Fruity Delight Cream Cups
Indulge in these refreshing Fruity Delight Cream Cups, a perfect combination of creamy textures and vibrant fruit flavors. This delightful frozen dessert is not only easy to prepare but also a fun and colorful treat for any occasion. Perfect for summer gatherings, children's parties, or a simple family dessert, these cups feature a luscious cream cheese base blended with sweet fruits and crunchy pecans, all beautifully presented in individual servings. Freezing these treats allows flavors to meld, creating a delightful experience with every bite. Garnished with fresh mint, they're as stunning as they are delicious!
18
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
sugar
1/2 cup (none)
maraschino cherries
1 (10 ounce) jar (drained and halved, with additional chopped)
mandarin oranges
1 (11 ounce) can (drained and reserved for garnish)
crushed pineapple
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (none)
frozen whipped topping
1 (8 ounce) carton (thawed)
fresh mint
to taste (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
2
Halve 9 maraschino cherries and chop the remaining cherries into small pieces. Set aside the halved cherries and 18 whole mandarin oranges for garnishing later.
3
To the cream cheese mixture, add the drained crushed pineapple, the chopped cherries, and the chopped pecans. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4
Gently fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping and the reserved mandarin oranges until smoothly incorporated.
5
Line muffin tins with paper or foil cups to create individual servings.
6
Spoon the fruity mixture into each cup, filling them generously. Decorate the tops with the reserved halved cherries and whole mandarin oranges.
7
Place the cups in the freezer and let them freeze until they are firm, about 3-4 hours or overnight for best results.
8
For a lovely finishing touch, garnish each cup with a sprig of fresh mint before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fruity Delight Cream Cups?
Fruity Delight Cream Cups are a refreshing, no-bake frozen dessert made with a creamy cream cheese base, mixed fruits, and crunchy pecans, served in individual portions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 18 individual cream cups.
How long do the cream cups need to freeze?
The cups should be frozen for at least 3 to 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
What fruits are used in this recipe?
The recipe includes maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, and crushed pineapple.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
Yes, this is a no-bake dessert that is prepared by mixing ingredients and then freezing them.
Do I need to drain the fruit before adding it?
Yes, you must drain the maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, and crushed pineapple to ensure the mixture doesn't become too watery.
Can I use paper or foil cups for serving?
Yes, you should line muffin tins with either paper or foil cups to create the individual servings.
What is the base of the cream mixture?
The base is made from softened cream cheese beaten with sugar and then combined with thawed frozen whipped topping.
How should I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature before being beaten with sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or skip them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
How do I garnish the Fruity Delight Cream Cups?
Garnish each cup with reserved halved maraschino cherries, whole mandarin oranges, and a sprig of fresh mint.
What type of whipped topping is required?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce carton of frozen whipped topping that has been thawed.
How many cherries should I reserve for decoration?
You should halve 9 maraschino cherries to create 18 pieces for decorating the tops of the cups.
How many mandarin oranges should be reserved for the garnish?
Set aside 18 whole mandarin oranges to use as a garnish on top of the cups.
Is fresh mint necessary?
Fresh mint is optional but recommended for a beautiful finishing touch and a refreshing aroma.
Can children help make this dessert?
Yes, this is a fun and easy recipe that children can help assemble, especially when it comes to spooning the mixture and decorating.
What is the consistency of the final product?
The final product is a firm but creamy frozen treat with chunks of fruit and nuts.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use finely chopped fresh pineapple, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Should I thaw the cups before serving?
These are meant to be served frozen, though letting them sit at room temperature for a minute or two can make them easier to eat.
How do I ensure the whipped topping incorporates smoothly?
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula to keep the texture light and airy.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover cream cups should be kept in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain their texture and prevent freezer burn.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dessert since it needs several hours to freeze and can stay in the freezer for several days.
Are these cream cups suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, their frozen nature and refreshing fruit flavors make them perfect for hot summer days and outdoor parties.
What size cream cheese package is used?
The recipe uses one standard 8-ounce package of cream cheese.
How much sugar is added to the mixture?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sugar to sweeten the cream cheese base.
Can I use real whipped cream instead of frozen topping?
You can use stabilized whipped cream, but frozen whipped topping is recommended for the most consistent frozen texture.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free; however, always check the labels on the whipped topping and other processed items.
How much pecans are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
Do I need any special equipment?
You will need a large mixing bowl, an electric mixer (to beat the cream cheese), muffin tins, and serving liners.
Can I use different fruits?
While this specific recipe uses cherries, oranges, and pineapple, you can experiment with other canned or fresh fruits as long as they are finely chopped and drained.