Frozen Fruit Salad

This Frozen Fruit Salad is a cool, creamy, and fruity dessert that’s sure to become a favorite at your table! This old-fashioned treat takes 10 minutes to prep before freezing to perfection! It’s make ahead magic makes it ideal for picnics, barbecues, and birthday parties.

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a chilled, no-bake dessert on a hot summer day, and my Mamaw’s old-fashioned Frozen Fruit Salad is a timeless family favorite. With 7 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, this treat combines the creamy richness of cream cheese and Cool Whip with the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit. It’s a refreshing treat but also a breeze to make!

This frozen fruit salad recipe is fun for the whole family to help make. It also keeps well, so it’s the perfect make ahead recipe for a picnic or barbecue.

Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, a backyard BBQ, special or simply craving a cool, sweet treat, this Frozen Fruit Salad is the perfect answer. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for a hot day when you’re craving something cool and tasty.

If you love a cool whip dessert, we have some other popular favorites. Along with my other fluff salads Orange Jello Salad and Green Jello Salad, it’s sure to get rave reviews!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Creamy, Cool and Delicious: The combination of cream cheese and Cool Whip creates a smooth, creamy base. Served straight from the freezer, this fun summer side dish is a delicious way to cool down on hot days.
• Nostalgic: This vintage recipe brings back sweet memories of a delicious spread at holiday meals, backyard barbecues, family get-togethers, and special occasions.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this delicious treat is hassle-free and quick to prepare.
• Versatile: You can customize this easy fruit salad recipe with your favorite fruits and nuts.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Full Recipe Card Below

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy texture and a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the fruits.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
• Drained Crushed Pineapple: Adds a tropical sweetness and a bit of texture to the salad. Save the pineapple juice for a smoothie, dressing, or marinade.
• Cool Whip: Lightens the mixture, making it fluffy and smooth.
• Frozen Sliced Strawberries in Juice: Infuses the salad with a sweet, fruity flavor and a beautiful color.
• Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
• Chopped Pecans: Provides a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the fruits.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

• Mixing Bowls
• Rubber Spatula
• Hand Mixer 
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• 8″x5″ Loaf Pan (2)

How to Make Frozen Fruit Salad

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

2. Blend in the drained crushed pineapple and thawed sliced strawberries with their juice.

3. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.

4. Carefully fold in the sliced bananas and chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Transfer the mixture into two 9″x5″ or three 8”x3” loaf pans, 13”x9” freezer-safe dish, or individual serving dishes.

6. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
7. Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing or scooping.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

• Fruit Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, red grapes, or mangoes. Pineapple chunks can also be used. Simply chop them closer to the size of pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple.
• Nuts: Swap pecans for your favorite nut! You can use pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or leave them out if you prefer a nut-free version.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in this frozen fruit salad recipe according to your taste preference or use a sugar substitute if desired.
• Texture: For a different texture, try adding shredded coconut or mini marshmallows.
• Optional Garnishes: For a pop of color, serve slices or scoops topped with fresh mint, fresh strawberries, banana slices, or sliced fresh pineapple.
• Cool Whip Substitute: Fresh whipped cream can be used instead of Cool Whip.
  • To make homemade whipped cream, in a large bowl on high speed, blend together 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream or heavy cream, ¼ cup powered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes.
• Thawing Cool Whip: Cool Whip is sold frozen and will need to be defrosted before making the pie.
  • The two methods of thawing I recommend are in the refrigerator or in cold water. Thawing in the refrigerator will take about 5 hours. For the second way, place the Cool Whip tub in a bowl filled with cold water and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.

Storage and Freezing

Store the frozen salad in a freezer-safe, airtight container, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to make scooping easier.

More Old Fashioned Delicious Recipes

• Butter Roll
• Strawberry Jam Cake
• Whipping Cream Pound Cake
• Coconut Meringue Pie

Frequently Asked Questions