Dump, mix, chill, go! That pretty much sums up the simplicity of making this utterly delicious dessert treat.
One of the reasons I love this cherry fluff recipe is that it is one of the easiest to swap flavors. There are no pudding or Jell-O boxes to change or even buy in the first place. This recipe gets its unique flavoring from cherry pie filling, which means you can switch the pie filling type and have a whole new dish. For me, that often means alternating between cherry and blueberry.
Unlike some other fluff salads, this one requires you to drain the crushed pineapple. You don’t need that pineapple juice to dissolve any pudding or gelatin powders. In this recipe, a can of fat-free sweetened condensed milk provides incredible richness that combines so effortlessly with the crushed pineapple, pie filling, and whipped topping.
Adding chopped nuts is optional, but don’t think for a moment that’s the only way to customize this delicious treat. I like to stir in some shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened will work). You can also swap the plain mini marshmallows for fruity, colorful mini marshmallows for an added treat. Fold in other fruit, such as blueberries, chopped strawberries, mandarin orange segments, sliced bananas, or diced mango. Mix in some mini chocolate chips or sprinkle them on top. And while we’re speaking of sprinkles, you can always add them to the top for a colorful presentation.
Why I love no-bake desserts
No-bake desserts like fluff salads are ideal during the hottest days of summer when you want something to cool you off rather than heat you up. Another benefit of many no-bake desserts is that they come together quickly. Less time in the kitchen means more time to do other things, like chill in front of a fan or take a dip in the swimming pool. It’s always best to plan no-bake desserts ahead of time, as they often require chilling in the refrigerator or freezer. Some of my other favorite desserts with quick preparation times and only an hour or two to set in the fridge include Lemon Icebox Pie, Chia Seed Pudding, Taffy Apple Salad, and Orange Fluff Salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers from this cherry fluff recipe tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Defrost it overnight in the fridge, but expect the consistency to change a bit. (It will still taste great!) Always stir the fluff before serving, as the ingredients can separate a bit. A quick stir will mix everything back together.
Serving suggestions
This cherry fluff recipe is perfect for summertime barbecues and is always a hit with a crowd. I love to serve it after a meal of Grilled Romaine Salad, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Grilled Cod, Slow-Cooker Cowboy Beans, and Grilled Asparagus. Add a platter of assorted Coconut Cookies, Buckeye Brownies, and Lemon Coolers Cookies for dessert to complete a fabulous meal.
Ingredients
- 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, (drained well)
- 1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling
- 1 14-ounce can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces lite whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well mixed.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated. Then, fold in the marshmallows and chopped nuts if using. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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