Judy's Rosy Fruit Cocktail Slices 🍒🍬

This delightful fruit cocktail treat is a nostalgic favorite that's as colorful as it is flavorful! Perfect for parties, picnics, or holiday gatherings, it features a creamy, dreamy texture that’ll keep everyone coming back for more. The vibrant fruit and marshmallows create a beautiful presentation, making it an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients

• Creamy Base

  • 2 - 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

• Fruit & Sweetness

  • 1 can (#2½, about 3¾ cups) fruit cocktail, well drained
  • ½ cup drained maraschino cherries, quartered
  • 2½ cups large marshmallows, cut up (or you can use miniature marshmallows)

• Coloring

  • A few drops of red food coloring or cherry juice (for that rosy hue!)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Creamy Base:
   • In a mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese and blend it smoothly with the mayonnaise.
   • Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until well combined.

🌟 Pro Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother blend.

2. Combine the Goodies:

   • Add the drained fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, and marshmallows to the creamy mixture. Mix gently to not break the fruit or marshmallows.

3. Chill and Freeze:

   • Pour the delightful mixture into two 1-quart round ice cream or freezer containers.
   • Freeze until firm, which usually takes about 6 hours or you can leave it overnight for the best results.

4. Serve Up the Goodness:

   • When ready to serve, let the containers stand for a few minutes at room temperature.
   • Remove from the container, slice into portions, and serve on a bed of crisp lettuce for a beautiful contrast. Garnish with additional cherries if desired!

🍽️ Serving Suggestion: It also pairs wonderfully with a rich chocolate sauce drizzled on top for a decadent twist!

Variations

• Tropical Delight: Swap out the fruit cocktail for tropical fruits like pineapple, mandarin oranges, or kiwi for a refreshing twist! 🍍🥝
• Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped nuts for a crunchy texture that adds a savory contrast to the sweetness.
• All-Vegan: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, use vegan mayo, and opt for coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Berry Bliss: Incorporate assorted berries (like strawberries or blueberries) for a pop of freshness and an extra burst of flavor!

This Rosy Fruit Cocktail Slices recipe makes 10 to 12 servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends! Enjoy this delightful treat and watch as it becomes a beloved addition to your recipe collection! 🌈✨