Looking for a delicious and easy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for summer? Look no further than this cherry fluff dessert salad recipe! This no bake recipe is made with a handful of simple ingredients, including cherry pie filling, whipped topping, and mini marshmallows.
This creamy and fruity dessert is sure to be a hit with everyone. With its vibrant pink color and refreshing taste, cherry fluff salad is the perfect addition to any meal.
Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe
I think my family is hooked on fluff recipes! I have been making them and the kids have been loving them! They are such a great dessert to make during these hot summer days because they take so little time to make and they taste great!
The newest fluff recipe to our collection is this cherry fluff salad recipe, my youngest insists on calling it pink fluff and that is perfectly fine with me! My whole family loves this classic dessert salad recipe and I love that it is super easy to put together. All you do it dump a few ingredients into a big bowl, mix the ingredients together and then pop the bowl in the fridge to chill.
This Cherry fluff salad recipe is an easy to make delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is the perfect recipe when you need one for family gatherings, potlucks, summer dinners and so much more! Yes, you can serve this as a side dish or as a dessert. The choice is yours of course but in our house, it just depends on our mood and what we are choosing for it to be that day. 😉
This no bake summer dessert is perfect for a hot summer day when you want a sweet treat but don’t want to have to do a lot of work. I hope that your family loves this simple recipes as much as mine does.
Fluff Salad Recipes
- Orange Fluff Salad
- Watergate fluff Salad recipe
- Cool Whip Fruit Salad with Marshmallows
- Pineapple Fluff
What is Fluff?
Fluff is a type of dessert salad that is also sometimes served as a side dish. It is characterized by its light and airy texture. It is made by combining pudding, whipped topping, fruit, and mini marshmallows. The combination creates a soft and fluffy mixture that is so flavorful. Fluff is served chilled. Because it is easy to make large amounts of this recipe it makes for the perfect dessert for parties, picnics, and other gatherings.
Cherry Fluff Salad is more of a sweet and creamy dessert than a salad in the traditional sense. This easy cherry fluff salad recipe is made with a combination of traditional fluff ingredients. We will use canned cherry pie filling, Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, instant pudding, and pecans. Everything gets mixed together and then put in the fridge to chill. Super easy and super delicious too!
Is Cherry Fluff Salad Really a Salad?
Cherry Fluff Salad is often referred to as a salad, but it is not a traditional green salad or a vegetable-based salad. This easy recipe is a type of fruit salad that is typically served as a dessert or a sweet side dish. It is a vintage recipe that makes for a great side dish or a dessert recipe for family gatherings, special occasions like baby showers, and holiday dinners including Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Easter.
Why is it Called Cherry Fluff Salad?
The term “fluff” in this easy Cherry Fluff recipe refers to the light and airy texture of the dish, which is achieved by folding whipped cream into the pudding mixture. The whipped cream adds volume and a fluffy texture to the salad, giving it a light and delicate consistency. The addition of other ingredients like marshmallows and pudding also contributes to the “fluff” factor, further enhancing the light and airy texture of the salad. Overall, the name “Cherry Fluff Salad” accurately describes the light and fluffy texture of this dish that can be used as a dessert but also makes for the perfect side dish.
What are other Names for this Recipe?
Cherry fluff salad may also be known by other names, depending on the region or the name if given by family members who have passed the recipe down. Some other names for cherry fluff salad include:
- Cherry marshmallow salad
- Cherry whip salad
- Cherry delight salad
- Cherry angel salad
- Cherry dump salad
What ingredients do I need to make cherry fluff?
This cherry fluff recipe is made with 5 simple ingredients and this recipe requires no cooking which is perfect for a hot summer day when you want a tasty dessert recipe to go with dinner.
- Instant pudding mix. I use vanilla instant pudding for this recipe but if you want to make a cherry cheesecake fluff then you can change out the vanilla pudding mix and use cheesecake pudding mix.
- Cherry Pie Filling. You can use canned cherry pie filling or homemade cherry pie filling.
- Mini Marshmallows. They add a soft and chewy texture to the fluff.
- Whipped topping. This provides a creamy texture and adds a sweet flavor to the fluff.
- Chopped pecans. If you are not a fan of chopped pecans you can omit this, however, I love the flavor they give this delicious fruit dessert.
Use a rubber spatula. I find it best to use a rubber spatula when I am mixing the pudding and the whipped topping. It also makes it easier to scrape the sides of the bowl when I am making it so everything is mixed well.
Fold in the whipped topping gently. Use a spatula to fold in the cool whip gently into the pudding mixture, so as not to deflate it. This will help the salad stay fluffy and light.
Thaw whipped topping. You want the whipped topping to be thawed before you get started making this recipe.
Don’t skimp on chill time. The flavors need to blend in this recipe, so be sure that after you mix everything together you put it in the fridge for 1.5-2 hours at least so that everything is set and the flavors mixed in.
Variations of this Recipe
- Use a different flavor instant pudding mix. You can use instant cheesecake pudding mix in place of the vanilla pudding mix.
- Add toppings. This delicious fruit salad pairs nicely with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for garnish. You can also add crushed nuts on the top or some additional miniature marshmallows, and sweet cherries or chunky tart cherries for additional cherry flavor.
- Use multicolored miniature marshmallows. If you want to add more color to this fruit fluff use colored mini marshmallows instead of white mini marshmallows.
- Add more fruit. I love this creamy pineapple fluff salad recipe as it is but you can add a bit more fruit if you want to. Maraschino cherries and mandarin oranges are great additions. If you are adding more fruit you do not want to add more than 1 cup of additional fruit.
- Skip the nuts. If you are not a fan of nuts then you can leave the pecans out. If doing so then I would recommend adding 1/2 cup of fruit to it.
Can I use sugar-free pudding mix or whipped topping to make the recipe lower in calories?
Yes! If you are wanting to have a lower-calorie dessert then you can use the sugar-free pudding mix and sugar-free whipped topping.
What kind of whipped topping should I use for cherry fluff?
You will want to use the frozen whipped topping that is found in the freezer section of the grocery store. I typically use cool whip brand but you can also use the store brand.
Can I add other fruits to cherry fluff?
Yes, you can definitely add other fruits to cherry fluff to give it some extra flavor and texture! You want to keep any additional fruit that you add to this cherry dump salad to 1 1-.5 cups or you will alter the fluff texture. To incorporate these fruits into your cherry fluff recipe, simply add them to the mixture after you’ve combined the cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, instant pudding mix, miniature marshmallows, and whipped topping. Stir everything together gently until the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Here are a few ideas for fruits that would pair well with cherry fluff:
- Mandarin oranges
- fresh cherries
- Sliced bananas
- Diced apples
- Chopped strawberries
- Blueberries
- Pineapple chunks
How long does cherry fluff need to chill before serving?
Cherry fluff needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up slightly.
How to Serve Cherry Fluff Salad
Fluff is typically served chilled, straight from the refrigerator, as it has a light and refreshing texture that needs to be enjoyed when it’s cool. If you want to change things up you totally can and there are a few different ways that you can serve this easy recipe.
- In a Bowl. The traditional way to serve this dessert salad is by simply putting the fluff into individual dessert bowls and serving it as is, garnished with fresh fruit, crunchy chopped pecans.
- As a Dip. Cherry Fluff can be used as a dip for fruits, cookies, or other treats. Arrange a platter of sliced fruit or cookies around a bowl of fluff, and let guests dip and enjoy.
- In a Trifle. Layer the fluff with pound cake and additional fruits in a trifle dish or clear glass bowl to create a visually stunning dessert. If you have never made a trifle before check out our trifle recipes including Strawberry Blueberry Trifle and Chocolate trifle which are always a hit to learn how to make one.
- As a Pie Filling: Fluff can be used as a pie filling in a graham cracker crust then add some additional whipped topping, nuts, and fruit on top.
Can I make cherry fluff in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make cherry fluff in advance! In fact, it is the perfect make-ahead recipe and making cherry fluff ahead of time is a great way to save time. To make cherry fluff in advance, simply prepare the mixture as directed in the recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, or use an airtight container with a lid, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. The fluff can be made up to 24 hours in advance, though it’s best to wait until a few hours before serving to add any toppings or garnishes.
How to store Cherry Fluff Salad
To store cherry fluff salad, first cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Then, place it in the refrigerator and store it.
How long will cherry fluff stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Cherry fluff salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap.
It’s important to note that the longer the cherry fluff sits in the refrigerator, the more the texture and consistency may change. The marshmallows and whipped topping may break down slightly over time, causing the mixture to become more liquidy. Be sure to give the cherry fluff a good stir before serving after it has been stored in the fridge for a bit.
Can I freeze cherry fluff leftovers?
It is not recommended to freeze cherry fluff salad, as the mixture contains ingredients like whipped topping and marshmallows that may not hold up well in the freezer. Freezing can cause the texture and consistency of the cherry fluff to become grainy, and may also cause the mixture to separate or become watery when thawed.
Cherry Fluff Salad Ingredients
- 1 3-ounce package of vanilla instant pudding
- 1 20-ounce can of cherry pie filling
- 1 8-ounce tub of whipped topping
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped pecans if desired
How to Make Cherry Fluff Salad
Thaw the whipped topping for about 15 minutes before getting started.
In a large mixing bowl add the dry instant pudding mix and the cherry pie filling. Mix well to combine and let the pie filling and pudding mixture sit for 5-10 minutes so the pudding mix can absorb the cherry pie filling.
Add the miniature marshmallows and chopped pecans and mix to combine.
Gently fold in the whipped topping.
Pour into a serving bowl and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Just before serving top with chopped pecans, additional mini marshmallows, and maraschino cherries if desired.
No Bake Dessert Recipes
Cherry Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounces package of vanilla instant pudding
- 20 ounce canned cherry pie filling
- 8 ounce tub of whipped topping
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Thaw the whipped topping for about 15 minutes before getting started.
- In a large mixing bowl add the dry instant pudding mix and the cherry pie filling. Mix well to combine and let the pie filling and pudding mixture sit for 5-10 minutes so the pudding mix can absorb the cherry pie filling.
- Add the miniature marshmallows and chopped pecans and mix to combine.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping.
- Pour into a serving bowl and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Just before serving top with chopped pecans, additional mini marshmallows and maraschino cherries if desired.
-
Browse
More Dessert Recipes
-
Christmas Oreo Balls Recipe
Christmas Oreo Balls are the ultimate holiday treat—easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing! These bite-sized desserts combine crushed Oreos, Continue Reading -
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree
Homemade pumpkin puree is the best way to make all the pumpkin recipes that you love! Once you realize how easy it is Continue Reading
Follow Us For More!
Be sure to share your review in the comments below and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok for even more food + family fun!