Cherry Fluff

Light, sweet, and creamy, Cherry Fluff is a classic no-bake dessert salad made with cherries, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping. It’s quick to stir together and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a refreshing summer treat.

📝 Description

Cherry Fluff is a retro dessert salad that combines fruity pie filling, crushed pineapple, fluffy whipped topping, and mini marshmallows for a soft, cloud-like texture. It tastes like a creamy cherry cheesecake in spoonable form and requires only a few minutes to throw together.

🍒 Ingredients for Cherry Fluff 

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

• 1½ cups mini marshmallows

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip/whipped topping, thawed

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.

2. Fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated and fluffy.

3. Add cherry pie filling and drained crushed pineapple. Stir gently.

4. Mix in coconut, mini marshmallows, and nuts (if using).

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to allow the flavors to meld and salad to thicken.

6. Serve chilled, garnished with extra cherries or nut pieces if desired.

🍽️ Servings

Makes approximately 8 servings.

📌 Notes

• Be sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid a thin/floppy fluff.

• For best flavor and texture, chill for a minimum of 2 hours.

• Light or sugar-free whipped topping and pie filling can be used for a lower-calorie version.

💡 Tips

• Add ½ cup of Maraschino cherry halves for extra cherry bursts.

• Fold ingredients gently to keep the mixture airy and fluffy.

• Great served in small parfait cups for individual desserts at parties.

⚖️ Approximate Nutritional Info (per serving)

Values are estimates and may vary by brand

• Calories: 290

• Fat: 13 g

• Carbs: 42 g

• Sugars: 33 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fiber: 1 g

🌟 Benefits

• No-bake and quick prep (15 minutes max).

• Perfect make-ahead dessert.

• Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly.

• Versatile — easy to swap fruits or fillings.

❓Q&A

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to make your own filling or the salad won’t bind properly.

Q: How long does Cherry Fluff last?
A: Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 3-4 days for best texture and flavor.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Not recommended — freezing affects the creamy texture and causes separation after thawing.