueberries, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers if you’re using them. Gently fold everything together, coating the fruits and marshmallows in that creamy mixture.
5. Chill the Salad:
Transfer the delicious mixture to a serving bowl or container. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge! Let it chill for at least 1 hour so the flavors can come together and the salad firms up nicely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s chilled, serve your cheesecake salad! You can garnish with extra berries on top if you’d like. Dig in and enjoy this delightful, patriotic treat!
This refreshing salad is a perfect addition to your summer gatherings, featuring a whimsical mix of creamy cheesecake, fresh fruits, and fun textures!
FAQ for Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese or Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Using low-fat cream cheese or a light whipped topping can cut down on calories without compromising too much on taste. Just remember, the texture may be slightly different, but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, it will stay tasty for a few days!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance! Just prepare it as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Berries?
If fresh berries aren’t available, you can use frozen berries instead! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the salad. You can also mix in other fruits like diced peaches or bananas for variety.
