Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 small packet (30g) instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix
- 8 oz whipped topping
- fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- fresh blueberries
- fresh raspberries
Instructions:
- Combine the base. Place the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pudding mix in your large bowl. Note: Softened cheese is critical for a smooth start.
- Beat until smooth. Use the hand mixer on medium high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain.
- Prepare the topping. Open your whipped topping and let it sit for 2 minutes to take the extreme chill off.
- Fold in the fluff. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the whipped topping using a cut and fold motion. Note: Cut through the center, scrape the bottom, and fold over.
- Stop at the streaks. Cease mixing the moment the streaks disappear until the mixture is a uniform, pale cream to preserve the aeration.
- Add the berries. Carefully stir in the quartered strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Coat evenly. Fold gently until the berries are evenly coated in the cream without bruising the raspberries.
- Final set. Chill the salad for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Note: This allows the pudding mix to set the structure.