Ingredients:

  • 16 oz block full-fat Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (or 8 oz thawed whipped topping)
  • 20 oz can Canned Pineapple Chunks, drained well
  • 15 oz can Mandarin Orange Segments, drained well
  • 1 cup Seedless Grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts, toasted
  • 1/3 cup thick Caramel Sauce (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (optional)
  • 10 Shortbread Cookies, roughly chopped or crushed

Instructions:

  1. Drain the Fruit: Empty the cans of pineapple and mandarin oranges into a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Press gently with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. Toast Nuts: Lightly toast the chopped pecans or walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool completely.
  3. Prepare the Cream: If using fresh cream, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside. (Skip this step if using thawed whipped topping).
  4. Cream the Cheese: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and free of lumps (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Fold in the Cream: Gently fold the prepared whipped cream (or thawed whipped topping) into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Use a light touch to maintain airiness.
  6. Add the Millionaire Elements: Gently fold in the drained pineapple, drained mandarins, halved grapes, toasted nuts, and mini chocolate chips (if using).
  7. Swirl in Caramel: Drizzle 1/3 cup of caramel sauce over the mixture. Use the spatula to gently swirl the caramel through the salad 2-3 times, aiming for ribbons rather than fully mixing it in.
  8. Chill: Transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl or trifle dish. Cover tightly with cling film and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally 4 hours, to allow the filling to set and the flavours to marry up.
  9. Add the Crunch: Just 10-15 minutes before serving, scatter the roughly chopped shortbread cookies over the top of the chilled salad. If serving in individual portions, divide the salad and then sprinkle the cookies over each serving.
  10. Garnish: Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top of the salad for visual flair. Serve immediately.