Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe

The Fluffiest Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe for Sweet Success

Sweet summer memories bloom with this creamy cherry fluff salad that dances between nostalgic comfort and fresh delight.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl through every cloud-like spoonful.

Marshmallows and whipped cream create a pillowy landscape of pure indulgence.

Bursts of cherry flavor weave through the airy mixture, promising a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts.

Soft peaks of coolness melt gently on your tongue, revealing layers of subtle sweetness.

Whip up this simple treat in minutes and watch faces light up with pure joy.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this classic potluck favorite.

Ingredients for Cherry Fluff Salad

Base Ingredients:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy mixture that provides the primary flavor and vibrant color for the dessert.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and moisture to the fluff salad.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, creamy base that helps bind all the ingredients together.
Creamy Component:
  • Whipped Topping: Gives the salad a light and fluffy texture, making it soft and airy.
Optional Texture Enhancers:
  • Mini Marshmallows, Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Provide additional texture, crunch, and a delightful mix of sweetness and nuttiness to the dessert.

How to Prepare Cherry Fluff Salad Easily

How to Prepare Cherry Fluff Salad Easily

Step 1: Blend Fruity Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, pour the luscious cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple.

Gently combine these vibrant ingredients until they create a harmonious fruity mixture.

Step 2: Introduce Creamy Sweetness

Pour in the silky sweetened condensed milk and stir thoroughly.

Ensure the milk blends seamlessly with the fruit, creating a rich and smooth foundation for your dessert.

Step 3: Fold in Fluffy Clouds

Carefully incorporate the whipped topping, folding it gently into the mixture.

Use smooth, light motions to maintain the airy texture and prevent deflating the delicate cream.

Step 4: Add Delectable Mix-Ins

Sprinkle in your favorite crunchy and sweet additions:
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped pecans

Softly fold these ingredients throughout the salad, distributing them evenly for a delightful texture in every spoonful.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer the cherry fluff to the refrigerator and let it rest for a minimum of one hour.

This cooling period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, fruity sensation.

Pro Tips for Light and Fluffy Cherry Fluff Salad

  • Drain pineapple completely to ensure a thick, creamy consistency without excess liquid.
  • Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty richness and provide a deeper taste profile.
  • Adjust sweetness by using reduced-sugar pie filling or cutting back on condensed milk for a less intense dessert.
  • Prepare the fluff salad up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator to develop richer flavors.
  • Replace whipped topping with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture.

Flavor Variations for Cherry Fluff Salad

  • No-Bake Vegan Cherry Delight: Replace dairy ingredients with coconut cream, dairy-free whipped topping, and use vegan marshmallows for a plant-based version.
  • Tropical Cherry Fusion: Swap cherry pie filling with mango or passion fruit filling, add macadamia nuts instead of pecans for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
  • Gluten-Free Cherry Cloud: Use gluten-free marshmallows and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Low-Sugar Cherry Treat: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free condensed milk and use sugar-free pie filling to create a diabetic-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Fluff Salad

  • Festive Party Platter: Serve this cherry fluff in a decorative glass trifle bowl garnished with extra toasted pecans and a sprinkle of coconut for a stunning dessert centerpiece.
  • Holiday Brunch Delight: Scoop generous portions alongside pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast treat that adds excitement to weekend family gatherings.
  • Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack individual servings in mason jars for easy outdoor dining, making it a portable and crowd-pleasing potluck contribution that stays cool and delicious.
  • Elegant Dessert Cups: Present small portions in clear shot glasses or dessert cups, topped with a fresh cherry and mint leaf for an elegant, Instagram-worthy presentation.

Storage Advice for Cherry Fluff Salad

  • Store the Cherry Fluff Salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Not recommended due to the whipped topping and marshmallows, which will lose texture and become watery when thawed.
  • Scoop servings into small sealed containers for easy grab-and-go snacks or quick dessert options.
  • Best served chilled. Do not microwave or heat, as the ingredients will separate and lose their creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Fresh cherries work, but you’ll need to add sugar and cook them down to achieve the right consistency and sweetness of pie filling.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are gluten-free, but check your whipped topping and marshmallow labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives.

  • How long can Cherry Fluff Salad stay fresh?

The salad stays good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The texture might slightly change after the first day.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cherry Fluff Salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Cherry Fluff Salad That’s Light and Refreshing

  • Whip Up a Sweet Sensation: This cherry fluff salad brings together irresistible flavors that dance on your taste buds, creating a dessert that's both nostalgic and exciting.
  • Customize with Ease: Perfectly adaptable recipe allows you to add or omit ingredients like pecans or coconut, making it a flexible treat for different preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick No-Bake Delight: Minimal preparation steps mean you can create a crowd-pleasing dessert without turning on the oven, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a simple yet impressive dish.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Star: Ideal for gatherings, picnics, and family celebrations, this colorful dessert salad will become an instant favorite that disappears quickly from the serving table.
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Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe

Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Midwestern cherry fluff salad combines tart cherries with creamy whipped ingredients for a classic potluck dessert. Marshmallows and cool whip create a light, sweet texture that delights family gatherings with nostalgic comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Components:

  • 1 (21 ounces/595 grams) can cherry pie filling
  • 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) can crushed pineapple, drained

Dairy and Sweet Components:

  • 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) tub whipped topping, thawed

Crunchy and Texture Components:

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Blend cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant fruity base.
  2. Pour sweetened condensed milk into the mixture, stirring thoroughly until ingredients integrate seamlessly.
  3. Gently incorporate whipped topping, ensuring a smooth and airy texture throughout the preparation.
  4. Delicately fold in mini marshmallows, providing soft, pillowy pockets of sweetness.
  5. Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans, introducing delightful textural contrast and nutty undertones.
  6. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and mixture to set completely.
  7. Serve chilled, presenting a luscious, creamy dessert perfect for summer gatherings or sweet indulgence.

Notes

  • Swap canned cherry pie filling with fresh cherries for a more natural, less sweet version by pitting and chopping them finely.
  • Use low-fat whipped topping and sugar-free condensed milk to create a lighter, diabetes-friendly dessert option.
  • Toast the pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the fluff salad.
  • If avoiding dairy, substitute whipped coconut cream and dairy-free condensed milk for a vegan-friendly alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 254
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 97 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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