Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe

The Fluffiest Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

My grandmother’s cherished cherry fluff salad recipe has been a summer staple for generations of our family.

Creamy marshmallow clouds blend perfectly with tart cherry chunks, creating a delightful dessert that sparks joy.

Sweet memories flood back with each spoonful of this nostalgic treat.

Lightweight and airy, the mixture combines tangy fruit with smooth dairy for an irresistible experience.

Guests always beg for seconds when I serve this crowd-pleasing dish at potlucks.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, making this a go-to dessert for busy cooks.

She’ll be impressed by how effortlessly you can whip up this crowd-pleasing classic that feels like a warm culinary hug.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for Cherry Fluff Salad?

The main ingredients include sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, Cool Whip, and chopped pecans.

  • Is this a dessert or a side dish?

Cherry Fluff Salad is a versatile dish that works as both a sweet side dish and a light dessert, popular at potlucks and family gatherings.

  • Can I make Cherry Fluff Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it a day before serving, and it actually tastes better after chilling and allowing flavors to meld together.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! Cherry Fluff Salad is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a no-bake recipe that requires only mixing ingredients and chilling, making it perfect for novice cooks.

Cherry Fluff Salad That’s Light And Airy

  • Quick Prep Delight: Whip up this cherry fluff salad in just minutes with minimal ingredients and simple mixing steps, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a fast dessert solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with sweet flavors from cherry pie filling, marshmallows, and Cool Whip, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
  • No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and enjoy a hassle-free dessert that requires zero cooking, allowing you to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Party Treat: Easily adaptable for various occasions like summer barbecues, holiday parties, or casual weekend get-togethers, this fluff salad brings a touch of sweetness to any event.

What You Add To Cherry Fluff Salad

Main Sweet Base:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy foundation that adds rich sweetness and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus touch that balances sweetness and helps prevent browning.
Fruit Components:
  • Cherry Pie Filling, Crushed Pineapple: Fresh, juicy fruits that provide vibrant flavor and texture to the salad. Choose ripe, high-quality canned fruits for best results.
Creamy and Texture Enhancers:
  • Cool Whip, Mini Marshmallows: Soft, fluffy elements that create a light and airy consistency. Cool Whip adds creamy smoothness, while marshmallows provide delightful chewiness.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that introduce a nutty flavor and interesting textural contrast. Opt for fresh, crisp pecans for maximum crunch.

Cherry Fluff Salad Directions

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the sweetened condensed milk with tangy lemon juice until smooth and well combined.

The mixture will start to thicken slightly and create a luscious foundation for your fruity dessert.

Step 2: Introduce Fruit Flavors

Gently fold in the vibrant cherry pie filling and the tropical crushed pineapple.

Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a delightful swirl of colors and textures.

Step 3: Add Fluffy Delights

Incorporate the following ingredients:
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Creamy Cool Whip
  • Crunchy chopped pecans

Fold these elements delicately into the mixture, creating a cloud-like consistency that’s both light and indulgent.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Transfer the entire mixture to a serving dish and place in the refrigerator.

Allow the Cherry Fluff Salad to rest and set for a minimum of 2 hours.

This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and creates a perfectly refreshing dessert.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the refrigerator and serve chilled.

The dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Each spoonful offers a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors.

Helpful Tips for Cherry Fluff Salad

  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess liquid that could make the salad runny.
  • Toast pecans before adding for a deeper, richer taste and enhanced crunch.
  • Adjust sweetness by using less sweetened condensed milk or choosing a less sweet pie filling.
  • Swap Cool Whip with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version or use sugar-free pie filling for a lower-sugar option.
  • Prepare the salad a day in advance to let flavors meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

Cherry Fluff Salad – Chill and Serve Again with Ease

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Skip freezing this dessert as the texture of marshmallows and whipped topping will break down and become watery.
  • Always keep the cherry fluff salad cold and serve directly from the refrigerator to preserve its creamy consistency.
  • Gently mix the chilled salad before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore its original smooth texture.

Cherry Fluff Salad Match Ideas

  • Pair Sweet Cherry Delight with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Moscato beautifully complements the dessert's sweetness, cutting through the creamy texture with bright, fruity notes.
  • Balance Creamy Dessert with Nutty Crunch: Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti or shortbread cookies to add a satisfying crunch that contrasts the soft, fluffy salad.
  • Cool Down with Refreshing Beverage: Sparkling water with a splash of cherry juice or a light cream soda creates a perfect non-alcoholic companion that enhances the dessert's fruity profile.
  • Elevate Texture with Salty Contrast: Add a small side of lightly salted mixed nuts or a cheese plate to provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet, creamy cherry fluff.

Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe Fresh Flavor Ideas

  • Low-Sugar Delight: Swap sweetened condensed milk with Greek yogurt and use sugar-free cherry pie filling for a lighter version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace condensed milk with coconut cream and use non-dairy whipped topping to create a vegan-friendly dessert.
  • Nut-Free Variation: Omit pecans or substitute with toasted coconut flakes for those with nut allergies.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the marshmallows and pie filling, to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe

Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet cherry memories bloom in this classic Midwestern “Cherry Fluff Salad” that blends marshmallow clouds with juicy cherries and creamy whipped delight. Each spoonful promises nostalgic comfort and delightful summer flavors you’ll savor with pure joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) cherry pie filling
  • 2 cans (8 ounces / 227 grams each) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) mini marshmallows

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 package (8 ounces / 227 grams) Cool Whip

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 2/3 cup (77 grams) pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Whisk sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice in a spacious mixing vessel until smooth and fully integrated.
  2. Gently incorporate cherry pie filling and thoroughly drained crushed pineapple, stirring with deliberate, even motions to ensure uniform distribution.
  3. Delicately fold mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture, creating a light and airy texture.
  4. Gradually introduce Cool Whip, blending carefully to maintain the fluffy consistency and prevent deflation.
  5. Sprinkle chopped pecans throughout the mixture, gently folding to evenly disperse the nutty elements.
  6. Transfer the completed dessert into a serving container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to meld and the salad to set completely.
  8. Before serving, give a gentle stir to redistribute any settled ingredients and ensure a perfect, creamy consistency.

Notes

  • Let marshmallows soften slightly before folding into the mixture for a smoother texture.
  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the salad runny.
  • Toast pecans lightly beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
  • Substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher, less processed option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star