Creamy Cheesecake Apple Salad Recipe – Easy Marshmallow Walnut Dessert
This creamy cheesecake apple salad combines crisp apples, tangy cream cheese, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy walnuts for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert. Quick to make and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a comforting treat any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or sugar substitute)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, drained (optional)
- Shaved chocolate or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh berries or pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash, core, and chop apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss with lemon juice in a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Gently fold in whipped topping or whipped cream with a spatula until creamy and light.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the apples and gently fold until apples are evenly coated.
- Add mini marshmallows, walnuts, and any optional add-ins (raisins, cranberries, pineapple). Fold gently until well combined.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (optional but recommended).
- Serve in a trifle dish or serving bowl. Garnish with extra walnuts, cinnamon, or fresh berries if desired.
Notes
Use firm apples for best texture. Toast walnuts for extra flavor. Chill for at least 1 hour for optimal texture. For nut-free, substitute pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Can be made dairy-free with coconut yogurt and dairy-free whipped topping. Adjust sweetness and tang to taste. Salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: cheesecake salad, apple dessert, marshmallow salad, walnut dessert, creamy fruit salad, potluck recipe, easy dessert, no bake, comfort food, family recipe