Cranberry Fluff

Cranberry Fluff is a delightful and light dessert that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. This dish combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of pineapple and marshmallows. It’s creamy and fluffy, making it a hit at potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings. With its beautiful colors and refreshing taste, Cranberry Fluff is not just tasty; it also looks great on your table.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, it is easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dessert that impresses everyone. Second, it is a crowd-pleaser. Most people enjoy the combination of sweet and tart flavors, making this dish suitable for kids and adults alike. Third, it’s a flexible recipe. You can change ingredients according to your taste or what you have on hand. Finally, it is a make-ahead dish. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making your “day-of” planning much easier.

HOW TO MAKE Cranberry Fluff

Making Cranberry Fluff is simple and fun. Below, you will find all the details you need to create this wonderful treat.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Cranberry Fluff, you will need:

  • A food processor or blender.
  • A large mixing bowl.
  • Measuring cups.
  • A spatula or spoon for mixing.
  • A refrigerator for chilling.

Ingredients You’ll Need :

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
  • 8 ounces pineapple chunks
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • 8 ounces pineapple tidbits, drained (or crushed pineapple)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

  1. Prepare the Fruit: Start by pulsing the fresh cranberries and pineapple chunks together in a food processor or blender. This helps break down the fruit into small pieces.
  2. Chill the Mixture: After pulsing, refrigerate the cranberry pineapple mixture for about 2 hours. This allows the flavors to mix well and cools down the mixture.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chilled cranberry-pineapple mixture with miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, pineapple tidbits, and chopped pecans.
  4. Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip into the fruit mixture. Make sure everything is mixed well but be careful not to lose the fluffiness of the Cool Whip.
  5. Refrigerate until Serving: Place the completed mixture back into the fridge until you are ready to serve. This dessert tastes even better when it sits for a while and the flavors can blend.

 

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Cranberry Fluff

Cranberry Fluff is best served cold. After chilling in the refrigerator, scoop the salad into individual bowls or a serving dish. You can top it with extra pecans or a sprinkle of coconut for a nice touch. This dish is perfect for bringing to family dinners, holiday gatherings, or picnics. It can be served as a dessert or a salad; it fits both categories!

STORAGE & FREEZING : Cranberry Fluff

You can store leftover Cranberry Fluff in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you freeze it, the texture might change once thawed since the Cool Whip can become watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Cranberry Fluff pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken for a festive meal. It’s also great with sweet desserts like pumpkin pie or apple pie. Consider adding it to a brunch spread with muffins and pastries for a delightful touch.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to customize your Cranberry Fluff! You can try:

  • Using different nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
  • Replacing coconut with crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
  • Adding mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
  • Mixing in some whipped cream or yogurt for a lighter version.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but fresh ones give the best flavor.

2. How long can I keep Cranberry Fluff in the refrigerator?

It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.

3. Is Cranberry Fluff gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free.

4. Can I make this recipe without Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for Cool Whip.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cranberry Fluff

Making Cranberry Fluff ahead of time is a great way to save time on the day you plan to serve it. You can prepare the cranberry and pineapple mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply fold in the remaining ingredients and chill it until serving time. This gives the flavors a chance to blend beautifully, making it taste even better!

Print

Cranberry Fluff

Cranberry Fluff is a delightful and light dessert combining tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and marshmallows for a creamy and fluffy treat perfect for gatherings.

  • Author: alexandra-roa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 120 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
  • 8 ounces pineapple chunks
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • 8 ounces pineapple tidbits, drained (or crushed pineapple)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

Instructions

  1. Pulse the fresh cranberries and pineapple chunks together in a food processor or blender to break down the fruit into small pieces.
  2. Refrigerate the mixture for about 2 hours to allow flavors to mix well.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the chilled cranberry-pineapple mixture with miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, pineapple tidbits, and chopped pecans.
  4. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip into the fruit mixture until well combined without losing fluffiness.
  5. Place the mixture back into the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

Best served cold; garnish with extra pecans or a sprinkle of coconut if desired. Can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Cranberry, Dessert, Potluck, Holiday, Fluff

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