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Candy Cane Stripe Fruit Cheese

Featured in: Evening Glow Plates

This festive dish combines fresh strawberries, raspberries, and seedless red grapes with cubes of mozzarella and white cheddar cheese. Arranged in alternating stripes, these ingredients form a visually striking candy cane shape, adding a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering or brunch. Garnished with fresh mint leaves, it offers a fresh pop of flavor and color. This dish requires no cooking and can be prepared in about 15 minutes, making it an easy and elegant option for guests. Optional variations include using tangier cheeses or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness, complemented well by sparkling or light white wine.

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Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:47:00 GMT
Candy Cane Stripe Fruit and Cheese platter with vibrant red fruits and white cheeses. Save
Candy Cane Stripe Fruit and Cheese platter with vibrant red fruits and white cheeses. | cheerfulchefs.com

A festive and vibrant appetizer featuring alternating stripes of fresh fruits and cheeses, arranged to resemble a candy cane. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cheerful brunches.

This appetizer has become a holiday favorite in my family, adding a colorful and healthy touch to our gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Fresh Fruit: 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced, 1 cup raspberries, 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • Cheese: 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes, 1 cup white cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
  • Garnish (optional): 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1:
On a large platter or board, arrange alternating stripes of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, grapes) and cheese cubes (mozzarella, white cheddar) in a curved candy cane shape.
Step 2:
Continue layering until you achieve a full candy cane look, ensuring stripes are even and visually distinct.
Step 3:
Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 4:
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Festive Candy Cane Stripe Fruit and Cheese appetizer: strawberries, raspberries, and cheese cubes arranged beautifully. Save
Festive Candy Cane Stripe Fruit and Cheese appetizer: strawberries, raspberries, and cheese cubes arranged beautifully. | cheerfulchefs.com

This dish always brings smiles and happy conversation at our family holiday parties.

Required Tools

Large serving platter or board, sharp knife, small bowls (optional for separating ingredients)

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (mozzarella, cheddar). Always check cheese labels for potential allergens such as nuts or gluten in processed cheeses.

Nutritional Information

Calories per serving: 170, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 14 g, Protein 9 g

Close-up of a colorful Candy Cane Stripe Fruit and Cheese display perfect for holiday entertaining. Save
Close-up of a colorful Candy Cane Stripe Fruit and Cheese display perfect for holiday entertaining. | cheerfulchefs.com

This recipe offers a delightful blend of fresh sweetness and creamy texture that makes any occasion special.

Recipe FAQs

→ What fruits are best for the stripes?

Strawberries, raspberries, and seedless red grapes create vivid red stripes that contrast well with the cheeses.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses?

Yes, feta or goat cheese can add a tangier flavor profile while maintaining the layered look.

→ How should this dish be served?

Arrange on a large platter and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

→ What garnishes complement the flavor?

Fresh mint leaves lend a refreshing aroma and pop of green color, enhancing both taste and presentation.

→ Are there drink pairings that work well?

Light white wines or sparkling wines pair nicely, balancing the fresh fruit and creamy cheese notes.

Candy Cane Stripe Fruit Cheese

A colorful appetizer featuring layered red fruits and cheeses shaped like a candy cane.

Prep Time
15 minutes
0
Overall Time
15 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Evening Glow Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 6 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need

Fresh Fruit

01 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
02 1 cup raspberries
03 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved

Cheese

01 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
02 1 cup white cheddar cheese, cubed

Garnish (optional)

01 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Arrange fruit and cheese: On a large serving platter or board, lay alternating stripes of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, grapes) and cubed cheeses (mozzarella, white cheddar) in a curved candy cane shape.

Step 02

Layer evenly: Continue alternating layers until the candy cane shape is full, ensuring the stripes are even and visually distinct.

Step 03

Garnish: Add fresh mint leaves atop the arrangement to enhance color and freshness.

Step 04

Serve or chill: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours prior to serving to maintain freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large serving platter or board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small bowls (optional for ingredient separation)

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains dairy from mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
  • Check cheese labels for potential allergens including nuts or gluten in processed products.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 170
  • Fats: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Proteins: 9 grams