Frozen Fruit Salad (Just Like Nana Made!)
I can’t tell you how happy I am to share this recipe with you today. ❤️ Every bite of this Frozen Fruit Salad takes me back to childhood family gatherings—holiday tables, summer picnics, and Nana proudly bringing out this creamy, fruity, nutty dessert that disappeared in minutes. I always meant to write it down from her, but somehow never did. Finding a version that comes close feels like a gift, and I hope it becomes a tradition at your table too.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Nostalgic & comforting – Just like something Grandma or Nana would make.
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Perfect for gatherings – Serves a crowd and can be made ahead.
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Cool & refreshing – A dreamy frozen treat for hot summer days.
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Versatile – Works as a side dish, light dessert, or even part of a brunch spread.
What Does Frozen Fruit Salad Taste Like?
It’s creamy and lightly sweet from the cream cheese and whipped cream, with bursts of tangy pineapple, bright berries, and soft banana slices. The pecans add a little crunch while the cherries bring a fun pop of color. Every spoonful tastes like a celebration—cool, fruity, and delightfully retro.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened) – for the creamy base
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Heavy Cream (1 cup, whipped to soft peaks) – fluffy richness
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Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – balanced sweetness
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Crushed Pineapple (20 oz can, drained) – tropical tang
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Frozen Strawberries or Raspberries (10 oz, chopped, slightly thawed) – juicy berry flavor
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Mandarin Oranges (11 oz can, drained) – bright citrus notes
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Chopped Pecans (½ cup) – or walnuts for crunch
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Maraschino Cherries (⅓ cup, halved) – sweet, festive bursts of color
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Bananas (2, sliced) – creamy and mellow
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Juice of 1 Lemon – keeps the bananas fresh and adds brightness
Tools You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
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Spatula
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9×13-inch dish or large loaf pan
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Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
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Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
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Use fresh strawberries if in season.
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Add mini marshmallows for a fluff-salad twist.
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Fold in coconut flakes for a tropical flavor.
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Make it lighter by using whipped topping instead of cream.