Nothing brightens up any gathering like this delightful Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant medley of crisp apples, juicy grapes, sweet mandarin oranges, fresh strawberries, and creamy bananas all lovingly tossed together with fluffy homemade whipped cream, a hint of vanilla, and just the right touch of maple syrup. This salad is a perfect balance of textures and natural sweetness, making it an irresistible treat that’s as simple to prepare as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re whipping it up for a festive brunch or a light dessert, this recipe brings freshness and joy to your table every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight white bowls and small containers with different colorful ingredients arranged on a pink tiled surface with visible cracks. Starting from the top right, there is a white bowl filled with bright red halved strawberries. Below it is a smaller bowl filled with dark red halved grapes. To the right of the grapes is a small white container with creamy white heavy whipping cream. Near the center left is a large white bowl full of diced apples with yellow flesh and red skin. To the left of that is a small white jug holding a dark liquid labeled as vanilla extract. Below the apples is a clear small container filled with amber maple syrup. At the bottom left is another white bowl with sliced bananas showing pale yellow flesh and light brown edges. In the bottom center is a white bowl filled with bright orange mandarin orange segments. Lastly, at the bottom right is a small white bowl filled with dark brown chocolate chips. The light and shadows suggest bright natural daylight. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a starring role. From crisp fruit to smooth whipped cream and luscious maple syrup, every component adds a unique flavor or texture that makes this salad a real crowd-pleaser.

2 medium apples: Using varieties like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Cosmic Crisp adds a crisp texture and natural sweetness with the peel left on for extra fiber.
1 cup red grapes: Halved to create little bursts of juicy sweetness that complement the other fruits.
1 can (10.5 ounces) mandarin oranges: Drained thoroughly to prevent sogginess and add bright, citrusy flavor.
1 cup strawberries: Quartered for a fresh, slightly tart contrast and lovely color.
1 large banana: Sliced to add creaminess and mellow sweetness to the mix.
1/3 cup chocolate chips: A delightful surprise that adds bursts of rich decadence against the fruit.
1 pint heavy whipping cream: The key to that luscious, airy texture that brings everything together.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the whipped cream with a warm, aromatic touch.
1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Adjusted to your preferred level of sweetness, adding natural depth and subtle complexity.
1/3 cup pomegranate arils (optional): For a jewel-like garnish that delivers a pop of tartness and pretty color.

How to Make Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Fruit

Start by cutting the apples into bite-sized chunks, keeping the peel on for added texture and nutrients. Halve the grapes, quarter the strawberries, and slice the banana into rounds. Drain the mandarin oranges well, then gently pat them dry with paper towels to prevent extra moisture from watery fruit salad. Combine all these fresh fruits in your biggest mixing bowl or serving dish. This colorful foundation sets the stage beautifully for the whipped cream to come.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a clean mixing bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream, then add vanilla extract and maple syrup. Whip the mixture using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment until soft to medium peaks form. It’s important to stop whisking just before it’s too stiff to keep a light and airy texture. Over-whipping can turn the cream grainy, so keep an eye on it as you go.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

Gently fold the freshly whipped cream into the bowl of mixed fruit. The goal is to distribute the cream evenly without crushing the tender fruit pieces. Once incorporated, stir in the chocolate chips carefully, preserving the texture and balance. For an extra touch of elegance, top the salad with additional banana slices, a few chocolate chips, and sprinkle pomegranate arils if you’re using them. Serve this immediately to enjoy its fresh, creamy goodness at its peak.

How to Serve Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe

A large white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a colorful mix of fresh fruit and a big dollop of thick white cream on one side. The fruit mix shows distinct layers including red and dark purple grapes, sliced light yellow bananas, bright orange segments, red strawberries cut in halves, and small pieces of yellow apples with red skin. The cream on the right side is smooth and fluffy, covering almost half of the fruit. The bowl shows a casual, fresh mixture ready to be stirred together, with sunlight casting soft shadows around the fruit and cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped nuts, extra chocolate chips, or a handful of pomegranate arils instantly enhances this Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe’s appearance and flavor profile. Fresh mint leaves make a lovely aromatic touch that brightens the first bite while adding a pop of green color.

Side Dishes

This fruit salad pairs wonderfully with light, summery dishes. Think fluffy pancakes for breakfast, grilled chicken for a balanced lunch, or alongside a cheese platter as an elegant dessert. It’s also fantastic next to a refreshing iced tea or sparkling lemonade on warm days.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe in clear glass bowls or individual mason jars to show off the vibrant layers of fruit and cream. Alternatively, hollowed-out fruit shells like melons or pineapples double as an inviting edible bowl. For a party, spoon it into colorful cupcake liners or small dessert cups for easy grab-and-go servings that look festive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), cover the fruit salad tightly and keep it refrigerated. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days as the fresh fruit may start to release juices and make the whipped cream watery. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to recombine.

Freezing

Because of the fresh fruit and whipped cream, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the fruit will change and the whipped cream may separate when thawed, resulting in a less appealing dish.

Reheating

This fruit salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. Warm temperatures can cause the whipped cream to melt and the fruit to become mushy, so enjoy it fresh for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits in this Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! This salad is versatile – try adding pineapple chunks, kiwi slices, blueberries, or even mango for a tropical twist. Just balance textures and sweetness to keep that perfect harmony.

Is it possible to use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?

You can, but homemade whipped cream blends better into the fruit and tastes fresher. Store-bought versions often contain stabilizers and have a different texture, so making your own is worth the small extra effort.

How do I prevent the apples and bananas from browning?

To keep apples and bananas looking fresh, toss them briefly in a little lemon juice before mixing with the other fruits. This slows oxidation and preserves their bright color.

Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream whipped up until fluffy, and use maple syrup or agave as the sweetener. The flavor will be just as delightful with a slightly different twist.

What’s the best way to keep the whipped cream stable in the salad?

Whip the cream to medium peaks and fold it gently into cold fruit right before serving to maintain its fluffiness. Avoid overmixing or making too far in advance since fruit juices can break down the cream over time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe is one of those feel-good recipes that always delivers joy with every spoonful. It’s fresh, creamy, sweet, and colorful — perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something light yet decadent. Give it a try the next time you want a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with wholesome flavor and personality. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe