Today I have a no-cook, no-bake dessert that is quick and easy to make. It is called Ambrosia Salad aka fruit salad. It is great as Holiday dessert. Ambrosia literally means ‘food of the gods’ in Greek & Roman mythology. But this dish is very much American. It is a very popular dessert/ salad served around holidays in the Southern US states. This is a very quick and easy dessert to make. Lightly sweetened whipped cream is mixed with fresh fruit and grated coconut. Even though it sounds so easy, the resulting dish is light and absolutely delicious, hence the name - Ambrosia. Recipe is adapted from Alton Brown’s Good Eats show. For the fruity component of ambrosia salad - the most commonly used are pineapple, clementines, and maraschino cherries. But feel free to use any fruit you like, banana, grapes, strawberries and so on. For the crunchy part - toasted almonds or pecans and grated coconut.
Instructions
Start by making the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, pour the cream and add sugar. Beat with a hand mixer or a whisk until stiff peak forms. Add sour cream to the whipped cream and gently fold it in. Prep all the fruit and mix them in a small bowl. At this point, you can either layer them into individual serving glasses to make ambrosia parfaits. Or toss everything in a big bowl for a even quicker dish. To make the parfaits, spoon the mixed fruit in the bottom of the serving glasses/ bowls, top with the whipped cream mixture and grated coconut. Repeat the layers until the top. Sprinkle some tasted, chopped nuts on top. Chill for at least 2 hours and serve cold.
Taste Test
It tastes absolutely amazing - creamy, light and refreshing. Even my picky husband liked it a lot. It takes just a few minutes to put everything together and since it needs to be served chilled, it is great as a make ahead dessert. If you are still thinking of what dessert to make for the coming holidays, add this to your buffet. Or even better take it to a potluck — you will be a star at the party.
Tips
To make the recipe even simpler, use 1 cup cool whip instead of heavy cream.Feel free to use any fruit you like, banana, grapes, strawberries and so on.You can serve this ambrosia fruit salad individual serving glasses. Or simply toss everything in a big bowl for a even quicker dessert.Make sure to chill the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving.This fruit salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
More easy dessert recipes to try
Individual no-bake cookie butter cheesecakeVegan mug cakesSuafa’i - Samoan banana tapioca puddingChocolate chip donutsChocolate panna cottaIndividual banana puddingEggless cookies and cream ice cream
I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don’t forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.
