Description
Cherry Fluff is a delightful no-bake dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. This sweet, creamy, and fruity salad features cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping, combined with mini marshmallows and chopped pecans for texture and crunch. Finished with a hint of vanilla and almond extract, it’s a refreshing treat that balances sweetness with a light, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Mix-ins
- 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
- 2¾ cups mini marshmallows, divided (2½ cups for mixing, ¼ cup for garnish)
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 4 maraschino cherries with stems attached (optional garnish)
Base and Flavorings
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounce tub whipped topping, thawed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit and Pineapple: Thoroughly drain the 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple to remove excess juice, then place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the entire 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling to the bowl.
- Add Marshmallows and Pecans: Stir in 2½ cups of mini marshmallows and the ½ cup of finely chopped pecans into the fruit mixture until evenly distributed.
- Mix Sweetened Condensed Milk and Extracts: In a separate small bowl, combine the 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk with ½ teaspoon each of vanilla and almond extract. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Combine with Whipped Topping: Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk mixture and the 8-ounce tub of thawed whipped topping into the large bowl with the fruit and marshmallows, making sure not to deflate the whipped topping to maintain the fluffiness.
- Let It Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled. This step allows the marshmallows to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of mini marshmallows over the top along with a few chopped pecans. Optionally, garnish with maraschino cherries with stems attached for a classic look.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple to avoid a runny salad.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds.
- This dessert is best served within 24 hours for optimal texture.
- Use fresh maraschino cherries as garnish to add a pop of color and flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sweetened condensed milk to 10 ounces.
Keywords: Cherry Fluff, no-bake dessert, cherry pie filling dessert, sweet salad, marshmallow salad, easy dessert