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Creamy Old-Fashioned Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Real Whipped Cream – Easy Homemade Delight

creamy old-fashioned ambrosia salad - featured image

A light yet indulgent ambrosia salad made with real whipped cream, a medley of juicy fruits, and a touch of citrus zest. This classic recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for gatherings or as a standalone treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream (at least 36% fat)
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained
  • About 10 maraschino cherries, halved
  • 1 cup (50 g) miniature marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup (45 g) shredded sweetened coconut
  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange

Instructions

  1. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before whipping the cream.
  2. Pour heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Drain mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly. Halve maraschino cherries, discarding stems if present.
  4. Gently fold the drained fruit, halved cherries, miniature marshmallows, and shredded coconut into the whipped cream using a spatula to keep it airy.
  5. Fold in the zest of one lemon or orange lightly.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and marshmallows soften.
  7. Stir gently before serving to redistribute any settled juices. Serve cold.

Notes

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for better texture. Drain canned fruit thoroughly to avoid watery salad. Fold ingredients gently to keep whipped cream airy. Chill at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. Avoid freezing. For dairy-free version, use coconut whipped topping and vegan marshmallows.

Nutrition

Keywords: ambrosia salad, old-fashioned ambrosia, whipped cream salad, fruit salad, holiday dessert, easy ambrosia recipe