If you’re on the hunt for a festive, creamy, and delightfully tangy dessert, the Cranberry Fluff Recipe is an absolute must-try! This classic holiday treat blends the tartness of whole cranberry sauce with sweet pineapple, fluffy marshmallows, and a cloud of Cool Whip to create a refreshing and playful salad-like dish that’s perfect for any celebration.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Incredibly Easy to Make: Just a few simple ingredients and a quick mix, with no baking required. It’s the perfect recipe when you need something fast and fabulous.
A Unique Blend of Flavors: The combination of tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and marshmallows creates a balance of flavors that’s refreshing and fun.
Great for Gatherings: Cranberry fluff is a crowd-pleaser at holiday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to bring a cheerful, colorful dish.
Customizable and Versatile: You can add nuts, garnish with fresh fruit, or serve it in various creative ways to suit your mood and menu.

The dish is served on a white plate filled with a creamy, fluffy salad that is pale pink with white marshmallow pieces mixed evenly throughout. The texture looks soft and slightly chunky, with visible bits of fruit or cherry embedded in the mixture. In the center, there is a small pile of bright red whole and halved cherries that add a splash of color and contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface next to a white bowl filled with more cherries and small white marshmallows scattered nearby. The overall look is light, creamy, and inviting, with a mix of smooth, chunky, and juicy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Fluff, Cranberry Fluff dessert, holiday cranberry salad, creamy cranberry fluff, easy cranberry fluff recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

One of the best parts about the Cranberry Fluff Recipe is how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each adds its own character: cranberries bring a lovely tartness, pineapple adds natural sweetness and juiciness, Cool Whip creates that smooth, airy texture, and marshmallows lend a pleasant chewiness and whimsy to the mix.

Flat lay of a vibrant can of whole berry cranberry sauce, a drained heap of crushed pineapple chunks, a neat dollop of creamy Cool Whip, a small bottle of vanilla extract, and a generous pile of soft mini marshmallows, all beautifully arranged with a scattering of fresh cranberries and a handful of chopped pecans, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Fluff, Cranberry Fluff dessert, holiday cranberry salad, creamy cranberry fluff, easy cranberry fluff recipe

Cranberry Sauce (14 oz can): Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture and bursts of tart flavor; homemade cranberry sauce can be a nice substitute too.
Crushed Pineapple (20 oz can), drained: Make sure to drain well to avoid sogginess. You can also use fresh crushed pineapple if you prefer.
Cool Whip (8 oz): This whipped topping keeps the fluff light and creamy — for a homemade option, whipped cream works beautifully.
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Adds a warm, sweet undertone that elevates the whole dish.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brightens the flavors.
Mini Marshmallows (3 cups): Give your fluff that classic inviting chewiness and fun texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cranberry Fluff Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Fruit Base

Start by combining the whole berry cranberry sauce and well-drained crushed pineapple in a large mixing bowl. Stir them gently together so the flavors meld beautifully, giving you that perfect sweet-tart foundation that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Step 2: Fold in the Cool Whip

Next, add the Cool Whip to your fruit mixture and carefully fold it in. This step is all about keeping that fluffy, airy texture intact so your cranberry fluff feels light and deliciously creamy with every bite.

Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers

Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, which may seem small but truly make a difference by boosting the overall flavor and balancing out the sweetness and tart notes in the dish.

Step 4: Fold in the Marshmallows

Finally, gently fold in the mini marshmallows. Their chewy texture adds a delightful surprise to each spoonful and makes this recipe a whimsical treat, especially loved by kids and adults alike.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and allows the fluff to firm up just enough to scoop easily. When ready, uncover and serve chilled for the ultimate refreshing experience!

How to Serve Cranberry Fluff Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface with a light wood board beneath it. On the plate is a creamy, pink mix of small marshmallows and fruit pieces, giving a soft and fluffy texture. The dish has an uneven surface with a mix of white and pink shades from the blending of ingredients. On the top center, there is a small pile of whole and sliced red cherries adding a bright and shiny contrast to the dish. Nearby, there is a white bowl filled with red cherries and another bowl with small white marshmallows. A silver spoon rests on the right edge of the plate and a blue and white checked cloth lies underneath part of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Fluff, Cranberry Fluff dessert, holiday cranberry salad, creamy cranberry fluff, easy cranberry fluff recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your cranberry fluff, sprinkle on a handful of chopped pecans for a crunchy contrast, or garnish with a few fresh cranberries and extra mini marshmallows on top. These little touches add visual appeal and textural delight to every serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or your favorite holiday ham roast. Its brightness cuts through heavier dishes beautifully, making it a perfect palate cleanser and side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in a large glass trifle bowl for a stunning layered look, or portion it out into individual dessert cups for a charming presentation. You can also spoon cranberry fluff over a bed of fresh greens or alongside crisp crackers for a playful twist on a salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cranberry fluff in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it handy for easy snacking or dessert the next day.

Freezing

Because of the whipped topping and marshmallows, freezing isn’t ideal for this fluff recipe as texture can suffer. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Reheating

This is a chilled dessert, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a quick stir before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge a while to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can! Just cook the fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they break down into a sauce-like consistency, then cool before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegan alternative for the Cool Whip?

Absolutely! Look for dairy-free whipped toppings made from coconut or almond milk, or whip up your own dairy-free cream to substitute seamlessly.
Can I add nuts to my Cranberry Fluff Recipe?

Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts provides a lovely crunch and enhances the texture without overpowering the flavors.
How long should I chill the fluff before serving?

At least two hours is recommended to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up nicely, though chilling overnight will make it even better.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cranberry Fluff Recipe enough if you’re looking to add a burst of color, flavor, and fun to your dessert table. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and brings that nostalgic holiday joy with each creamy, marshmallow-studded spoonful. Give it a try—you’ll be craving it every season!

Cranberry Fluff Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 113 reviews

Author: Susan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cranberry Fluff is a delightful holiday dessert salad combining tart cranberry sauce, sweet crushed pineapple, fluffy Cool Whip, and mini marshmallows for a light and festive treat. This no-cook recipe is quick to prepare, chilled to meld the flavors, and perfect for potlucks or seasonal gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Mix

14 ounces can cranberry sauce with whole berries
20 ounces can crushed pineapple, juice drained

Other Ingredients

8 ounces Cool Whip
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups mini marshmallows

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, add the cranberry sauce and the drained crushed pineapple. Stir these two ingredients together until well mixed.
Fold in Cool Whip: Add the Cool Whip to the fruit mixture. Gently fold it in to preserve the fluffy texture while evenly distributing the ingredients.
Flavoring: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, ensuring the flavors are well incorporated throughout the salad.
Add Marshmallows: Carefully fold in the mini marshmallows, which add sweetness and a playful texture to the dish.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up for serving.
Serve: Once chilled, uncover, scoop out the cranberry fluff into serving dishes, and enjoy this refreshing dessert chilled. Optionally garnish with extra mini marshmallows or fresh cranberries for presentation.

Notes

For extra texture and flavor, add 1 cup chopped pecans to the salad.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and additional mini marshmallows to enhance appearance and taste.
The drained pineapple juice can be saved and refrigerated to use in smoothies or drinks.
To ensure the pineapple is not too watery, drain through a sieve and let it sit for about 10 minutes before adding.