This peach cheesecake salad is a fun and creamy treat! With sweet peaches and fluffy cream cheese, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or a tasty snack at home.
Who knew salad could taste so good? I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls while prepping. 🙈 It’s super easy to make; just mix, chill, and enjoy this delicious fluff!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: I recommend using ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches can work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds that classic cheesecake taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. They provide creaminess while cutting calories.
Powdered Sugar: This ingredient sweetens the mix easily. If you’re trying to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Just adjust the amount since they can be sweeter than regular sugar.
Whipped Topping: I like Cool Whip for its convenience, but homemade whipped cream can be a lovely alternative. Just whip heavy cream until it forms soft peaks—it’s fresher and can taste even better!
How Do I Make the Creamy Mixture Light and Fluffy?
Getting that light and fluffy texture for your peach cheesecake salad is all about mixing techniques. Here’s how:
- Start with softened cream cheese. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to make it easy to beat.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth. This avoids lumps.
- Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until everything is well combined.
- When folding in the whipped topping, use a spatula. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture instead of stirring. This keeps the air in, giving you that nice light texture!
This step makes all the difference in how fluffy and delicious your salad turns out!
Easy Peach Cheesecake Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll want to chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. That’s all it takes for a creamy, delicious salad that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer. Keep mixing until it becomes smooth and creamy, which should only take a couple of minutes.
2. Sweeten It Up:
Next, add in the powdered sugar and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth. This is where your cream cheese gets its tasty sweetness!
3. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Now it’s time to gently fold in the whipped topping. Use a spatula and be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep that light and fluffy texture in your mixture!
4. Add the Peaches:
Carefully fold in the sliced peaches, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the creamy mixture. You want each peach slice to be surrounded by that delicious cheesecake flavor.
5. Chill & Set:
Transfer your salad to a serving bowl and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour so the flavors can meld together beautifully and the salad can firm up a bit.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, you can sprinkle on some chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon to add a little extra flavor and crunch. Serve this chilled and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer!
This Easy Peach Cheesecake Salad is an irresistible treat that combines rich creaminess with fresh, juicy peaches. It’s perfect for summer gatherings and guaranteed to impress! Enjoy! 🍑💖
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches in this recipe! Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture, which can make the salad watery.
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This peach cheesecake salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh, but it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I Make This Recipe a Day Ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making this salad a day ahead can enhance the flavors as they meld together. Just be sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate. You might want to give it a gentle stir before serving!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Salad?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can mix in other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even diced apples for additional flavor and color. Just keep the overall fruit quantity balanced with the peaches for the best consistency.