Fruit Salad with Crème Fraiche

This Fruit Salad with Crème Fraiche is fresh, creamy, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without being heavy. I like how the tangy crème fraiche balances the natural sweetness of the fruit, making it the perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together the best of both worlds: juicy, colorful fruit and a luxurious, homemade crème fraiche. I don’t have to rely on heavy dressings or artificial flavors just pure freshness with a creamy twist. I also like how it’s versatile enough for everyday snacking but elegant enough for special occasions.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Crème Fraiche Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup lowfat buttermilk with live cultures

Fruit Salad Ingredients

1 cup strawberries (washed, hulled and sliced)
1 cup blueberries (rinsed)
2 medium bananas (sliced)
1 whole crisp apple, peeled, cored and cubed
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional)

Directions

1. To make the crème fraiche, I combine the heavy cream and buttermilk in a clean jar, cover it loosely, and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours until thickened. I then refrigerate it until chilled.
2. For the fruit salad, I place the strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and apple cubes in a large bowl.
3. I sprinkle the sugar over the fruit and drizzle with lemon juice if I’m using it.
4. I gently toss everything together to coat the fruit.
5. I serve the salad topped with a generous dollop of crème fraiche, or I fold the crème fraiche into the fruit if I want it fully mixed.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. The fruit salad itself takes me around 10 minutes to prepare, while the crème fraiche requires 12 to 24 hours of resting time before chilling.

Variations

I sometimes swap in grapes, pineapple, or kiwi for extra color and flavor. If I want a lighter version, I skip the sugar and let the fruit’s natural sweetness shine. For a festive touch, I occasionally add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or toasted nuts. A drizzle of honey over the crème fraiche also makes it extra special.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though I add bananas fresh before serving so they don’t brown. The crème fraiche keeps in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, and I always stir it before using again. I never freeze either part of this recipe since the texture changes too much.

FAQs

Can I make the crème fraiche ahead of time?

Yes, I like to prepare it a day before so it has plenty of time to thicken.

Can I use store-bought crème fraiche?

Yes, if I’m short on time, I use store-bought crème fraiche instead of making my own.

What fruits work best for this salad?

I usually stick with a mix of berries, apples, and bananas, but almost any firm, fresh fruit works well.

Can I leave out the sugar?

Yes, I sometimes skip the sugar or replace it with honey for a natural sweetness.

How do I keep bananas from browning?

I toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

Can I make this salad the night before?

Yes, but I leave out the bananas until just before serving to keep it fresh.

What’s the difference between crème fraiche and sour cream?

Crème fraiche is richer and less tangy than sour cream, which makes it smoother in fruit salads.

Can I use yogurt instead of crème fraiche?

Yes, I sometimes use Greek yogurt if I want a lighter, tangier version.

Does the crème fraiche get thicker in the fridge?

Yes, it thickens more as it chills, giving it a luxurious texture.

Can I serve the crème fraiche on the side?

Yes, I like serving it separately so everyone can add as much as they want.

Conclusion

This Fruit Salad with Crème Fraiche is simple, fresh, and elegant all at once. I love how the homemade crème fraiche transforms a bowl of fruit into something creamy and indulgent without losing its lightness. Whether I’m making it for a quick snack, a brunch spread, or a dinner party dessert, it always feels refreshing and special.

Print