Fresh Rainbow Frosted Fruit Cups
A vibrant, playful, and healthy snack featuring layers of fresh fruit with a light cream cheese frosting, perfect for kids, parties, or a refreshing treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- Orange segments, peeled and membranes removed
- Pineapple chunks, fresh or canned in juice, drained
- Green grapes, halved
- Blueberries, fresh or frozen
- Blackberries, fresh (optional)
- Light cream cheese, softened (1 cup)
- Powdered sugar, sifted (3 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract, pure (1 teaspoon)
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon, from about half a lemon)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit (10 minutes): Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly. Hull and quarter the strawberries, peel and section the oranges removing all white membranes, halve the grapes, and drain the pineapple if using canned. Set aside in separate bowls to keep colors vibrant and avoid mixing flavors prematurely.
- Make the Frosting (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup softened light cream cheese, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Whip with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more powdered sugar for desired sweetness.
- Assemble the Cups (5-7 minutes): Start by spooning a dollop of frosting at the bottom of each cup. Then, layer the fruit in rainbow order: strawberries (red), orange segments, pineapple (yellow), green grapes, blueberries, and blackberries if using. Between each fruit layer, add a thin spread of frosting to create a frosted look and keep the colors distinct.
- Final Touches (2 minutes): Top each cup with a small spoonful of frosting and, if desired, drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup for a touch of extra sweetness. Chill the cups in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and frosting firm up slightly.
Notes
If cream cheese is too stiff, soften in microwave for 10 seconds before mixing. Avoid soaking fruit in frosting too long to prevent sogginess. Assemble close to serving time. Use firm, ripe fruit for best texture. Can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and coconut sugar for vegan version. Store covered in fridge up to 2 days; do not freeze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One small cup (about
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: fruit cups, healthy snack, rainbow fruit, cream cheese frosting, easy snack, kids snack, party snack, fresh fruit dessert