Here is an Indian dessert that celebrates the summer produce (although you can make this with the winter produce too). The fruit cream salad is no different than your regular fruit salad but it’s that one ingredient which makes a huge difference and elevates your ordinary salad into something lovely and chic. It is the simplest dessert that you can think of and it often reminds me of the British dessert ‘Fool’ since both have whipping cream and both have fruits as their key ingredient. The difference between the two is the ratio of whipped cream vis-à-vis the fruit. Also, a ‘Fool’ has, mostly, one fruit as its base which is pureed or mashed and then folded into the cream while the fruit salad has a number of fruits and obviously, they are chopped, sliced or kept whole depending on which fruits you are using. My point here is that I often wonder if this Indian dessert has a British influence.
The dessert is refreshing, light, creamy and kind of palate cleanser. It is perfect for enjoying after a barbecue meal. And is a great dessert to serve to a crowd or to serve at a party. You can chop and refrigerate the fruits in the fridge beforehand in an air tight container. And also keep the cream whipped for using it later. Although the whipping takes no more than two to three minutes. Basically it is an effortless kind of dessert that requires no cooking or baking and can be made ahead.
The fruits that work the best in my view are mangoes, apples, pears, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, cherries, papaya, and pineapple. Fruits that are watery such as the melons, kiwi fruit and oranges and the like, are not such a good idea as they will release water and spoil the consistency of the salad. Even the bananas release water and lose their texture. So the best thing, if you really want to add them to the salad, would be to add them just before serving. You can use nuts to garnish the salad and also to add some texture but I am happy without them in this salad.
I prefer to keep the fruits and whipped cream separate and mix them together just twenty minutes to half an hour before serving. Any left overs will stay well in the fridge for a day or two in an airtight container (but not if you have added fruits such as pineapples, melons or citruses to the salad)
½ C diced Pineapple (I prefer to dice them in small size)
½ C Green Grapes
½ C Black Grapes
½ C diced Red Apples (diced in small size, with skin)
4 – 6 Strawberries (depending on the size), chopped or sliced
½ C diced Mangoes (diced in small size)
½ C diced Papaya (diced in small size)
¼ C Blueberries
120 ml chilled Whipping Cream (I used Amul brand)
2 tbsp Icing Sugar (adjust to taste)
½ tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
Ensure that the fruits are chilled. If not, place them in the fridge.
I prefer to dice the fruits to the small size coz I do not like large diced chunky pieces but you can cut them to whatever size you prefer.
Also, try to ensure that the fruits are chopped or diced to the same size.
Use whatever fruits you prefer and whatever is in season. Avoid using the canned fruits.
Cut the grapes in two halves horizontally if they are large in size (mine were)
In a bowl, whisk the whipping cream, along with the icing sugar and vanilla extract, till the whipping cream holds peaks on its own. (During summer, I also chill the bowl since it helps in whipping the cream faster.) We do not want stiff peaks.
Gently fold in the fruits so that the cream is not deflated.
Serve garnished with nuts or just on its own. Enjoy!
Serves – 4 to 6
Note – I find the pomegranates a nuisance in this salad and never use them. They are here in picture only for the sake of optics.
Note – The ratio of fruits and whipped cream is only indicative in the recipe. Feel free to increase or decrease the ratio to suit your taste and preference. We like just a light blanket of whipped cream around the fruits so this ratio suits us perfectly.
Note – The fruits need to be chilled so that they do not make the whipped cream lose its airy and light texture.
Note – Ensure that the fruits that you are using are ripe and sweet in taste. Tart and sour fruits will ruin the taste of your salad.
Thank you for your visit and see you soon again, with another exciting recipe!
A simple yet stunning dessert!
Thank you Angie 🙂
Fruit salad with whipped cream – what can be better for summer? Loving the bright, vibrant colours, too!
Thank you Ben. It’s colours are indeed enticing 🙂
I love fruit salads, and this one looks terrific. It does look a bit fool-like, doesn’t it? But this looks better — much more fruit. Thanks!
Thank you John 🙂
A beautiful like dessert and so easy to make. Perfect for the late spring and summer which such delicious berries available.
Absolutely! 🙂
This takes me back to my growing-up years when fruit cream used to make a rather special appearance for dinner parties. It was a favorite then, and is a favorite now! If only I could reach into my screen and grab a bowl for myself 🙂
I too wish I could teleport it to you! 😀