Nana’s Classic Frozen Fruit Salad Recipe






Nana’s Classic Frozen Fruit Salad Recipe

Nana’s Classic Frozen Fruit Salad Recipe

Every year, my beloved Nana would craft her signature frozen fruit salad, a cherished tradition I longed to replicate. After much trial and error, I’ve finally captured its essence with this recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
  • Approximately 1 cup of whipping cream (until soft peaks form)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, well drained
  • 1 container (10 oz) raspberries or strawberries, gently defrosted and diced
  • 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1/3 cup maraschino cherries
  • Juice of one lemon

Preparation:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
  3. Add the mandarin oranges, strawberries (or raspberries), and drained pineapple to the creamy mixture, stirring gently to combine.
  4. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and halved maraschino cherries evenly over the mixture.
  5. Prevent browning of banana slices by tossing them in lemon juice in a separate bowl, then gently fold them into the salad.
  6. Evenly spread the fruit salad mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and freeze for at least four hours until solid.
  7. Before serving, allow the salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Tips and Variations:

  • For a lighter version, substitute lower-fat or Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese, and use light whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
  • Toasted pecans can enhance their nutty flavor.
  • Experiment with seasonal fruits or personal preferences; this recipe is adaptable.
  • Consider adding peaches, mangoes, or a mix of berries for delightful variations.
  • Elevate the flavor profile with a dash of rum or orange liqueur.
  • Ensure canned or frozen fruits are pat dry to maintain the salad’s creamy texture.
  • Plate each slice on a bed of lettuce for an elegant and visually appealing presentation.


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