On December 23, 2011 by Tricia

My dear, most wonderful aunt shared with me her secret fruit salad recipe when I got married 7 years ago. This fruit salad is famous in our family – and as the title implies, it’s also quite decadent. This is definitely a full-fledged dessert, and every time I make it, I’m brought back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Cushing, Oklahoma, where we gathered every year on Christmas Eve. There was always a big spread, and many of the dishes rotated in and out over the years, but three things were certain, for as far back as I can remember: fudge, sausage-and-cheese roll, and this fruit salad. It’s just not Christmas without gathering in that red brick house, eating fruit salad and fudge, listening to my grandparents’ laughter as they picked at one another, and gathering with my cousins around the Christmas tree to scope out the presents we’d be opening later. My grandparents have since passed on, and our family Christmas traditions have changed, but we still make Aunt Jan’s fruit salad every year. May you have a joyous Christmas with your loved ones!

Butt-Widening, Artery-Clogging Fruit Salad

Author/Source:

Jimmie @ onceamonthmeals.com

Ingredients:

1 14-oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk, chilled

8 oz Cream Cheese, softened

1 can Strawberry Pie Filling

1 cup Toasted Coconut

16-oz. can Pineapple Tidbits, drained

1 small can Mandarin Oranges, drained

1 cup canned Peaches, chopped

1 cup Toasted Pecan Pieces

1 cup Maraschino Cherries

2 cups Mini Marshmallows (this is my addition; the original does not call for marshmallows, but I think it’s an interesting touch!)

8 oz Cool Whip, thawed

Directions:

Mix sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese in a large bowl. Stir in all remaining ingredients, except Cool Whip. Fold in Cool Whip gently. Chill, then serve cold.

Freezing Directions:

Not recommended for this recipe.

Servings: 12