Print

Cranberry Fluff Dessert Recipe – Easy Holiday Treat with Pineapple & Marshmallows

cranberry fluff dessert - featured image
Print Recipe

This nostalgic cranberry fluff dessert combines tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, pillowy marshmallows, and creamy whipped topping for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any celebration, it’s quick to make and even better after chilling overnight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • Extra cranberries (fresh or sugared, for garnish, optional)
  • Maraschino cherries or orange zest (for garnish, optional)
  • Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse cranberries under cold water. Pulse in a food processor or blender until chopped into small, even bits (not mush).
  2. Transfer chopped cranberries to a large mixing bowl. Add sugar and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly. Stir pineapple and mini marshmallows into the cranberry-sugar mixture.
  4. If using, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans (toast lightly for extra flavor if desired).
  5. In a separate bowl, mix whipped topping and sour cream until smooth. Gently fold this creamy mixture into the cranberry-pineapple-marshmallow bowl until just combined.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften.
  7. Before serving, gently stir the fluff. Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with extra marshmallows, sugared cranberries, orange zest, or mint leaves as desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

For best texture and flavor, chill the cranberry-sugar mixture and the finished dessert for several hours or overnight. Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid a runny fluff. Fold gently to keep the dessert light and airy. Easily adapted for dairy-free or nut-free diets. Make ahead for parties—flavors improve with time.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry fluff, holiday dessert, pineapple, marshmallows, Thanksgiving, Christmas, potluck, easy dessert, creamy salad, fruit salad

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/cranberry-fluff-dessert-recipe-easy-holiday-treat-with-pineapple-and-marshmallows/