There’s something utterly magical about a bowl of fresh fruit bathed in luscious, velvety cream. If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s both elegant enough for dinner parties and simple enough for weeknight indulgence, you’ve just discovered your new favorite recipe. This Salade de Fruits Crémeuse – or Creamy Fruit Salad – is a French-inspired treat that transforms ordinary fruit into an extraordinary experience.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of natural sweetness from ripe fruits, the luxurious richness of cream, and just a hint of vanilla that ties everything together. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, need a light dessert after a heavy meal, or simply want to elevate your fruit game, this creamy fruit salad delivers every single time.

The best part? You don’t need to be a trained chef to master this recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll create a dessert that looks like it came from a fancy French patisserie. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can adapt it to whatever fruits are in season, making it a year-round favorite. Let’s dive into this delightful creation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Fruit Salad

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me tell you why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. First, it’s ridiculously easy – no baking, no complicated techniques, just simple assembly. Second, it’s naturally customizable based on your preferences and what’s available at your local market. Third, it’s lighter than most cream-based desserts, making it perfect for those moments when you want something sweet but not too heavy.

This French-style fruit salad also offers nutritional benefits. You’re getting a generous serving of fresh fruits packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. While the cream adds richness, you can adjust the amount to suit your dietary preferences. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent without the guilt!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fruit Base:

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved (or quartered if large)
• 2 medium bananas, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1 cup green grapes, halved
• 2 kiwis, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large orange, peeled and segmented (membrane removed)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (about ½-inch pieces)
• 1 cup blueberries, fresh or thawed if frozen
• 1 apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of half a lemon (optional, but adds brightness)
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• Shredded coconut, lightly toasted
• Sliced almonds, toasted
• Pomegranate arils, for a pop of color

Total Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total Time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Fruits

Start by washing all your fruits thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture can water down your creamy dressing, making it less luxurious.

Begin prepping your fruits according to the ingredients list. Hull and halve the strawberries, slice the bananas, halve the grapes, and dice the kiwis into bite-sized pieces. For the orange, carefully peel it and remove as much of the white pith as possible. Separate the segments and remove the membrane for a more pleasant eating experience. Cut your pineapple into uniform chunks, and dice the apple just before assembling to prevent browning.

Place all your prepared fruit in a large mixing bowl. A bowl with a wide diameter works best here, as it gives you plenty of room to fold in the cream without crushing the delicate fruits.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine your cold heavy whipping cream, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and powdered sugar. The cold cream is essential – it whips better and creates a more stable texture. Using an electric hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.

You’re looking for soft peaks – the cream should be thick and hold its shape when you lift the whisk, but still be soft enough to fold easily into the fruit. Don’t overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter! If using a whisk, this will take about 5-7 minutes of vigorous whisking, so an electric mixer definitely makes life easier.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Enhancers

Once your cream reaches the perfect consistency, gently fold in the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), and a small pinch of salt. The lemon juice serves two purposes: it adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the cream, and it helps prevent the fruit (especially bananas and apples) from browning too quickly.

The pinch of salt might seem odd in a sweet dish, but trust me – it enhances all the flavors and makes the sweetness pop. Fold these ingredients in gently with a spatula using a sweeping motion from the bottom of the bowl to the top.

Step 4: Combine Fruit and Cream

Here comes the fun part! Pour your luscious cream mixture over the prepared fruit in the large bowl. Using a large rubber spatula or spoon, gently fold the cream into the fruit using a delicate touch. You want to coat every piece of fruit without crushing the more delicate berries.

Use a folding motion rather than stirring – scoop from the bottom of the bowl and fold over the top. Rotate the bowl as you work to ensure even distribution. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The salad is ready when every piece of fruit is beautifully coated in that dreamy cream.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer your creamy fruit salad to a serving bowl – a clear glass bowl shows off the beautiful colors spectacularly! Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the cream to firm up slightly.

Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir if the cream has settled. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Recipe Notes & Variations

Fruit Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap out fruits based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Summer variations might include fresh peaches, nectarines, or cherries. Fall and winter options could incorporate pears, persimmons, or pomegranate seeds. Avoid overly watery fruits like watermelon, as they can dilute the cream.

Cream Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten this dessert, you can substitute half the heavy cream with additional Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich version. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream (the thick part from a can of full-fat coconut milk) whisked with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Sweetness Adjustments

The sweetness level in this recipe is moderate, allowing the natural fruit sugars to shine. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, increase the powdered sugar to ¼ cup. For a less sweet version, reduce it to 2 tablespoons or use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.

Make It Tropical

Transform this into a tropical paradise by using only tropical fruits: pineapple, mango, kiwi, banana, and papaya. Add a tablespoon of coconut extract to the cream and top with toasted coconut flakes. You’ll feel like you’re on a beach vacation!

Berry Lover’s Version

Use an all-berry combination with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. This version pairs beautifully with a touch of amaretto or almond extract in the cream.

Pro Tips for Success

• Prep ahead: You can prepare the fruit up to 4 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Make the cream dressing just before serving and fold it in at the last minute for the freshest taste.
• Prevent browning: If preparing ahead, toss apples and bananas in a little extra lemon juice to keep them from oxidizing.
• Temperature matters: Always start with cold cream for the best whipping results.
• Gentle folding: The key to a beautiful presentation is gentle handling. Rough stirring will break down the fruit and create a mushy texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Fruit Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

As a Dessert: Serve it in individual parfait glasses or small bowls for an elegant dinner party dessert. Layer it with crumbled shortbread cookies or ladyfingers for added texture and sophistication.

For Brunch: This makes a stunning addition to any brunch spread. Place it alongside pastries, quiches, and other breakfast favorites. It’s particularly popular at baby showers, bridal showers, and Easter brunches.

With Cake: Use it as a topping for angel food cake or pound cake. The combination of fluffy cake and creamy fruit is absolutely divine.

With Granola: For a breakfast twist, serve it over granola or muesli with a drizzle of honey. This turns it into a more substantial morning meal.

Accompaniments: This fruit salad pairs beautifully with:

• Vanilla wafers or butter cookies
• Shortbread biscuits
• Madeleines (very French!)
• Graham crackers
• Whipped cream for extra indulgence
• A glass of Prosecco or sparkling wine for special occasions

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Store your Creamy Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The cream will start to separate and the fruit will release juices over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the cream.

Make-Ahead Tips: For the best results, prepare the fruit and cream mixture separately. Store the cut fruit in one container and the whipped cream mixture in another, both covered and refrigerated. Combine them 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this fruit salad, as the cream will separate and the fruit texture will deteriorate significantly upon thawing. If you have leftovers that you can’t finish, it’s better to enjoy them within a day rather than attempt freezing.

Texture Changes: After several hours, you may notice the salad becomes more liquid as fruit releases its natural juices. This is normal and doesn’t mean the salad has gone bad. You can drain off some of the excess liquid before serving if desired, though some people enjoy the fruit juice mixed with the cream.

Food Safety: Because this recipe contains dairy, it should never be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If serving outdoors or at a buffet, keep it in a bowl nested inside a larger bowl filled with ice.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 8 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 195 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Vitamin C: 65% DV
• Vitamin A: 8% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 2% DV

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. These values are calculated for a standard serving using full-fat dairy products.

Health Benefits: This fruit salad provides a good dose of vitamin C from the citrus and berries, supporting immune function. The variety of fruits contributes antioxidants that fight free radicals, while the fiber aids digestion. The dairy provides calcium for bone health. For a lighter version, substitute part of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt to increase protein content and reduce calories.

Conclusion

There you have it – a stunning, delicious, and surprisingly simple Creamy Fruit Salad that’s going to become your go-to recipe for every occasion. The combination of fresh, juicy fruits with that silky, vanilla-kissed cream creates a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly special.

What I love most about this Salade de Fruits Crémeuse is how it celebrates the natural beauty and flavor of fruit while adding just enough indulgence to make it feel like a real treat. It’s the perfect way to end a meal on a light yet satisfying note, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike.

So grab your favorite fruits, whip up that dreamy cream, and treat yourself to this French-inspired delight. Don’t forget to take a photo before everyone digs in – this beautiful creation deserves to be shared! And once you’ve tried it, come back and let me know which fruit combination was your favorite. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!

Pro tip: Make this recipe your own by experimenting with seasonal fruits throughout the year. The basic cream formula stays the same, but the fruit possibilities are endless. Here’s to making every day a little sweeter, one spoonful at a time! 🍓🥝🍊

Print