This fun and colorful cheesecake salad is a summer treat! With layers of creamy cheesecake, fresh berries, and cool whipped topping, it’s as tasty as it is pretty.
It’s perfect for barbecues or picnics, and the best part? You can easily make it ahead of time! I find that this dessert always gets smiles and enjoys a quick disappearing act! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: A key ingredient for that rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is essential for achieving the fluffy texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well, but it will add a coconut flavor to the salad.
Sugar: Powdered sugar gives a smooth sweetness that’s perfect for this dessert. If you need a sugar substitute, consider using a sweetener like stevia or erythritol to keep it low-calorie.
Strawberries and Blueberries: Fresh berries are a must for this dish! If you can’t get them, you could swap in any other berries, like raspberries or blackberries, or even use frozen ones—just thaw and drain before adding.
Marshmallows: They’re key for that fun, fluffy texture. Mini marshmallows are best, but if you can’t find them, cut regular ones into smaller pieces.
How Do You Get the Perfect Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream can be tricky! Here’s how to achieve the fluffy peaks you want:
- Start with a cold mixing bowl and cold heavy cream, as this helps it whip up better.
- Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Be cautious not to over-whip it; you want fluffy peaks, not grainy butter.
This method ensures your whipped cream is light and airy, making your cheesecake salad perfectly delightful! Enjoy making this tasty dish! 😊
Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 cups large marshmallows (mini marshmallows work too)
- Optional garnish: extra strawberries and blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, a total of about 2 hours and 15 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. This step is crucial for making sure there are no lumps in your salad.
2. Adding the Sweetness:
Gradually sprinkle in the powdered sugar while mixing. Continue beating the mixture until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Whipping the Cream:
In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the vanilla extract. Use the hand mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form, which takes about 3-5 minutes. This will give your salad that light and fluffy texture.
4. Folding in the Cream:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful to do this slowly to keep it fluffy. You want it well mixed, but not deflated!
5. Adding the Berries and Marshmallows:
Now, add in the quartered strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows. Carefully fold them into the creamy mixture until evenly distributed. This will create a beautiful mix of colors throughout.
6. Serving Time:
Transfer your cheesecake salad into a serving dish or a storage container. It’s okay if it looks a little messy—it’s all part of the charm!
7. Chilling for Flavor:
Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps all the flavors come together and firms up the salad so it’s easy to scoop.
8. Garnishing:
When you’re ready to serve, feel free to add extra strawberries and blueberries on top for a beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy your festive treat!
This refreshing and creamy dessert salad is a perfect highlight for your summer gatherings and showcases the vibrant red, white, and blue colors—ideal for any celebration! 🎆
FAQ about Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
Can I Make This Cheesecake Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just make sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld nicely!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Berries?
No worries! You can use frozen berries instead. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the salad to prevent it from becoming watery.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again, if needed, to redistribute the creamy mixture.
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Yes! You can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of regular cream cheese for a lighter option. If you have a dairy allergy, coconut cream is a great substitute for whipped cream!
These tips should help you create and enjoy your Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad to the fullest! Enjoy your festive dessert! 🎉
