Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk: A Deliciously Creamy Filipino Dessert

Fruit salad with condensed milk is a beloved dessert across the world, but it holds a special place in Filipino cuisine. It’s often served during celebrations, holidays, family gatherings, and other special occasions. This creamy and sweet dessert is typically made with a combination of fresh fruits, canned fruits, and a rich, creamy dressing made from condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream. Whether you’re craving a comforting dessert after a long day or preparing a sweet dish for a party, Filipino fruit salad with condensed milk offers a delightful experience for anyone who loves fruity, creamy treats.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins and variations of this Filipino dessert, provide step-by-step instructions on how to make it, and share tips and tricks for creating the perfect fruit salad every time. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this comprehensive guide will help you make a fruit salad that’s both delicious and satisfying.

What is Filipino Fruit Salad?

Filipino fruit salad is a creamy, sweet dessert typically made by combining a variety of fruits with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and sometimes heavy cream or all-purpose cream. This dessert has been a staple in Filipino cuisine for decades, often associated with holiday feasts, birthday parties, and other joyful occasions.

Although variations of fruit salad exist worldwide, Filipino fruit salad is distinctive for its rich creaminess, which comes from the sweetened condensed milk and cream. The fruit salad’s base is typically made from canned fruits like pineapple, peaches, and fruit cocktail, along with fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes. The sweetness of the condensed milk dressing complements the tartness of the canned fruits and fresh ingredients, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Ingredients for Filipino Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk

To prepare the perfect Filipino fruit salad, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, which can be easily found in your local grocery store. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and some variations you can explore:

Ingrédients De Base:

Canned Fruit: Canned fruits are a traditional component of Filipino fruit salad. Pineapple, peaches, and fruit cocktail are some of the most commonly used canned fruits. The syrup in which the fruits are packed enhances the sweetness and creates a syrupy base for the salad.
Fresh Fruit: You can also use fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes to add texture and freshness to the salad. You could even add a tropical fruit like mango or papaya for an exotic twist.
Condensed Milk: The star ingredient that makes Filipino fruit salad special is sweetened condensed milk. This thick, syrupy milk adds an intense sweetness and creaminess to the salad, making it irresistible.
Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk helps to thin out the sweetness of the condensed milk and adds a creamier texture to the dressing. This also helps balance the richness of the dessert.
Heavy Cream or All-purpose Cream: Some variations of fruit salad include heavy cream or all-purpose cream to make the salad extra creamy and luxurious. This adds a velvety smoothness that elevates the overall taste.

Optional Ingredients:

Nata de Coco (Coconut Gel): This chewy, sweetened coconut jelly is often included in Filipino fruit salad to add texture and flavor. Its slight bite complements the softness of the fruits and cream.
Kaong (Sugar Palm Fruit): Another popular addition to Filipino fruit salad is kaong, a sweet fruit that adds a chewy texture and subtle sweetness.
Cheese: Some variations of Filipino fruit salad include grated cheese, like cheddar or quick-melt cheese, to add a savory twist and balance the sweetness of the fruits and milk.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making this creamy Filipino fruit salad. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create the perfect dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by preparing the fruit. If you’re using canned fruit, drain the syrup from the canned fruits like pineapple, peaches, and fruit cocktail. This ensures that your salad won’t become too watery. After draining, set the canned fruits aside.

For fresh fruits, peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Apples, bananas, and grapes work wonderfully in fruit salad, but feel free to experiment with other fresh fruits based on your preferences. For a more tropical twist, consider adding mangoes or lychees.

Step 2: Combine the Fruits

In a large mixing bowl, combine all your fruits—both canned and fresh. You can also add nata de coco, kaong, or other fruits if you’re using them. Gently toss the fruits together, ensuring that they are evenly mixed. The different fruits will add texture, color, and flavor to the salad, making it more exciting and visually appealing.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

Now it’s time to create the creamy dressing that will coat your fruit salad. In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream or all-purpose cream. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to mix the ingredients until smooth. If you’d like, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor, or a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to add a hint of citrus.

Adjust the consistency of the dressing by adding more evaporated milk or cream, depending on how thick or light you want it. If you prefer a more decadent and rich salad, you can add more cream, while for a lighter version, use more evaporated milk.

Step 4: Mix the Fruit with the Creamy Dressing

Pour the creamy dressing over the mixed fruits in the large bowl. Gently toss the mixture with a spatula or spoon to ensure that all the fruits are evenly coated with the sweet, creamy dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this may break down the delicate fruit pieces.

Step 5: Chill the Salad

Once your fruit salad is thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Chilling the fruit salad allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the salad is refreshingly cool when you serve it. You can also refrigerate the salad overnight for the best results.

Etape 6: Servir et Déguster

Once the fruit salad is chilled and ready to serve, scoop it into individual bowls or serving glasses. The creamy fruit salad will have a rich, luscious texture that’s simply irresistible. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can top the fruit salad with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair.

Variations and Creative Additions to Your Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk

While the basic Filipino fruit salad recipe is delicious, there are many ways to add your personal touch to it. Below are some variations and creative ideas you can try:

1. Oreo Fruit Salad

For an exciting twist on the classic, add crushed Oreo cookies to your fruit salad. The combination of the creamy fruit salad with the crunchy chocolate cookies creates a delightful contrast in texture. To make this variation, crush a few Oreos into small pieces and mix them in just before serving. The cookies will soften slightly in the dressing, adding a delicious crunch.

2. Vegan Fruit Salad with Coconut Milk

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan alternative, you can substitute the condensed milk and evaporated milk with coconut milk. Coconut milk offers a rich, creamy texture and tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruit. Use full-fat coconut milk for the best results, and enjoy a vegan-friendly version of this Filipino favorite.

3. Yogurt Fruit Salad

For a lighter, tangier option, replace the cream and condensed milk with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. The tangy flavor of the yogurt balances the sweetness of the fruits and adds a healthy twist. If you want to sweeten the yogurt, you can add honey or maple syrup pour le goût.

4. Tropical Fruit Salad

Elevate your fruit salad by using tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and lychee. These fruits will infuse the salad with bright, exotic flavors and a refreshing sweetness. You can also add fresh pineapple or passion fruit for an extra burst of tropical goodness.

5. Nutty Fruit Salad

Add chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts to your fruit salad for an added crunch. Nuts will provide a contrasting texture to the creamy dressing and fruits, as well as a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the salad. You can toast the nuts lightly for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Tips for Perfect Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your fruit salad is perfect every time:

Use a Variety of Fruits: The best fruit salad is one that combines a variety of fruits. Using both canned and fresh fruits adds different textures and flavors to the salad, making it more interesting.
Balance the Sweetness: While the condensed milk adds plenty of sweetness, be sure to balance it out with the natural flavors of the fruit. Taste the dressing before adding it to the fruit and adjust if necessary. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to balance the sweetness with some tartness.
Chill for the Best Flavor: Always chill your fruit salad for a few hours before serving. The cold temperature allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad even more refreshing.
Serve with Toppings: For added texture and flavor, you can top your fruit salad with whipped cream, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. These toppings will make your fruit salad feel even more festive and indulgent.
Serve in Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve the fruit salad in individual cups or glasses. This is especially nice for parties or gatherings, as it makes the dessert feel more special.

Conclusion: A Sweet, Creamy Treat for Every Occasion

Fruit salad with condensed milk is a delightful Filipino dessert that’s loved for its sweet, creamy texture and refreshing fruit combination. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, this creamy fruit salad is sure to impress. With its versatility, you can add different fruits, use coconut milk for a vegan version, or mix in crushed Oreos for a fun twist.

No matter how you prepare it, fruit salad with condensed milk is a dish that will always satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you wanting more. So, grab your fruits and condensed milk, and start making this irresistible dessert for your next gathering or just for a sweet treat at home.