Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad is a nostalgic and delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of fruits with the creamy texture of whipped cream and the refreshing chill of a frozen dessert. Perfect for hot summer days, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet side dish for potlucks, this recipe is as comforting as it is delicious.
Passed down through generations, it captures the essence of homemade goodness with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a family celebration or just craving something cool and fruity, this frozen fruit salad will quickly become a favorite in your home. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient yet impressive dessert option. With a creamy base and bits of fruit in every bite, it’s both refreshing and satisfying — a true classic with a timeless charm.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup sliced bananas
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and drained
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or whipped topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. If you’re using a store-bought whipped topping, you can skip this step.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the sour cream mixture until fully combined. Take care not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Add the drained pineapple, sliced bananas, halved cherries, and halved grapes to the bowl. Mix gently to coat the fruit evenly with the creamy base.
- Stir in the miniature marshmallows and optional chopped nuts, if using. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or a square freezer-safe dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap or foil and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until fully frozen. For best texture, let it freeze overnight.
- When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for easy slicing.
- Slice into squares or use a scoop to serve in dessert bowls. Garnish with extra fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
This frozen fruit salad is a versatile recipe you can adapt to suit your tastes or the season. Swap in strawberries, mango, or peaches if you like, or skip the marshmallows for a slightly healthier twist. The balance of tangy sour cream, sweet fruits, and fluffy cream creates a rich yet refreshing dessert that’s light enough to enjoy after a big meal but satisfying enough to stand on its own. Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad has that perfect old-fashioned charm that makes it feel like a warm hug from the past — cold, sweet, and completely comforting.