Tropical Fruit Salad Cheesecake Recipe

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Tropical Fruit Salad Cheesecake

Introduction

Welcome to the world of tropical indulgence with our exquisite Tropical Fruit Salad Cheesecake. This delightful dessert combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the vibrant, refreshing flavors of tropical fruits. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a touch of the exotic, this cheesecake is sure to become a favorite. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through each step to create a dessert that not only tastes heavenly but also looks stunning on any dessert table.

History of Cheesecake

Cheesecake has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient Greece. It was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. Over the centuries, cheesecake evolved, with each culture adding its unique twist. The tropical fruit salad cheesecake is a modern take, blending the traditional creamy texture with the bright, tangy flavors of tropical fruits.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Filling

  • 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 1/2 cups halved seedless grapes
  • 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained and cut in half
  • 1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: Overnight chilling | Servings: 10

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Crust

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the vanilla wafer crumbs with the melted butter until well combined.
  2. Form the Crust: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Ensure the crust is evenly distributed and firm. Set aside.

Making the Filling

  1. Cook the Pineapple: In a small saucepan, cook the drained crushed pineapple with the granulated sugar over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
  2. Prepare the Gelatin: In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it stand for 1 minute to soften.
  3. Combine Gelatin and Pineapple: Stir the softened gelatin mixture into the warm pineapple mixture until completely dissolved.
  4. Incorporate the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
  5. Cool the Mixture: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely. This is crucial to ensure the final texture is perfect.

Assembling the Cheesecake

  1. Add the Fruits and Nuts: Once the pineapple mixture has cooled, stir in the halved grapes, mandarin oranges, chopped maraschino cherries, and finely chopped pecans.
  2. Fold in the Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.

Setting the Cheesecake

  1. Pour the Filling: Pour the fruit and cream cheese mixture into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even layer.
  2. Chill the Cheesecake: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least for 6 hours, to allow it to set properly.

Serving the Cheesecake

  1. Unmold the Cheesecake: Once set, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. This is best done by running a knife around the edge before releasing the pan’s latch.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Slice and serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh fruit or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here is the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delectable cheesecake:

  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 26g
  • Protein: 4g

This cheesecake not only offers a burst of tropical flavors but also provides a satisfying balance of nutrients.

Conclusion

Our Tropical Fruit Salad Cheesecake is a testament to the beautiful marriage of creamy cheesecake and vibrant tropical fruits. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be foolproof and rewarding.

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