Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all the delicious fruits that are in season. And what better way to showcase them than in a simple and elegant Fruit and Cream dessert? You can create a beautiful and tasty dish with just a few ingredients that will impress your guests. You can prepare the dish in under 15 minutes, and it comes to about 350 calories per serving!
In this post, I will share tips and tricks for making the perfect Fruit and Cream, from choosing the right fruits to whipping the cream. I'll also offer some creative twists on the classic recipe so that you can tailor it to your taste preferences. So grab some fresh fruit, heavy cream, and let's get started!
If you are looking for classic American desserts, then check out our delicious Apple Pie recipe, easy persimmon apple pudding, American flag-themed mixed berry pie for holidays, must-try apple fritters, etc.
If you love fruit salads, then make sure to try this addictive fruit salad in coconut curry sauce, peaches and cream recipe, and the Valentine's Day special strawberry fool dessert (a.k.a. strawberries and cream).
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Perfect Desert Idea for Celebrating Patriotic Holidays
Looking for a simple yet delicious dessert that combines Red, White, and Blue colors to impress your guests during Patriotic Holidays such as the 4th of July celebrations, Memorial Day, or Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Look no further than this Patriotic Fruit and Cream! This delightful dessert combines fresh watermelon and blueberries with lightly flavored whipped cream, making it the perfect sweet treat.
To make it even more fun, get your kids (or friends) involved in decorating. Use chilled watermelon/strawberries and blueberries to form stripes and stars for a patriotic flair. And the best part? You don't even need to turn on the oven! Preparing it a day in advance and letting it chill in the refrigerator will make it even more delicious. So get ready to indulge in this beautiful and refreshing dessert.
Why You'll Love This Quick Fruit and Cream Dessert
- It's easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
- You can use any seasonal fruit you like, making it a versatile dessert.
- The creamy filling is light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather.
- You can involve your kids, as well as guests, in preparing this dish.
- No cooking or baking is involved.
Ingredients (and their substitutions)
Fresh fruit - Fresh fruit provides natural sweetness and a variety of textures and flavors. Popular fruits include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and bananas. I used watermelon in the recipe, as they were readily available in my kitchen.
- Use a combination of fresh fruits, roasted nuts, dried fruits, tutti frutti, marshmallows, etc., to prepare this dessert.
Heavy cream - Heavy cream is whipped to give this dessert a light and fluffy texture. It's important to use heavy cream with the highest fat content as they whip quicker compared to lite/healthy cream.
- If heavy cream is unavailable, you can use whipped topping, cool whip, or non-dairy whipped cream.
- You can also use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream to prepare a lighter version of this dessert. Note that whipping is not involved.
- Ice cream can also be used instead of whipped cream to prepare this fruit salad.
- Custard prepared from box mixes is the other alternative for whipped cream.
Sugar - Sugar is added to the whipped cream to sweeten it up. You can use white granulated sugar or confectioner's sugar. I prefer using confectioner's sugar as the cornstarch helps stabilize the whipped cream's peaks.
- Some prefer using condensed milk instead of sugar to sweeten the whipped cream. In my experience, adding condensed milk makes the dessert more delicious and rich.
- Sugar alternatives such as Stevia or Monk Fruit Sugar can also be used.
Vanilla extract - A small amount of vanilla extract is added to the whipped cream to give it a delicious flavor.
- You can use Vanilla bean paste or a combination of vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste to flavor the cream. My guests have given rave reviews for this dessert whenever I have added Vanilla bean paste for flavoring.
- Maple syrup, Dulce De Leche, Rose essence/extract, Rooh Afza, etc., can be used as flavor alternatives.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Fruit Salad with Cream
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until the cream forms stiff peaks.
- Fold in the diced fruit.
- Spoon the mixture into individual serving dishes.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Expert Chef Tips
- Use fresh and ripe fruits: Choose fruits that are in season and at their peak ripeness. This will ensure the fruits are flavorful and have the best texture.
- Chill the cream: Cold cream whips up much faster. For best results, chill your cream in the fridge for at least an hour before whipping it.
- Chill the bowl and the whisk: To fasten the whipping process, place the bowl and the whisk attachment in the refrigerator for at least an hour, along with the cream.
- Do not to over-whip the cream: Over-whipping the cream will turn it. Stop whipping when you have achieved the medium-stiff peaks.
- Don't mix the fruits too early: When fruits are mixed early, they tend to release moisture and turn mushy. It can also cause the cream to separate in some cases. I like to mix in the chilled fruits just before serving them for the best experience.
- Add two tablespoons of sour cream or yogurt to cut through the richness of the cream.
- Acidic fruits such as sour oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits should be avoided as they do not pair well with dairy products.
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Storage of leftovers - Fruit and Cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Make Ahead Tips - You can make the cream filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the fruit right before serving.
Recipe FAQs
You can add most of the fruits to this creamy fruit salad recipe. Some popular choices include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, kiwi, pineapple, mango, dragon fruit, and grapes. Just make sure to cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces and mix them gently with the cream. Also, avoid acidic/sour fruits as they may curdle the cream.
Yes, you can use coconut cream or other non-dairy whipping cream instead of heavy cream.
Yes, you can use frozen fruit. Just be sure to thaw it first.
Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream such as Cool Whip, Miracle Whip, Marshmallow creme or fluff, etc.
Yes. Natural sweeteners like stevia, honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup can be used. Experiment and find the sweetener that works best for you.
Variations to Fruit and Cream Recipe
- Summer fruit trifle (a.k.a. Cake with Fruit and Cream): Layer pieces of cake, fresh chopped seasonal fruit, and whipped cream in a large trifle dish for a beautiful and delicious summer dessert.
- Fruit Salad with Jello: My kids especially love this variation to this recipe. Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the jello. Once the jello sets, cut it into small cubes and combine it with the prepared fruit and cream.
- Grilled fruit skewers with cream dip: Thread skewers with sliced fruit (e.g., pineapple, pear, etc.) and grill until lightly charred, then serve with a dip made from whipped cream, cream cheese, and honey.
- Fruit and cream parfait: Layer whipped cream, yogurt, and fresh fruit in a glass or jar for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
- Fruit and cream popsicles: Blend together whipped cream, yogurt, and your favorite fruit, pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and freeze for a refreshing summer treat.
- Fruit Salad with Custard Mousse: Use flavored Custard Box Mix and follow instructions to prepare a no-gelatin custard base. Once the custard has cooled completely, mix this with whipped cream to prepare a light custard-flavored mousse. Add chopped seasonal fruits of your choice and mix gently to get Fruit Custard Mousse.
- Strawberry Fool - a Valentine's Day dessert: In a bowl, take fresh strawberries, add a splash of one of your favorite fruit liqueurs such as Grand Marnier, Chambord, etc., and gently mash with a fork. Take a dessert glass and form alternate layers of mashed strawberries and vanilla-flavored whipped cream. Enjoy this classic dreamy dessert with your Valentine!
- Ambrosia Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine whipped cream, mini rainbow marshmallows, coconut flakes, and canned or fresh fruits like pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, and cherries. Mix until well combined. Chill for a few hours before serving.
You Might Also Love These Patriotic Desserts
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Recipe card
Best Fruit and Cream | Easy No Bake Patriotic Dessert
Equipment
- 1 Electric whisk to whip cream
- 1 Large Glass Bowl to whip cream, and mix
- 6 Dessert Bowls to serve
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Watermelon deseeded and cubed
- ¾ cup Blueberries
- 1 pint Heavy cream approx. 470 ml, cold
- ¼ cup Sugar, granulated or confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash the blueberries and keep them aside.¾ cup Blueberries
- Cut the watermelon into squares or any desired shape.2 ½ cups Watermelon
- Using an electric whisk or beater, whip the heavy cream along with vanilla extract and sugar until stiff peaks are formed for about 4 to 5 minutes.1 pint Heavy cream, ¼ cup Sugar, granulated, 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- You can serve it in several ways. (1) You can add fruits in a cup, top it off with whipped cream and garnish with additional fruits. (2) In a large serving bowl, add a layer of whipped cream, followed by a layer of watermelon and blueberries, topped with another layer of cream. Garnish the top with additional fruits.
- Fruit and Cream is now ready. You may serve it right away, or you can let this rest in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or even overnight. Personally, I feel it tastes the best when it is chill all the way through.
Notes
- Vary the amount of fruits as desired in the recipe.
- You can substitute water melon with strawberries or raspberries if you like.
- Use fresh and ripe fruits: Choose fruits that are in season and at their peak ripeness. This will ensure the fruits are flavorful and have the best texture.
- Chill the cream: Cold cream whips up much faster. For best results, chill your cream in the fridge for at least an hour before whipping it.
- Chill the bowl and the whisk: To fasten the whipping process, place the bowl and the whisk attachment in the refrigerator for at least an hour along with the cream.
- Do not to over-whip the cream: Over-whipping the cream will turn it . Stop whipping when you have achieved the medium-stiff peaks.
- Don't mix the fruits too early: When fruits are mixed early, they tend to release moisture and turn mushy. It can also cause the cream to separate in some cases. I like to mix in the chilled fruits just before serving them for the best experience.
- Add some sour cream or yogurt to cut through the richness of the cream.
Kim
What a lovely dessert. Looking forward to trying it.
Elisa
It is such a fun Fruit and Cream dessert recipe, will make it with the kiddos, looks delicious and is easy to make. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Paula
This creamy mixture went perfectly with our red and blue fruits for the fourth of july!
Jess
Perfect for the 4th of July and celebrating this weekend!
Fiona Maclean
fabulous. I do like the addition of yoghurt to the cream to make it a bit lighter and gut friendly!