Looking for a simple yet impressive snack or dessert idea? These fruit pinwheels take your classic tortilla wraps to a whole new level of fun and deliciousness.
More often than I would like to admit, I resort to tortilla pinwheels as appetizers when I host a large gathering. They are so versatile and quick to put together.
But this fruit pinwheels recipe is a whole new world of sweet flavor compared to the classic tortilla wraps and my mom’s staple recipe.
These are essentially rolled-up tortillas but instead of savory fillings, they’re packed with a sweet and tangy mixture of fresh berries and cream cheese. The combination of juicy berries and creamy cream cheese is simply irresistible, offering a burst of freshness with every bite!
Plus, these strawberry and cream cheese pinwheels are always a hit with kids, even the pickiest of eaters. And because they are on the healthier side, with just a hint of sweetness from powdered sugar, my mom often offers these as a fun dessert at our family gatherings.
The best part? You can whip up a batch of these pinwheel pastries in minutes so they work great for an unexpected company as well.
Whether it’s a snack for your kiddo’s lunchbox or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, give them a try and these cream cheese strawberry pinwheels will become your go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ingredients Needed For Fruit Pinwheels
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping, thawed
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 6 oz package blackberries
- 10 medium strawberries
- 3 kiwis
- 4 large flour tortillas
Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures
1. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, whipped topping, and powdered sugar until smooth, creamy, and well combined. Set aside.
2. Wash and pat dry the blackberries, strawberries, and kiwi. Slice the strawberries and kiwi into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
3. Divide the cream cheese mixture into 4 even portions and spread onto each of the 4 tortillas, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle 1/4 of the prepared fruit over the cream cheese layer.
5. Starting from one end, tightly roll up each tortilla into a log.
6. Wrap each flour tortilla log securely in plastic wrap to hold its shape. Place the wrapped tortillas in the refrigerator for one hour.
7. Once chilled, remove the plastic wrap from the tortilla logs. Cut off the ends for a clean presentation, then slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
8. Arrange the fruit pinwheels on a serving platter and enjoy!
Variation Ideas
Looking to switch things up a bit? This recipe is super customizable, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Here are some variation ideas for your fruit roll ups.
- Mixed Berries: Swap out the blackberries and strawberries for your favorite berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even cranberries. You can even mix all of these together!
- Experiment Spread: Don’t have cream cheese on hand? Swap out the cream filling for peanut butter, Nutella, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. You can also try adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or shredded coconut on top of the mixture before adding the fruit for a fun flavor variation.
- Tropical Twist: Don’t limit your pinwheels to berries! Use tropical fresh fruit like mango, pineapple, and coconut for a refreshing island-inspired treat.
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts or granola on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your preference and the sweetness of your berries, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling. Taste the mixture as you go and add additional sugar if desired. Or skip the sugar altogether!
- Puff Pastry Pinwheels: Craving a flaky and buttery texture? Swap out the flour tortilla for a puff pastry sheet. Spread the cream cheese mixture onto the pastry, add your favorite fruits, roll it up, and bake until golden brown. The result? Irresistible pinwheels with a delicate, puff pastry crust.
Chilling and Slicing
Don’t skip this crucial step! Chilling the pinwheels not only helps them hold their shape but also allows the flavors to meld together. After assembling the pinwheels, place them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing. This makes it easier to cut into neat rounds without squishing the filling.
Presentation
Though these fruit pinwheels already look irresistible, there’s always room to add a little extra flair. Here’s how to make them look even more tempting to try.
- Dress It Up: Garnish your pinwheels with a drizzle of honey or corn syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost and a touch of sophistication.
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to slice the pinwheels into neat rounds, about 1 inch thick, for a professional-looking presentation. Each slice reveals a beautiful cross-section of fruit and cream cheese goodness.
- Arrange Artfully: Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a serving platter in a neat pattern for an eye-catching display but still show the vibrant colors of the berries peek through the creamy filling.
- Optional Garnish: Want to take your presentation to the next level? Sprinkle some lemon zest or garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and an extra touch of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your fruit pinwheels are ready to go, here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Pair with a Beverage: Serve these dessert pizza pinwheels alongside a cup of hot tea for a cozy afternoon snack or pair them with a refreshing glass of lemonade on a warm summer day.
- School Snacks: Looking for a fun and nutritious addition to your kids’ lunchboxes that they will surely eat? These fruit pinwheels are perfect for packing along with some carrot sticks and a side of yogurt for a well-rounded meal that your little ones will love. They are also ideal to take to a school potluck or party.
- Create a Snack Platter: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter along with some other favorite bite-sized treats, such as these cheese and spinach tartlets or these lemon cranberry cheesecake bars, at your next gathering or playdate. You can also add them to your dessert spread or candy buffet for a sweet treat that guests of all ages will love.
- Top Your Desserts: Get creative and use these pinwheels as a filling addition for desserts like ice cream sundaes or yogurt parfaits.
Tips for Success
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and spread evenly onto the tortillas to ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the filling.
- Thaw Whipped Topping Completely: If you’re using frozen whipped topping, make sure it’s thawed completely before mixing it with the cream cheese to prevent any lumps in the filling.
- Use Fresh and Ripe Berries: Opt for fresh fruits rather than fruit preserves. The key to achieving that burst of flavor in every bite is using ripe, fresh berries. Look for plump, juicy berries at your local grocery store at the peak of their ripeness for the best taste and texture.
- Wrap Tightly: After rolling up the tortillas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This helps to hold the shape of the pinwheels and prevents them from falling apart.
Storage
Storing. These fruit pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh as they get soggy when stored in the fridge. But the good thing is that you can make them several hours ahead of your gathering and keep in the fridge. It’s unlikely you’ll have any leftovers but if you do, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Freezing. Alternatively, you can make them days ahead and freeze. They do freeze well. Freeze the sliced pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
One Last Thing
When making this dessert pinwheels with tortilla, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try different combinations of fruits, spreads, and garnishes to suit your taste preferences.
The beauty of these pinwheels lies in their versatility, so don’t hesitate to make them your own. After all, trying new recipes often comes from a little bit of experimentation and a whole lot of love.
And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun with it! Play with presentation styles, and don’t worry about making everything picture-perfect. Making this dessert pinwheels recipe is all about exploring new flavors and enjoying the process.
Your Turn
If you make these easy fruit pinwheels with cream cheese and berries, please take a moment to let me know how you liked them by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.
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Easy Fruit Pinwheels with Cream Cheese and Berries
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping thawed
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 6 oz package blackberries
- 10 medium strawberries
- 3 kiwis
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, whipped topping, and powdered sugar until smooth, creamy, and well combined. Set aside.8 oz cream cheese, 1 ½ cups whipped topping, 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Wash and pat dry the blackberries, strawberries, and kiwi. Slice the strawberries and kiwi into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.6 oz package blackberries, 10 medium strawberries, 3 kiwis
- Divide the cream cheese mixture into 4 even portions and spread onto each of the 4 tortillas, leaving a small border around the edges.4 large flour tortillas
- Sprinkle 1/4 of the prepared fruit over the cream cheese layer.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll up each tortilla into a log.
- Wrap each flour tortilla log securely in plastic wrap to hold its shape. Place the wrapped tortillas in the refrigerator for one hour.
- Once chilled, remove the plastic wrap from the tortilla logs. Cut off the ends for a clean presentation, then slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the fruit pinwheels on a serving platter and enjoy!
Notes
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and spread evenly onto the tortillas to ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the filling.
- Thaw Whipped Topping Completely: If you’re using frozen whipped topping, make sure it’s thawed completely before mixing it with the cream cheese to prevent any lumps in the filling.
- Use Fresh and Ripe Berries: Opt for fresh fruits rather than fruit preserves. The key to achieving that burst of flavor in every bite is using ripe, fresh berries. Look for plump, juicy berries at your local grocery store at the peak of their ripeness for the best taste and texture.
- Wrap Tightly: After rolling up the tortillas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This helps to hold the shape of the pinwheels and prevents them from falling apart.
Nutrition
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
Comments & Reviews
Kem Arthur says
I Cannot wait to try to make these. Hope I’m successful..
Kem Arthur says
We just had these at a pool party last night and they are our new favorite dude! Omg…. they were amazing. Thank you for sharing
Tamara Tsaturyan says
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for letting me know, Kem 🙂
Tamara V. says
We made this for a neighbor kid’s birthday party. The kids loved to help make the these pinwheels, especially the rolling part. They loved to eat these pinwheels too because it was delicious. Parents were happy that it was made with wholesome ingredients and no extra sugars in it. Thanks for the tip on softening the cream cheese. It made it easier to spread on the tortillas. These pinwheels have become the official food of all the kid birthday parties in our neighborhood.
Tamara Tsaturyan says
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that, Tamara! Thank you for leaving such a detailed note, it was such a pleasure to read that the pinwheels were such a hit at the birthday party!