Easy & Healthy Rainbow Fruit Skewers with a Delicious Cheesecake Dip for Your Next Party
Planning a gathering, a picnic, or simply looking for a fun and nutritious snack? These vibrant rainbow fruit skewers are your perfect solution! 🌈 Bursting with natural sweetness and a kaleidoscope of colors, they are not just a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of essential vitamins and nutrients. What makes them even more delightful is the accompanying cheesecake-like dip, which offers a creamy, dreamy complement to the fresh fruit. You can prepare this incredibly easy dip with traditional powdered sugar or opt for a naturally sweetened version using maple syrup or honey.
I recently shared a recipe for a Rainbow Fruit Platter and received many inquiries about the best way to serve such a beautiful display at a casual event like a BBQ. While a serving spoon works, presenting fruit on skewers is an even more practical, hygienic, and fun approach! These skewers ensure everyone gets their fair share without hands rummaging through a communal bowl, making them ideal for any social setting.
Although the core idea is similar to the fruit platter, these skewers transform a beautiful dessert into an effortless grab-and-go snack. If you’re already familiar with the fruit choices from the platter post, this article focuses specifically on the best practices for assembling the skewers and maximizing their appeal.
Why Rainbow Fruit Skewers are a Party Game-Changer
These rainbow fruit kebabs are particularly popular at children’s parties, much like this delightful Watermelon Cake. Serving fruit on a stick significantly reduces the risk of little grubby hands touching all the fruit, keeping everything sanitary and appealing throughout the event. Parents often appreciate this thoughtful detail!
However, the appeal isn’t limited to kids. Adults equally adore these festive skewers. They’re a refreshing change from typical party fare, offering a healthy and light option that isn’t a salad. In our experience, fruit skewers are consistently the first item to disappear from any party spread. Guests tend to grab them quickly, eager to enjoy the fresh flavors before they’re all gone.
Crafting Your Edible Rainbow: Choosing the Perfect Fruits for Each Color
While the primary selection of fruits for these skewers was based on achieving a vivid, striking rainbow and ease of preparation, there are many fantastic alternatives for each color that you can use based on availability, seasonal freshness, or personal preference. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to create your unique rainbow!
Red
Strawberries, with their iconic heart shape and deep red hue, are a quintessential choice for the red segment of the rainbow. Their sweet, juicy flavor is universally loved. For alternatives, consider:
- Raspberries: While they lean more towards pink, raspberries offer a delicate tartness and beautiful texture. If you’re keen on including a distinct pink section, place them at the beginning or end of your skewer.
- Watermelon: Cut into cubes, watermelon provides a refreshing burst of color and hydration. Like raspberries, its slightly lighter shade can serve as an attractive pinkish-red.
- Red Grapes: Seedless red grapes are easy to skewer and add a consistent round shape.
Orange
I originally chose goldenberries for their stunning appearance and minimal prep – a simple wash and they’re ready! They bring a unique tart-sweet flavor that elevates the skewer. However, they can be a bit challenging to find depending on your location. (Don’t worry, we’ll cover where to find them further down!) If goldenberries aren’t an option, here are some excellent alternatives:
- Mandarin Oranges: Their easy-to-peel segments are perfect bite-sized pieces for skewers, offering a classic citrusy sweetness.
- Mango: Cubed ripe mango provides a tropical flavor and a gorgeously vibrant orange color, though it requires a bit more effort to prepare.
- Cantaloupe: Spheres or cubes of cantaloupe add a refreshing sweetness and a soft texture to your rainbow.
Yellow
For yellow, I gravitated towards pineapple due to its brilliant color and widespread popularity. It offers a wonderful sweet-tart balance, though cutting it can be a bit challenging. Other fantastic yellow fruit options include:
- Bananas: While perhaps not the most visually “fun” color, bananas are readily available and provide a soft, creamy texture. Remember to toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning if not served immediately.
- Yellow Peaches: When in season, cubed yellow peaches are incredibly fragrant and juicy, adding a lovely softness.
- Starfruit: If you’re looking for an extra touch of whimsy, starfruit slices add a unique shape and a mild, slightly tart flavor.
Green
Green kiwi slices create a beautiful textural and color contrast on the skewers. Their bright green hue and tangy flavor are often a hit. If kiwis aren’t preferred or are an allergen concern (see “Allergies” section below), consider these alternatives:
- Green Grapes: Easy to use whole, green grapes are crisp, sweet, and require no cutting.
- Honeydew Melon: Cubes of honeydew offer a delicate sweetness and refreshing quality, similar to cantaloupe but with a greener shade.
Blue
Blueberries are the simplest and most natural choice for the blue segment of your rainbow. Their small, round shape and sweet burst of flavor are perfect for skewers. For additional blue options:
- Blackberries: These offer a deeper blue-purple color and a more complex, tart flavor. Be gentle when skewering as they can be delicate.
- Blue Varieties of Plums: Small, firm blue plums, cut into wedges, can provide a striking blue element, especially when in season.
- Concord Grapes: Known for their deep purple-blue skin, these grapes can add a lovely color, though they often have seeds.
Purple
For a reliable and kid-friendly purple, purple grapes are undoubtedly the best choice. They are easy to find, sweet, and firm enough for skewering. Other delightful purple alternatives include:
- Figs: When available, fresh figs, cut into wedges, provide a rich, earthy sweetness and a beautiful texture.
- Purple Plums: Similar to blue plums, but with a more distinctly purple flesh and skin, these add a juicy, tart-sweet element.
What are Goldenberries? A Detailed Look
Goldenberries, scientifically known as Physalis peruviana, and also referred to as cape gooseberries or Inca berries, are intriguing small, round fruits. They are uniquely presented, encased in a delicate, easy-to-remove papery husk, which adds to their exotic appeal. Their flavor profile is distinctly tart and tangy, balanced by a subtle hint of sweetness, making them a refreshing addition to any fruit assortment. Beyond their taste, goldenberries are nutritionally dense, packed with vitamins A and C, as well as beneficial antioxidants.
These versatile berries are frequently incorporated into fruit salads, desserts, and jams, and can even feature in savory dishes to add a bright, acidic note. You typically find fresh goldenberries in larger, well-stocked grocery stores, especially during their peak season from late spring through early fall.
Where to Find Goldenberries in the US:
Finding goldenberries can sometimes be a treasure hunt, but with a little guidance, you’ll likely discover them at these retailers:
- Whole Foods Market: This popular health-conscious grocery chain often carries both fresh and dried goldenberries. Check their specialty produce section.
- Trader Joe’s: Known for unique and often seasonal produce, Trader Joe’s occasionally stocks dried goldenberries, which can be a great alternative if fresh ones are unavailable.
- Sprouts Farmers Market: If you have a Sprouts nearby, they frequently feature goldenberries, particularly during their prime growing season.
- Wegmans: Esteemed for its extensive and diverse fresh produce selection, Wegmans is a good bet for finding goldenberries.
- Publix: In the Southeastern United States, Publix sometimes includes goldenberries in its produce offerings, especially at larger locations.
- Safeway, Kroger, and H-E-B: Look for goldenberries in the more expansive produce departments of their larger store formats. Availability can vary by region and season.
- Specialty Stores: Stores that specialize in Latin American or Asian foods are excellent places to check, as goldenberries are more commonly featured in these cuisines.
Having lived in Germany, I’ve found them quite regularly at local supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, highlighting their varying availability across different regions.
How to Prepare Your Fruit for the Prettiest Kebabs
For the most visually appealing fruit kebabs, uniformity is key. Aim to cut all your fruits into similar-sized chunks, ideally cubes. This creates a neat, organized look on the skewer. Smaller fruits like grapes, blueberries, and blackberries should be kept whole to maintain their integrity and ease of handling.
Strawberries can be a bit challenging to cube, but it’s certainly doable. Don’t worry about any leftover strawberry bits or irregular pieces – they’re perfect for repurposing! Toss them into a refreshing Strawberry Mango Smoothie or use them to whip up some delicious homemade Strawberry Preserves. Minimize waste and maximize flavor!
How to Prevent Browning for Long-Lasting Freshness
Certain fruits, like apples and bananas, are prone to browning quickly due to oxidation when exposed to air. Lemon juice is an incredibly effective natural solution for preventing this unsightly discoloration. It can also slow down the oxidation process in other fruits, helping them maintain their vibrant color and freshness for a longer period.
- Simple Toss: For most cut fruit, simply tossing them in a bowl with a small amount of lemon juice is sufficient. If you plan to serve the skewers on the same day, this step might only be necessary if you are specifically using apples or bananas.
- Essential for Susceptible Fruits: If your skewers include apples or bananas, applying lemon juice is crucial, especially if they will be sitting out for any length of time.
- Immediate Consumption: If you’re preparing these delightful rainbow skewers for your family to enjoy right away, there’s absolutely no need to bother with the lemon juice. Enjoy them as is!
- Party Preparedness: For parties, BBQs, or events where the fruit may be exposed to air and warmer temperatures for several hours, a light coating of lemon juice is highly recommended to keep your skewers looking their best.
How to Assemble and Display Your Stunning Rainbow Skewers
Assembling your rainbow fruit skewers is a fun and creative process, but how you display them can truly elevate their visual impact. For a classic, elegant presentation, arrange the skewers on a platter in a beautiful fan shape, mimicking an arc. Alternatively, for a dramatic and eye-catching centerpiece, place them upright in a sturdy vase. If choosing the vase method, ensure the base is heavy and stable enough to securely support the combined weight of the fruit kabobs, preventing any accidental tipping.
My photographer utilized a gorgeous white marble lazy susan from World Market for some of the photos. This particular lazy susan, measuring 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter, comfortably accommodates a rainbow display of 19 skewers. The recipe provided is designed for a rainbow composed of 21 skewers, meaning you’ll have a little extra room if you’re using a 12-inch platter, allowing for more spacious arrangement or slightly larger fruit pieces. If you plan to create a larger, more expansive rainbow, simply increase the fruit quantities accordingly.
Should you find yourself with extra skewers after preparing your fruit masterpiece, don’t let them go to waste! They’re versatile for other delicious recipes. These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, for instance, are an excellent way to use them up and make another fantastic addition to any summer party spread.
The Irresistible Fruit Dip: The Perfect Companion
While the fresh fruit skewers are delightful on their own, perhaps with a light drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zing, a creamy dip truly elevates the experience. This particular dip, reminiscent of a lightened-up cream cheese frosting, is incredibly easy to prepare in just one bowl, making it a hassle-free addition to your party menu.
A commenter on my previous fruit rainbow platter post shared an anecdote that perfectly illustrates its popularity: they made a double batch of the dip for their party, but next time they plan to quadruple it because guests were practically eating it with spoons! It really is that delicious and addictive.
For a traditional, sweet flavor profile, powdered sugar is the go-to sweetener. However, using maple syrup introduces a surprisingly delicious and unique flavor without making the dip too thin or runny. I also experimented with honey, which resulted in a distinctly honey-flavored dip. While tasty, we found ourselves much preferring the nuanced sweetness of maple syrup or the classic taste achieved with powdered sugar for this specific recipe.
Planning Ahead: Making Your Skewers in Advance
One of the best features of these rainbow fruit skewers is their make-ahead potential, which significantly reduces stress on the day of your event. To prepare the fruit in advance, you can wash, peel, and chop everything up to one day before serving. Once prepared, store the cut fruit in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This method drastically cuts down on last-minute prep time, allowing you to enjoy your event more.
Remember to utilize the lemon juice tip, especially for fruits prone to browning, to maintain their vibrant appearance if prepping a day ahead. If you’re truly pressed for time, many grocery stores offer pre-sliced and diced fruit. While this can be a more expensive option, it’s a convenient shortcut that saves valuable time.
You can also go a step further and assemble the skewers themselves, including arranging them in their rainbow shape, the day before. Simply cover the entire platter tightly with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure and keep the fruit fresh and juicy. However, avoid preparing the platter more than a day in advance to ensure optimal freshness and taste. For highly perishable fruits like apples or bananas, even with lemon juice, it’s always best to cut and add them as close to serving time as possible for the best quality.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftovers
It’s hard to imagine having leftovers of these delicious skewers, but if you do, they’re easy to store and repurpose. Refrigerate any remaining fruit in an airtight container for up to three days. This practice is crucial for preventing air exposure, minimizing further browning, and locking in their natural juiciness and flavor.
Leftover fruit is incredibly versatile and can be repurposed in numerous creative ways. While it’s unlikely you’ll have another special event immediately after making these skewers, if the occasion arises, these Fruit Tartlets are an ideal recipe as they specifically call for cut-up fruit.
- Refreshing Fruit Salad: The simplest and perhaps most satisfying way to use leftovers is to combine them into a fresh and colorful Fruit Cocktail. Since you’ve already gone to the effort of beautifully cutting and preparing the fruit, this is my absolute favorite method for repurposing.
- Nutrient-Packed Smoothie: Transform your leftover fruit into a delicious smoothie. Just ensure that the combination of fruits you’re blending makes sense together for a harmonious flavor. It could taste like an amazing fruit punch, or perhaps a unique, unexpected blend! 😆 One fruit I’m uncertain about in a smoothie is goldenberries – I haven’t personally tried them in that context yet.
- Freeze for Future Use: If you’ve simply had your fill of fresh fruit for the moment, freezing is an excellent option. Spread the fruit in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. Frozen fruit is perfect for baking, making homemade ice cream or sorbet, or as a convenient topping for cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt.
Addressing Allergies for Safe and Inclusive Snacking
When preparing and serving food for guests, especially at parties with children, it is paramount to be mindful of potential food allergies. Fruit allergies, though less common than some other food allergies, can still occur. Kiwi allergies, for instance, are relatively common and can cause significant reactions.
If you are aware that a guest has a kiwi allergy, it’s important to understand that they might not be able to eat anything from a platter where kiwi is present, even if they try to avoid the fruit directly. Cross-contamination can be a serious concern. While adults might simply opt out of enjoying these delightful rainbow fruit sticks, children, who are often enchanted by the colorful display, would likely be quite disappointed if they couldn’t partake due to an allergy.
The good news is that there are numerous fruit options available for each color of the rainbow. This extensive variety ensures that you can easily swap out a problematic fruit, like kiwi, for a safe alternative. This way, you can create an allergy-friendly fruit rainbow, guaranteeing that all children and guests can safely and joyfully enjoy the fun of the fruit rainbow!
Get the Kids Involved: A Fun Family Activity!
Making rainbow fruit skewers can be a wonderfully engaging and educational activity for children. Getting kids involved in the kitchen not only teaches them about food preparation but also makes them more likely to eat and enjoy healthy snacks. Encourage them to help with washing fruit (under supervision), peeling softer fruits like mandarins, or even carefully placing the pre-cut fruit onto the skewers. For an extra element of fun, provide small cookie cutters to shape some of the larger, firmer fruits into stars, hearts, or other playful forms. From experience, kids absolutely adore star-shaped fruit!
This creative shaping technique works particularly well with fruits like pineapple, large strawberries, watermelon, and various other melons. While these whimsical shapes might not fit perfectly into the linear rainbow design on the skewers, they can be placed nearby on the platter for an added decorative touch or used as a delightful treat for any leftover fruit. It’s a fantastic way to make healthy eating exciting and interactive for the whole family!
I sincerely hope you and your guests will absolutely love these vibrant and delicious rainbow fruit skewers! If you decide to give them a try for your next event or family snack time, I’d be absolutely thrilled to hear how they turned out. Happy skewering! 🙂
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Ingredients
- 21 wooden skewers
- 2 cups (284 grams / 10 oz strawberries) strawberries – cut into halves or quarters
- 21 goldenberries or 2-3 clementines
- 1 small pineapple – cut into bite-sized cubes
- 21 kiwi chunks, cut the same size as the pineapple – or 21 (53 grams or 1/3 cup) green grapes 2 kiwi should be enough
- 42 blueberries
- 21 purple grapes
For the dip:
- 4 ounces (112 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 tablespoons (75 grams) powdered sugar or 3 tablespoons (60 grams) honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold heavy cream
Instructions
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Note: you can get the smallest container of each fruit. The exact amount you’ll need depends on how big your rainbow is. The amounts above are what was needed for 21 skewers. If using a 12″ (30.5 cm) platter, you can fit in 19 skewers. If possible, place your hand or stand mixer beaters and bowl in the fridge for 1 hour before making the dip.
Make the dip:
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In a large mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, sweetener, vanilla and salt at medium speed until totally combined.
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While still mixing, now on low, gradually add the heavy cream.
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Once it’s well incorporated, turn the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form – about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Cover and place in the fridge until it’s time to serve. This yields about 1 cup + 3 tablespoons. Can be made up to 2 days in advance.
Make the skewers:
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Wash, rinse, and pat dry all of the fruit with paper towels.
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Cut the fruit as instructed. If serving today, there’s no need to use lemon juice unless you’re using apple or bananas. If serving tomorrow, you might want to toss the fruit in some lemon juice.
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If using the fruit I used, it doesn’t matter which side of the skewer you start with (strawberries or purple grapes) because there aren’t any really fragile fruit you have to worry about. If using blackberries, raspberries or other fragile fruit, you’ll want to put those on the skewer last.
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Put the fruit on skewers in rainbow order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). I used one piece of fruit for every color, with the exception of blueberries (I used 2 of those).
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Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Arrange the skewers on a platter in a fan shape to create a rainbow or place them upright in a vase for a stunning centerpiece. But make sure the base is heavy and sturdy enough to support the weight of the fruit kabobs.
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If you have leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- To prepare the fruit ahead of time, you can wash, peel, and chop the fruit, then refrigerate it in airtight containers for up to one day before serving.
- You can also assemble the skewers and the rainbow shape (if making) the day before. Cover the plate tightly with plastic wrap to keep the fruit fresh.