Grandma’s Chilled Fruit Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dessert is both light and luscious at the same time. The blend of cream cheese, whipped cream, and juicy fruits creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart, creamy and refreshing. It’s also a great make-ahead recipe—I just pop it in the freezer and forget about it until it’s time to serve. It’s beautiful on a summer table, easy to customize, and always brings that “wow” factor at family gatherings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (8-ounce) package of softened cream cheese
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup whipped heavy cream
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries or raspberries, slightly thawed and chopped
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
½ cup chopped pecans
⅓ cup halved maraschino cherries
2 ripe bananas, sliced
Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

1. Prepare the base
I beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Fold in the whipped cream
Next, I gently fold in the whipped heavy cream, making sure to keep the mixture fluffy and light.

3. Add the fruits
I stir in the drained pineapple, chopped frozen berries, and drained mandarin oranges until everything is evenly combined.

4. Mix in the extras
I add in the chopped pecans and halved maraschino cherries, which bring a fun pop of color and a little crunch.

5. Prep the bananas
To keep the bananas from browning, I toss them in lemon juice, then gently fold them into the fruit mixture.

6. Freeze the dessert
I spread the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan, smooth the top, cover it, and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours (or overnight if I’m prepping ahead).

7. Serve
Before serving, I let the dish sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it softens slightly. Then I cut it into squares and serve cold.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Freezing Time: 4+ hours
Total Time: about 4 hours 15 minutes

This recipe is the definition of “make it and forget it”—I love pulling it out for last-minute desserts or surprise guests.

Variations

Tropical Twist
I sometimes add shredded coconut and swap pecans for macadamia nuts to give it a tropical island vibe.

Fresh Fruit Option
To make it less sweet, I use fresh berries instead of frozen and reduce the sugar slightly.

Different Nut Choices
Walnuts or almonds also work beautifully here, depending on what I have on hand.

Festive Touch
For a party or holiday table, I garnish with fresh mint leaves, extra cherries, or a small dollop of whipped cream on each square.

Banana-Free Version
If bananas aren’t my thing, I just skip them—this dessert is still delicious with the other fruits.

storage/reheating

Freezer Storage
I keep leftovers frozen in the same pan, tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or foil. It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Serving From Frozen
I just let the pan sit out for 10–15 minutes before slicing. For easier portioning, I sometimes pre-slice the bars before freezing and separate them with parchment paper.

Make-Ahead Friendly
This recipe is made for prepping ahead—I love making it a day before a gathering so it’s fully set and ready to slice when I need it.

FAQs

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

Yes, I’ve done that when I’m in a pinch. It’s a little sweeter, but it works perfectly and holds up well in the freezer.

Can I make this without nuts?

Absolutely. I just leave out the pecans if I’m serving someone with a nut allergy—it’s still creamy and full of texture from the fruit.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes. I slice them thinly before mixing in. If using fresh, I don’t need to thaw or chop—just rinse, dry, and slice.

Why do I need lemon juice for the bananas?

The lemon juice keeps the banana slices from turning brown. It also adds a little brightness that complements the sweet fruit and cream.

Can I serve this as a scoopable dessert instead of bars?

I can! I simply freeze it in a large bowl or container and serve it like ice cream. It’s especially nice when topped with extra fruit.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Chilled Fruit Delight is one of those timeless recipes that brings people together and leaves everyone asking for seconds. It’s creamy, fruity, nostalgic, and so easy to make. Whether I’m honoring a family tradition or just looking for something refreshing and simple to serve, this frozen fruit salad always comes through. It reminds me of warm summers, shared laughter, and the kind of desserts that never go out of style.