Name: Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium apples, cut into bite-sized chunks (recommend pink lady, honey crisp, or cosmic crisp); 1 cup red grapes, halved; 1 (10.5 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry; 1 cup strawberries, quartered; 1 large banana, sliced; 1/3 cup pomegranate arils (optional); 1 pint heavy whipping cream; 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, depending on sweetness preference; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup chocolate chips; Additional banana slices (optional); Additional chocolate chips (optional); Additional pomegranate seeds (optional)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

If you’re looking for a refreshing, colorful, and effortlessly delightful dessert or snack, this Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining crisp apples, juicy grapes, sweet mandarin oranges, luscious strawberries, and creamy, homemade whipped cream, it creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special but comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight treats and festive gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become your go-to for a quick, tasty burst of fruit and cream.

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

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each item plays a starring role in creating a salad that’s bursting with freshness, creaminess, and just the right touch of indulgence.

2 medium apples: Choose Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Cosmic Crisp for the best crunch and tartness that balance the creaminess.
1 cup red grapes: Halved for easy eating and juicy pops of sweetness throughout the salad.
1 can (10.5 oz) mandarin oranges: Well-drained and patted dry to keep the salad fresh and not watery.
1 cup strawberries: Quartered to add vibrant color and a slight tang.
1 large banana: Sliced for softness and natural sweetness that complements the other fruits.
1/3 cup chocolate chips: A playful, decadent touch that makes this salad feel like a treat.
1 pint heavy whipping cream: The backbone of the whipped cream, bringing the whole salad together with fluffy richness.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the whipped cream.
1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Choose your sweetness level and add a natural, elegant flavor.
1/3 cup pomegranate arils (optional): For a burst of jewel-like color and a slight tart crunch if you want to dress it up.

How to Make Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by cutting your apples into bite-sized chunks, keeping the peels on for extra texture and nutrients. Halve the grapes, quarter the strawberries, and slice the banana to ensure every bite offers varied shapes and tastes. Drain the mandarin oranges thoroughly to avoid excess liquid. Combining these fresh, colorful fruits in a large bowl sets the foundation for a stunning salad.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, gather your heavy whipping cream, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the mixture until medium peaks form. This means the cream will hold soft shapes but remain light and airy—watch carefully to prevent over whipping, which can cause it to curdle and turn grainy.

Step 3: Combine Fruit and Whipped Cream

Gently fold the freshly whipped cream into your bowl of fruit to evenly coat each piece. The folding technique is key here to keep the delicate cream fluffy and not squash the fruit. Once combined, sprinkle in the chocolate chips and fold once more to distribute them evenly while maintaining that luscious creaminess.

Step 4: Finish with Toppings

Top the salad with extra banana slices, chocolate chips, and those optional pomegranate arils for a presentation that looks as good as it tastes. These final touches add a playful, gourmet feel, but the salad is delicious even without them!

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

Serving with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or a light dusting of cinnamon can elevate the salad’s aroma and flavor. The pomegranate seeds add a gorgeous pop of color and a bit of crunch that pairs beautifully with the smooth whipped cream.

Side Dishes

This fruit salad pairs wonderfully with light breakfasts like toast or muffins, or acts as a sweet complement to grilled chicken or fish at lunch or dinner. It’s also a refreshing palate cleanser between richer dishes or a perfect finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, serve the salad in clear glass bowls or individual parfait glasses to showcase the layers and vibrant colors. For a fun twist, fill hollowed-out oranges or pineapple halves with the salad for a charming, edible bowl that impresses guests instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though it rarely lasts), store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the whipped cream may soften the fruit over time, so it’s best eaten within 24 hours for optimal freshness and texture.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing because the whipped cream and fresh fruit textures can change and become watery or mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored cold for a short time.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served chilled and fresh, so reheating is not recommended. The whipped cream will lose its texture if warmed, and the fruit will not be at its best.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?

While store-bought whipped cream can be a convenient shortcut, homemade whipped cream in this Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe offers a richer, fresher flavor and a more natural texture that truly makes the salad stand out.

What fruits work best in this whipped cream fruit salad?

The combination of crisp apples, sweet grapes, juicy mandarin oranges, strawberries, and bananas works beautifully, but feel free to swap in seasonal fruits like blueberries, peaches, or kiwi to keep it fresh and exciting year-round.

Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey is a great alternative that will still add a lovely, natural sweetness to the whipped cream. You can adjust the quantity to suit your taste.

Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or a plant-based whipping alternative and use a vegan sweetener to keep it delicious and dairy-free without losing the creamy indulgence.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

This salad is best made the day of serving to keep the fruit fresh and the whipped cream fluffy. If you need to prep in advance, keep the fruit chopped and refrigerated, then whip the cream and combine everything just before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about an Easy Whipped Cream Fruit Salad Recipe that combines freshness, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that’s always a hit, no matter the occasion, and so quick to whip up that it feels effortless. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with the people you love—happy cooking and even happier eating!