Grape season is upon us as the fall grape harvest begins and this Fall Harvest Grape Salad with Creamy Caramel Topping maximizes the deliciousness of green and purple grapes when swirled with a creamy caramel flavored topping. The original recipe includes mixing pecans with the fruit and topping. I tried caramelizing pecans and loved the extra crunch (when sprinkled on just before serving) although they can be omitted or just added as plain nuts as well.
This recipe was shared at a recipe swap at a small group gathering offshoot of a Mom's Club, years ago when my teens were babies. I loved getting together with the other women in our area and in this particular group, we would all bring our favorite recipes to an informal potluck style gathering to taste test the creations. We would have a theme each month and women would bring their favorite recipes in that category. So many of my favorite recipes today, came as a result of that group.
This portable fruit salad works well for potlucks and picnics. Be sure to allow time for refrigeration prior to transporting.
By the way, have you tried the new sour cream packaging that delivers sour cream in a squeezable pouch instead of the carton? I am a huge fan as it works so well for measuring or getting just the amount needed vs. dirtying a spoon or spatula.
Fall Harvest Grape Salad with Creamy Caramel Topping and Brown Sugar Pecans
Adapted from a recipe from Tara DeBoer
Ingredients:
4 pounds green grapes
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces sour cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Brown Sugar Pecans:
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 ounces pecans
Instructions:
1. Cut grapes in half (or not, if you are in a rush and want to save time).
2. Mix cream cheese, 1/2 cup brown sugar, sour cream and vanilla.
3. To make the brown sugar pecans, in a skillet over medium heat, stir constantly, coating pecans with the brown sugar to caramelize and toast the pecans.
4. Mix creamy mixture with grapes and top with the pecans.
5. Refrigerate and allow time for the flavors to meld together.
This tastes best the next day!
Sidenote: My photos do not show the Brown Sugar Pecans as my girl, Bella, has tree nut allergies and she loves this recipe, so I refrained from even making them this day for photos. Thanks for understanding.
