The holidays are a time for joy, togetherness, and of course, delicious food. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s festive, easy to prepare, and absolutely delicious, look no further than this Festive Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad. Packed with fruity flavors, a creamy texture, and just the right amount of crunch, this dessert is the perfect addition to your holiday table.
Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or attending a festive potluck, this frozen salad will wow everyone with its bright colors and refreshing taste. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it stress-free and convenient for busy holiday schedules.
Let’s dive into what makes this frozen cranberry fruit salad so special and how you can whip it up in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Festive Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad
- Festive Colors: The vibrant red cranberries, juicy strawberries, and golden pineapple give this dessert a cheerful holiday look.
- Refreshing Texture: The frozen, creamy consistency makes it a delightful change from heavier desserts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and freeze it—perfect for reducing stress on the big day.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can switch up the fruits and nuts to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: Sweet and fruity, this salad is a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Festive Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Base: | Cream cheese, softened | 1 (8-oz) package |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | |
| Fruits & Nuts: | Whole cranberry sauce | 1 (14-oz) can |
| Crushed pineapple, drained | 1 (8-oz) can | |
| Chopped strawberries | ¾ cup | |
| Chopped pecans | ½ cup | |
| Shredded sweetened coconut | ½ cup | |
| Whipped Topping: | Cool Whip, thawed | 1 (8-oz) carton |
How to Make Festive Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad
1. Prepare the Creamy Base
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer.
- Continue mixing until the texture is smooth and creamy. This will form the sweet and tangy base for the salad.
2. Add the Fruit and Nuts
- Fold in the cranberry sauce, drained pineapple, chopped strawberries, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut.
- Gently mix everything until the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
3. Fold in the Cool Whip
- Add the thawed Cool Whip to the fruit mixture.
- Use a spatula to gently fold the whipped topping into the mixture, taking care not to deflate its airy texture.
4. Freeze the Salad
- Spoon the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or individual molds if you prefer smaller servings.
- Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
5. Serve the Salad
- Remove the salad from the freezer about 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
- Slice into squares or scoop into bowls. For an extra festive touch, garnish with fresh strawberries or chopped pecans.
Pro Tips for the Best Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your ingredients chilled to ensure the salad sets properly in the freezer.
- Drain the Pineapple Thoroughly: Excess liquid from the pineapple can make the salad too watery.
- Customize the Fruits: Swap out strawberries for raspberries or add blueberries for a berry-filled twist.
- Toast the Pecans: For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before chopping them.
- Use Silicone Molds for Individual Portions: If you’re serving this at a party, individual portions make for an elegant presentation.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice or scoop) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugars | 28g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on portion size.
Creative Variations
- Tropical Cranberry Salad: Add diced mango and replace pecans with macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.
- Berry Medley Salad: Replace strawberries with blackberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version.
- Chocolate-Cranberry Delight: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frozen salad before serving for a decadent touch.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped topping to make it vegan-friendly.
- Citrus Surprise: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the mixture for a burst of citrus flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.
- Overmixing the Cool Whip: Fold gently to maintain the light and airy texture.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Freezing for less than 4 hours may result in a softer texture that’s harder to slice.
- Using Unsweetened Cranberry Sauce: Opt for whole cranberry sauce for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Serving It Too Frozen: Letting the salad sit out for a few minutes before serving makes it easier to slice or scoop.
FAQs About Festive Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in the freezer until ready to serve.
2. Can I substitute fresh whipped cream for Cool Whip?
Absolutely. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the mixture.
3. What if I don’t have pecans?
You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or skip the nuts altogether if you prefer.
4. How should I store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to one week.
5. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the salad too watery.
6. Can I serve this as a dessert instead of a side dish?
Of course! Its sweet and creamy flavors make it an excellent light dessert option.
Conclusion: A Festive Holiday Must-Try
This Festive Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad is a holiday dessert that brings together all the flavors and textures you love—sweet, creamy, fruity, and nutty. Its vibrant colors and refreshing chill make it a standout dish for any holiday celebration. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or attending a potluck, this easy-to-make treat will quickly become a new holiday tradition.
So, gather your ingredients, whip up this delightful salad, and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends. Happy holidays!
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Festive Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad – A Perfect Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
Description
This Festive Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad combines creamy textures, fruity flavors, and a delightful crunch for a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for the holidays, this no-bake, make-ahead treat is a crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of color and flavor to your table. With a mix of cranberries, pineapple, strawberries, pecans, and coconut, it’s festive, flavorful, and fun to make!
Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (14-oz) can whole cranberry sauce
- 1 (8-oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- ¾ cup chopped strawberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 (8-oz) carton Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer.
- Continue mixing until the texture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Fruit and Nuts
- Gently fold in the whole cranberry sauce, drained crushed pineapple, chopped strawberries, chopped pecans, and shredded sweetened coconut.
- Stir until all the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: Fold in the Cool Whip
- Add the thawed Cool Whip to the mixture.
- Using a spatula, gently fold it into the fruit mixture until fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain the light and airy texture.
Step 4: Freeze the Salad
- Spoon the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or individual molds if you prefer portioned servings.
- Smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing or scooping.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a festive finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Customize the Fruits: Feel free to swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry twist.
- Toast the Pecans: For a deeper nutty flavor, toast the pecans before chopping.
- Cream Cheese Tip: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the creamy base.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly and store them in the freezer for up to one week.
- Serving Ideas: Serve as a side dish or a dessert at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
