This Cranberry Fluff dessert is sweet, light, and has a lovely touch of tartness. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings in the fall and winter. This simple dessert salad recipe is always a crowd favorite.
This classic holiday dessert salad never goes out of style, and once you taste it, you’ll see why! Tart cranberries are encased with smooth whipped cream, while crushed pineapple adds texture and sweetness. However, the mini marshmallows make each bite of this fluffy salad a melt-in-your-mouth treat. You’ll enjoy the dreamy flavors. It’s a low-effort recipe with just five ingredients, making it perfect as a side dish or dessert.
Cranberries are usually more plentiful in the fall and winter since this superfruit is linked to the holiday season. Did you know cranberries freeze really well? They absolutely do. Pick up some extra packs of these vibrant little red fruits. Save them for all the sweet and savory dishes you’ll want to make this season.
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberries – fresh or frozen. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them before continuing with the recipe.
Sugar – Use white granulated sugar to help sweeten the fluff and lessen the tartness of the cranberries.
Can of Crushed Pineapple – drained. Any excess juice will make the cranberry fluff runny, so be sure to drain really well.
Mini Marshmallows – to help sweeten the fluff. The marshmallows also add a light, airy texture to each bite.
Container of Whipped Topping: set it out to thaw completely so it mixes easily.
Directions
- In a food processor, add the cranberries and sugar.
- Pulse until cranberries have a chopped consistency.
- Add the cranberries, drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping to a large mixing bowl.
- Gently combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
- Serve!
Variations
- Swap out the drained crushed pineapple for drained mandarin orange segments.
- Add in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
- Add in seedless green or red grapes, halved.
- Add in sweetened shredded coconut.
- Add in chopped apples.
- Make the fluff extra rich and creamy. Beat a block of softened cream cheese with the sugar. Then fold it into the fluff mixture.
Serving Suggestions
For a fancier dessert, try serving this Cranberry Fluff in individual parfait cups or dishes. Just make sure to keep it nice and chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. You can easily make it into a parfait by layering it in sections separated by any of the following:
- crushed graham crackers
- chopped nuts
- drained mandarin oranges
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely, drain well on a paper towel and pat dry.
Can I Use Cranberry Sauce?
You can use cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries. Ensure you use the canned sauce with whole berries. Skip adding it to the food processor and just stir it in with the sugar before continuing with the recipe. Using the sauce will change the texture of the fluff salad, though.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes, and you should! I prefer to prepare it in advance. This allows it to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving. This way, it gets nice and cold, plus it’s firm enough to stay together. You can also whip it up the night before so that it has a full overnight session in the fridge.
Storage
Store this cranberry fluff, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing it.
More Delicious Cranberry Recipes
Upside-Down Cranberry Cake
Cranberry Mimosa
Lemon Cranberry Muffins
Slow Cooker Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
White Chocolate Cranberry Bundt Cake
Cranberry Applesauce Bread
Frosted Cranberry Cocktail
Cranberry Fluff
Cranberry Fluff is perfect for all of the holiday celebrations! Full of tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, fluffy marshmallows and a whipped cream base that makes this fluff is so delicious! It's an easy to make side or dessert that's perfect for the holidays. Everyone always loves this classic recipe and it looks so festive!
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained very well
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 8 ounce container whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Gather all of the ingredients.
- In a food processor add the cranberries and sugar.
- Pulse until cranberries have a chopped consistency.
- Add the cranberries, drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows and whipped topping to a large mixing bowl.
- Gently combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
- Serve!
Notes
Tips and Tricks
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can use canned whole cranberry sauce if you like, just stir the sugar into it and proceed with the recipe.
- This dish is also great with the addition of drained mandarin oranges, sliced grapes or pecans.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Cuisinart FP-8GMP1 Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor, Gunmetal -
Domino Sugar, Granulated, 4LB Canister -
Ifuerte 10-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set -
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids,Wide Rim for Easy Grip and Pouring,Extra Deep for Generous Servings,Stackable for Convenient Storage -
Dole Crushed Pineapple in Juice -
Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows (Pack of 2) -
Cool Whip Original Whipped Topping (8 oz Tub) -
Cranberries, 12 oz
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 249Total Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 41mgCarbohydrates 63gFiber 1gSugar 49gProtein 1g
