Christmas Cherry Fluff Recipe

Dreamy Christmas Cherry Fluff Recipe – Sweet Holiday Magic!

Some magical holiday cheer awaits in this christmas cherry fluff that promises pure comfort and nostalgia.

Sweet memories dance through each creamy spoonful of this classic dessert.

Childhood gatherings rush back with every delightful bite of marshmallow and fruit.

Grandmothers across America perfected this simple yet irresistible treat generations ago.

Festive colors and textures blend seamlessly in a dessert that feels like a warm holiday hug.

Soft pillowy marshmallows mingle with bright cherries, creating a delectable symphony of flavor.

You’ll want to savor every delicious moment of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that captures the essence of holiday joy.

What Makes Christmas Cherry Fluff Festive

  • A dessert that requires zero baking skills and minimal preparation time, making it perfect for busy home cooks wanting a quick sweet treat.
  • This festive cherry fluff brings instant cheer to holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations with its vibrant color and irresistible texture.
  • Children will love the playful mix of marshmallows, fruity flavors, and crunchy nuts, creating a dessert that appeals to all ages without complicated ingredients.
  • Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping nuts or using sugar-free pie filling, this recipe offers flexibility for various family members' tastes.

Cherry Fluff Ingredients to Grab

Fruit Base:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet and tangy base that provides vibrant red color and fruity flavor.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and moisture to the dessert.
Texture Enhancers:
  • Mini Marshmallows: Soft, pillowy bites that create a light and fluffy texture.
  • Shredded Coconut: Provides tropical flavor and chewy texture with a subtle nutty note.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Nuts: Optional ingredient that brings crunch and additional richness to the dessert, works well with pecans or chopped walnuts.

Whipping Up Christmas Cherry Fluff

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, gather these delightful ingredients:
  • Cherry pie filling
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped nuts (optional)

Gently fold all ingredients together until they create a harmonious, colorful mixture.

Step 2: Fold In Creamy Goodness

Pour in whipped cream and gently blend until the texture becomes light, fluffy, and irresistibly smooth. The mixture should look like a cloud of sweet holiday cheer.

Step 3: Chill And Set

Transfer the cherry fluff into a serving dish and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to mingle and the dessert to become perfectly chilled.

Step 4: Garnish And Serve

Before serving, sprinkle additional coconut or chopped nuts on top for extra crunch. Scoop into individual dessert bowls and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Pro Tips:
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor
  • Allow dessert to chill thoroughly for best texture
  • Can be prepared a day in advance for easy entertaining

Cherry Fluff Pointers and Tricks

  • Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Remove excess liquid from crushed pineapple to prevent a runny dessert and ensure the perfect fluffy texture.
  • Choose Fresh Marshmallows: Use soft, fresh mini marshmallows for the best melting and blending properties in the fluff.
  • Customize Nut Selection: Swap or mix nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to match your flavor preference and dietary needs.
  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the fluff for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and create a more cohesive dessert experience.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dish a day in advance, as it actually tastes better after the ingredients have had time to blend together overnight.

How to Store Cherry Fluff for Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep chilled for up to 3-4 days, maintaining the dessert's creamy texture and fresh flavor.
  • Wrap the container with plastic wrap or use a sealed lid to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Always serve the cherry fluff cold directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and consistency.
  • Do not freeze this dessert, as the marshmallows and fruit will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.

What Matches with Cherry Fluff

  • Pair this sweet cherry fluff with a crisp, chilled prosecco to balance its rich, velvety texture. The bubbly wine cuts through the dessert's sweetness, creating a delightful contrast.
  • Serve alongside a light, vanilla-based shortbread cookie. The buttery, subtle flavor of the cookie enhances the cherry and pineapple flavors without overwhelming the dessert.
  • Offer a side of cold, unsweetened green tea to cleanse the palate. Its subtle, slightly grassy notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the fluff's sweetness and creamy consistency.
  • Consider adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. The cold, smooth ice cream complements the fluffy texture and adds an extra layer of creamy indulgence.

Cherry Fluff Variations to Consider

  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace cherry pie filling with sugar-free cherry pie filling and use sugar-free marshmallows for a diabetic-friendly version.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap mini marshmallows with vegan marshmallows, use coconut cream instead of shredded coconut, and add chopped almonds for protein.
  • Gluten-Free Modification: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking marshmallows and pie filling labels for potential gluten contamination.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Omit nuts completely and add extra coconut or seeds like sunflower seeds for texture and crunch.

Cherry Fluff Curious? Your FAQs Here

  • Can I make Christmas Cherry Fluff ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dessert up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually blend better when it sits for a few hours before serving.

  • Is this dessert considered a salad or a dessert?

It’s technically a dessert, but many people classify it as a “salad” in the traditional Southern potluck style. It’s sweet and more of a dessert than a traditional vegetable salad.

  • Do I need to drain the pineapple before adding it to the recipe?

Partially drain the crushed pineapple, leaving a little juice for moisture. This helps create the perfect creamy texture without making the fluff too watery.

  • What if I have guests with nut allergies?

Simply omit the nuts from the recipe. The dish will still taste delicious and be creamy and flavorful without them, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat.

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Christmas Cherry Fluff Recipe

Christmas Cherry Fluff Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Magical Christmas cherry fluff brings festive cheer with its creamy, dreamy layers of marshmallow and cherry goodness. Holiday dessert lovers will delight in this simple, nostalgic treat that promises sweet memories and joyful celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) cherry pie filling
  • 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 container (8 ounces / 227 grams) whipped topping, thawed

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Optional Ingredient:

  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Empty the cherry pie filling into a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution of the vibrant red cherries.
  2. Pour the crushed pineapple over the cherry mixture, gently folding to integrate the tropical fruit’s tangy essence.
  3. Scatter mini marshmallows throughout the mixture, creating pockets of soft, pillowy sweetness.
  4. Sprinkle shredded coconut across the surface, adding a delicate tropical texture and subtle nutty undertone.
  5. If desired, incorporate chopped nuts to introduce a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor.
  6. Carefully fold all ingredients together, ensuring each element is evenly distributed and coated.
  7. Cover the fluff and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to chill thoroughly.
  8. Before serving, give the dessert a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and maintain its light, airy consistency.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, high-quality cherry pie filling for the best flavor and vibrant color in your dessert.
  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the fluff too runny and losing its creamy texture.
  • Toast chopped nuts before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the dessert.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat alternatives like reduced-sugar pie filling and light whipped topping to create a healthier holiday treat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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