This creamy fruit salad is a satisfying summer dessert, but it's also a family-favorite treat at Thanksgiving. My mother-in-law brought this dish to every family function.
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup white sugar, or to taste
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (15.25 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (15.25 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained
3 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 large Jonagold apple, peeled and chopped
½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
½ cup chopped pecans (Optional)
½ cup golden raisins (Optional)
1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved (Optional)
Beat cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Mix in whipped topping on high speed until incorporated. Fold in pineapple, fruit cocktail, bananas, apple, coconut, pecans, raisins, and cherries. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.