Better Than Sex Fruit Salad
**Introduction**
Forget everything you know about ordinary fruit salad. This dessert, famously known as “Better Than Sex” Fruit Salad, is an irresistible, decadent treat that lives up to its playful name. It transforms a simple medley of fresh and canned fruits into a luscious, creamy, and utterly addictive dessert experience. Imagine sweet pineapple, juicy mandarin oranges, and tropical cherries enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from pudding mix, whipped topping, and a hint of citrus. Its overall character is sweet, creamy, refreshing, and unapologetically indulgent. The magic lies in the sumptuous texture and the way the flavors meld into something far greater than its parts. It’s perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, holiday meals, or anytime you need a guaranteed crowd-pleasing dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum praise.
**Perfect for:**
* Potlucks and Picnics
* Summer BBQs and Cookouts
* Holiday Gatherings (Thanksgiving, Easter, Fourth of July)
* Baby and Bridal Showers
* Quick Dessert Cravings
**Why You’ll Love This Better Than Sex Fruit Salad Recipe**
**Irresistibly Creamy & Sweet:** The combination of instant pudding and whipped topping creates a luxurious, mousse-like sauce that clings to every piece of fruit, making each bite decadent and satisfying.
**Incredibly Easy to Make:** There is no cooking or baking involved. Simply mix the sauce ingredients, fold in the fruit, and chill. It’s foolproof and fast.
**Make-Ahead Dream:** This salad actually tastes better after chilling for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen and the sauce to fully set. It’s the ultimate stress-free dessert for entertaining.
**Crowd-Pleasing Versatility:** It’s a hit with both kids and adults. You can easily customize the fruit combination based on seasonality or personal preference without changing the core recipe.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Servings: 10-12 servings
Calories per serving (approx. ¾ cup): Approximately 220-250 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 220-250 kcal
**Protein:** 2g
**Carbohydrates:** 40g
**Fat:** 7g
**Fiber:** 2g
**Sugar:** 35g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, UNDRAINED
* 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry powder)
* 1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
* 1 (21 oz) can peach pie filling
* 2 (11 oz) cans mandarin orange segments, drained well
* 1 (20 oz) can tropical fruit salad, drained well
* 1 cup miniature marshmallows (optional)
* 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
* 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
* 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved (for garnish)
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Create the Pudding Base:** In a very large mixing bowl, combine the can of crushed pineapple WITH its juice. Sprinkle the entire box of dry vanilla pudding powder directly over the pineapple. Stir immediately and vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the pudding powder is completely dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
2. **Fold in Whipped Topping:** Add the thawed whipped topping to the bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped topping into the pineapple-pudding mixture until no white streaks remain and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. **Add Fruits and Mix-Ins:** Gently fold in the peach pie filling, drained mandarin oranges, and drained tropical fruit salad. If using, also fold in the miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and/or chopped nuts at this stage.
4. **Chill:** Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the pudding to fully set and the flavors to marry.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Just before serving, garnish the top of the salad with the halved maraschino cherries. Give the salad one final gentle stir, then transfer to a serving bowl or spoon directly from the mixing bowl.
**How to Serve Better Than Sex Fruit Salad**
* Serve chilled in a large, clear trifle bowl or a decorative serving bowl to showcase the vibrant colors.
* Spoon it into individual dessert cups or glasses for a pretty, portion-controlled presentation.
* It is a perfect standalone dessert that needs no accompaniment.
* For a special touch, serve with a side of shortbread cookies or vanilla wafer cookies for added crunch.
**Additional Tips for Better Than Sex Fruit Salad**
* **Do Not Drain the Pineapple:** The juice from the crushed pineapple is essential for activating the pudding mix and creating the sauce.
* **Drain Other Canned Fruits Well:** Ensure the mandarin oranges and tropical fruit salad are drained thoroughly. Excess liquid will thin out the creamy sauce and make it runny.
* **Fold Gently:** Use a folding motion with a spatula to maintain the fluffy texture of the whipped topping. Vigorous stirring will deflate it.
* **Toast Your Nuts:** If using nuts, toasting them in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them will enhance their flavor and add a wonderful crunch.
**Recipe Variations of Better Than Sex Fruit Salad**
**Berry Bliss Version:** Replace the tropical fruit salad and peach pie filling with 2 cups of fresh strawberries (quartered), 1 cup of fresh blueberries, and 1 cup of fresh raspberries. Use cheesecake flavor pudding mix instead of vanilla.
**Tropical Dream Version:** Use coconut cream flavor pudding mix. Include drained canned peaches, mango chunks, and kiwi. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes instead of cherries.
**Lighter Version:** Use sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, light whipped topping, and fruit canned in juice (not syrup). Omit the pie filling and add extra fresh fruit like grapes and berries.
**Freezing and Storage for Better Than Sex Fruit Salad**
**Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The texture will remain good, though the fruits may continue to soften slightly.
**Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended. The whipped topping and fruits will not retain their texture upon thawing, becoming watery and separated.
**FAQ Section about Better Than Sex Fruit Salad**
**Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?**
Yes, but you must account for the missing liquid from the canned fruit. If using all fresh fruit, you may need to add ½ to ¾ cup of pineapple juice or another complementary fruit juice to the pudding mixture to achieve the right consistency.
**Can I make this with homemade whipped cream?**
Yes. Substitute the frozen whipped topping with 3 cups of freshly whipped heavy cream, sweetened with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Fold it in gently as directed.
**My salad is too runny. How can I fix it?**
This is usually due to not draining the canned fruits well enough or not letting it chill long enough. To salvage a runny batch, you can try folding in an extra handful of miniature marshmallows or a bit more whipped topping to help absorb excess moisture.
**Can I make this dairy-free?**
Yes. Use a dairy-free whipped topping alternative and ensure your instant pudding mix is a brand that can be prepared without milk (simply using the fruit juice as the liquid).
**Conclusion of Better Than Sex Fruit Salad Recipe**
Better Than Sex Fruit Salad is a legendary dessert for a reason. It transcends the category of mere side dish and establishes itself as a creamy, dreamy, and unforgettable treat. Its effortless preparation belies the complex, satisfying result—a dessert that is somehow both light and indulgent. This recipe is a testament to the power of simple, clever combinations, offering a foolproof path to becoming the most popular contributor at any gathering. Whether you stick to the classic formula or venture into creative variations, this salad promises and delivers pure, sweet delight. Prepare it for your next event and get ready for the recipe requests; this is one dessert that truly earns its name.