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For the Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1 cup pineapple chunks

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 cup mandarin orange segments

• ½ cup kiwi, sliced

• Optional: honey or fruit glaze for drizzling

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture starts to come together. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Ensure the crust is evenly distributed and compacted to form a solid base. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling. This will help the crust set and hold its shape once the cheesecake is assembled.

2. Make the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be free of lumps and have a velvety texture. Add in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

Next, gently fold in the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much – fold it in slowly to maintain the light and airy texture. This will give the cheesecake filling its rich yet fluffy consistency.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake:

Take the prepared crust from the refrigerator and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth the surface and ensure it’s level. Once the filling is spread, place the cheesecake back into the refrigerator to chill. Let it set for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. This chilling time allows the cheesecake to firm up and makes slicing easier.

4. Add the Fruit Topping:

After the cheesecake has set, it’s time to add the fresh fruit. Arrange the strawberries, pineapple chunks, blueberries, mandarin orange segments, and kiwi slices on top of the cheesecake in a decorative pattern. Feel free to get creative here! You can create a circular arrangement, a geometric pattern, or a random scatter of fruit – the choice is yours.

If you’d like, drizzle a little honey or fruit glaze over the fruit for added sweetness and shine. This step not only enhances the flavor but also gives the fruit a glossy finish, making the cheesecake look even more inviting.

5. Serve:

Once your Fruit Salad Cheesecake is beautifully topped, it’s ready to serve! Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and slice it into wedges. Each slice will reveal a creamy filling, a crunchy base, and a burst of fresh fruit on top. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or anytime you want a dessert that’s both delicious and visually stunning.