Creamy, dreamy Cranberry Fluff is the perfect combination of sweet and tart! A show stopping dessert that is perfect for the holidays! Quick and easy to prepare, this dessert is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday tradition! Garnish with fresh cranberries and sprigs of mint for a festive finish!
Love no bake desserts? Make sure to try my Cannoli Dip, Rice Pudding and these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars!
Cranberry Fluff Salad
This easy Cranberry Fluff recipe is sure to be the highlight of your meal! Made with tart cranberries, pineapple, sweet marshmallows and freshly whipped cream! The perfect blend of taste and textures that is sure to make your holiday gathering even more special.
This no-fuss, easy to make dessert is perfect for busy holidays. Absolutely stunning with festive flavors, Cranberry Fluff salad is the perfect seasonal treat. Whether you’re setting the table for Thanksgiving, preparing for a festive Christmas dinner, or simply in the mood for something delicious, this Cranberry Fluff recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Fluff salad is one of our favorite holiday desserts for so many reasons:
- Festive. The brightness of the cranberries lends a festive, crimson hue adds a pop of color to your holiday spread.
- Simple Elegance. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dessert is easy to make yet elegant.
- Versatile. Perfect for any holiday gathering this cranberry fluff pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory dishes.
Ingredients Needed
Cranberry Fluff dessert is a delightful blend of tangy fresh cranberries and sweet marshmallows folded into smooth, whipped cream. This easy-to-make dish is garnished with cranberries and mint, making it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. Let’s take a quick look at what is in this easy recipe and, as always, you can find the full, printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- cranberries – You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, let them thaw first. The cranberries are lovely and tart and offset the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.
- granulated sugar – Sweetens the tart cranberries so they aren’t so overwhelming tart.
- marshmallows – Add sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts beautifully with the cranberries.
- pineapple – Crushed pineapple, well drained, adds moisture and sweetness to the dessert.
- heavy whipping cream – Whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, it gives the fluff its creamy texture.
- powdered sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream and helps stabilize.
- vanilla extract: – Adds warmth and flavor to the whipped cream.
How To Make Cranberry Fluff
Perfectly chilled and whipped to perfection, it’s the festive treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Topped with a sprig of mint, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious – ideal for your holiday table! This is just a quick look at how to make cranberry fluff. You can find the full, printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Process cranberries in a food processor by pulsing 5 or 6 times. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Place the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
- Beat the cream mixture until stiff peaks form.
- Stir the marshmallows and pineapple into the cranberry mixture.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture.
- Serve fluff immediately or cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes:
Top the Cranberry Fluff salad with fresh cranberries, sprigs of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a perfect finish!
Storage Information
Leftover fluff should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this fluff.
I recommend preparing this fluff a day in advance as the flavors continue to meld together and the colors deepen.
Variations To Try
- Add chopped pecans, pistachios or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Mix in a bit of orange zest for added brightness and flavor.
- Whipped topping can be substituted for the whipped cream. It will replace the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Trish’s Tips
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream.
- Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to keep the fluff from becoming watery.
- Fold the whipped cream in gently to keep it airy and the fluffy, well, fluffy.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Fresh or frozen cranberries are okay in this recipe. If using frozen, thaw completely and drain well.
Is it okay to use whipped topping instead of making the whipped cream?
Sure! It will replace the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract in the recipe.
Can Cranberry Fluff be made in advance?
Yes! You can make this Cranberry Fluff recipe a day in advance. In fact, letting it chill for a day allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
More Delicious Cranberry Recipes
- Cranberry Orange Bread
- Cranberry Pecan Shortbread Cookies
- Easy Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Cranberry Almond Scones
Cranberry Fluff
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cranberries fresh or thawed frozen
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple drained well
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- cranberries
- mint sprigs
Instructions
- Transfer the cranberries to a food processor and pulse 5 or 6 times or until cranberries are chopped well but not pureed.
- Transfer the cranberries to a large bowl and add granulated sugar. Stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight is best.
- Stir the marshmallows and pineapple into the cranberry mixture.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture.
- Serve fluff immediately or cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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