Cherry fluff is an easy, no-bake, whipped topping-based salad recipe with a few simple ingredients. Served as a side or a dessert, this recipe combines sweet cherries with pineapple, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and creamy whipped topping.
Cherry Fluff Salad – Pretty As Pie (but so much easier)
If you too are unfamiliar with cherry fluff salad, you MUST get to know it! With its refreshing mix of chilled mini marshmallows, whipped topping, nuts, and fruit, this is one of those versatile dishes that make a delicious salad but is sweet and creamy as a dessert.
The best part is that it is the easiest dump and stir recipe that makes one of my newly favorite no-bake desserts! Literally, you add a can of this, a can of that, toss in some mini marshmallows and chopped nuts, fold in whipped topping, stir it all together and you’ve made a pretty pink, fluffy treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and pairs perfectly with a savory meal or a side.
I like to think of my recipe as a refreshing twist on the traditional cherry pie. Chunky tart cherries, crushed pineapple, and pecans give substance to this lightly sweet, make-ahead salad. With its pastel color and fluffy look, it’s a perfectly pleasing, cold dessert meant for hot summer nights–no-baking required!
And since cherry season is during the summer months, this produce is a-plenty! Why not make you own homemade cherry pie filling in place of the store-bought can? Don’t like this summer fruit? No problem! Fresh berries, pineapple, and oranges are also in season and make delicious warm-weather substitutes. Yes, there are many ways to customize your fluff, but now that we’re familiar, mini marshmallows are a must!
Why We Love This Cherry Fluff
- Easy to make and nothing to bake
- Simple make-ahead recipe or serve it the same day
- Cool and refreshing for a warm summer day
- You can make a big batch or just enough for a small crowd
- Perfect side dish or dessert to serve for a potluck, summer party or barbecue with friends
- Classic recipe for a family reunion or holiday
Ingredients / Shopping List
- Cherry pie filling: Feel free to make your own homemade cherry pie filling with fresh cherries.
- Crushed pineapple: No need to chop, cut or dice–simply drain well and dump in!
- Sweetened condensed milk: Make sure you use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
- Whipped topping: This is what binds the salad together! Make sure it is thawed before mixing it in.
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Mini-marshmallows: I love the added texture they bring to this dessert.
- Pecans
- Maraschino cherries: Not only do they add color, but they are delicious!
Substitutions
- Nuts: Chopped nuts of any variety can be used instead of pecans. Pistachios and walnuts will taste great!
- Fruit: Replace the pineapple with mandarin oranges, or a drained fruit cocktail. Bananas, grapes, strawberries, coconut, and kiwi are also good options.
- Pie Filling: Use strawberry pie filling or blueberry pie filling instead of cherry if preferred.
- Make it colorful: zYou can use multi-colored mini marshmallows for added color.
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How To Make Cherry Fluff
It is so easy and quick to make this salad recipe. It combines simple ingredients to create a pretty pink side that pairs perfectly with any meal.
- Mix together the cherry pie filling and the drained pineapple and set the bowl aside.
- Stir together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and almond extract in a separate bowl.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the cherry and pineapple mixture.
- Mix in the whipped topping and stir until everything is combined.
Pro Tip: Fold the whipped topping into the cherry mixture gently. If you use a heavy hand, it will break your pink fluff down. - Fold in mini-marshmallows and chopped pecans.
- Cover tightly and allow your cherry fluff to chill before you serve it. Top your fluff with mini marshmallows and the maraschino cherries and enjoy!
Tips
- If you choose to use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling, don’t forget to remove the pits! Toss them in a food processor to chop and add ¼ cup sugar. Allow the cherry juice to melt the sugar before mixing with the pineapple.
- This cherry fluff can be eaten right away, but it is best chilled and can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- Be selective if you use fresh fruit. Don’t use fruit that contains a lot of liquid because it will break down the whipped topping. Fresh fruit will also shorten the shelf life of this fluff recipe.
- Cool Whip is the perfect whipped topping for this recipe. Homemade whipped cream will lose its texture and start to fall apart too quickly to hold this cherry fluff together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
I have never tried freezing cherry fluff, although I would not recommend it. When it thaws, the salad will likely be watery and soggy.
Yes! While I think this recipe tastes better the day you make it, you can certainly prepare it a few days ahead of time.
You can eat this cherry fluff on its own or serve it with other dishes. It makes a great dessert that can follow pretty much any side or entrée. It can also be used as a dip for other fruits, or used to top cakes and cookies.
That’s easy! Make a pina colada or your favorite pineapple cocktail.
Other Easy Dessert Salad
Cherry Fluff
Ingredients
- 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple thoroughly drained
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounce tub whipped topping thawed
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 2¾ cup mini marshmallows divided (2 ½ cup and ¼ cup for garnish)
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 4 maraschino cherries with stems attached (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Using a large mixing bowl, add the cherry pie filling and the drained crushed pineapple.
- Using a small mixing bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and almond extract.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the cherry pie filling and the crushed pineapple.
- Add the thawed whipped topping and stir to completely combine.
- Fold in the 2 ½ cups mini-marshmallows and chopped pecans. Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Just before serving, evenly sprinkle the ¼ cup mini-marshmallows and the maraschino cherries.
Jenn’s Notes
- If you choose to use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling, don’t forget to remove the pits! Toss them in a food processor to chop and add ¼ cup sugar. Allow the cherry juice to melt the sugar before mixing with the pineapple.
- This cherry fluff can be eaten right away, but it is best chilled and can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- Be selective if you use fresh fruit. Don’t use fruit that contains a lot of liquid because it will break down the whipped topping. Fresh fruit will also shorten the shelf life of this fluff recipe.
- Cool Whip is the perfect whipped topping for this recipe. Homemade whipped cream will lose its texture and start to fall apart too quickly to hold this cherry fluff together.
I’m not good at making deserts. Your recipes look simple. I would like to try them. Thank you for sharing. Jojo from Oklahoma
great recipe thank you for sharing