Today: Get My No Fail, Easy Cookbook Series for 60% OFF
Buy Now

Cherry Fluff

Pin RecipeReview Recipe
close up shot of Cherry Fluff topped with mini marshmallows and cherries in a large bowl
This cherry fluff featuring juicy cherries, pineapple, and mini marshmallows is the perfect recipe to bring to a weekend potluck .
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
  1. Cherry Fluff Ingredients
  2. More Fluff Recipes
  3. Substitutions And Additions
  4. How To Make This Cherry Fluff Recipe
  5. How To Serve This Pink Marshmallow Salad
  6. Storing This Easy Cherry Fluff Recipe
  7. Why This Is The Best Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. More Fluff Recipes
  10. JUMP TO RECIPE
  11. More Recipes You’ll Love

This old fashioned cherry fluff salad features sweet, fruity flavors with a soft and crunchy texture. Cherry pie filling, pineapple, mini marshmallows and pecans are mixed with whipped topping for the ultimate nostalgic dessert.

close up shot of a serving of Cherry Fluff topped with mini marshmallows and a cherry in a bowl

Cherry Fluff Ingredients

Cherry Fluff raw ingredients that are labeled
Don't want to lose this recipe? Get it emailed to you directly! Enter your email below. Plus you'll get a free e-cookbook and amazing recipes sent to you daily.

This cherry fluff recipe is perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors.

You’ll need:

  • 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling
  • 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
  • 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon of almond extract
  • 8-ounce tub of whipped topping, thawed
  • 2¾ cup of mini marshmallows, divided (2½ cup and ¼ cup for garnish)
  • ½ cup of finely chopped pecans
  • 4-6 maraschino cherries with stems attached (optional garnish)

Substitutions And Additions

PIE FILLING: Any berry pie filling can be substituted for the cherry pie filling in this salad.

NUTS: Any nut can be substituted for the pecans in this cherry pineapple fluff recipe.

WHIPPED TOPPING: If you would prefer to use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip in this easy fruit salad, check out our recipe here.

CREAM CHEESE: For a thicker dressing, you could mix in cream cheese with the Cool Whip.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

This dessert is such a pretty color, using a see-through bowl such as a trifle bowl would be a great way to show off the lovely pink hue.

How To Make This Cherry Fluff Recipe

Make sure to give this fluff salad time to chill in the fridge once you have mixed it up so that all the flavors have time to mingle.

STEP ONE: Using a large bowl, add the cherry pie filling and the drained crushed pineapple.

cherry pie filling and the pineapple

STEP TWO: Using a small mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and almond extract added to a bowl

STEP THREE: Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the cherry pie filling and the crushed pineapple. 

sweetened condensed milk mixture poured over the cherry pie filling and the crushed pineapple

STEP FOUR: Add the thawed whipped topping and stir to combine completely.

PRO TIP:

Stir all of the ingredients together carefully as you don’t want to break apart the fruit pieces.

whipped topping added to the mixture in a bowl

STEP FIVE: Fold in 2½ cups of mini marshmallows and chopped pecans.

Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow all of the yummy flavors to blend together.

mini marshmallows and chopped pecans added to the fluff in a bowl

STEP SIX: Just before serving, evenly sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of mini marshmallows and the maraschino cherries.

a serving bowl of cherry fluff garnished with mini marshmallows and cherries

How To Serve This Pink Marshmallow Salad

Cherry fluff salad tastes best when served cold. After preparing, refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to set.

It can be served as a dessert, side dish, or even a snack. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from potlucks to holiday gatherings.

WITH TOPPINGS: Offer a variety of toppings on the side, such as extra maraschino cherries, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or chocolate shavings. Guests can customize their serving according to their preferences.

FOR INDIVIDUAL SERVINGS: Use dessert cups, bowls, or martini glasses for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with a dollop of homemade whipped cream, maraschino cherry or sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for added flair.

ON A DESSERT BUFFET: Place the salad in a large decorative bowl with a serving spoon on a dessert buffet table.

Accompany it with other desserts like:

AS A SIDE DISH: While cherry fluff salad is often considered a dessert, it can also be served as a side dish during holiday meals or barbecues. Pair it with savory dishes like grilled meats, casseroles, or roasted vegetables.


Everyone will love the light texture and cherry flavors of this cherry fluff fruit salad. Pair it with a refreshing drink of raspberry iced tea to wash it down.

Storing This Easy Cherry Fluff Recipe

Here’s how to make this fluff salad ahead of time and store any leftovers.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers of this cherry salad in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze this fluffy dessert, and it will keep for about 3 months. Be aware that the texture of the marshmallows won’t be the same once they’ve thawed out. Since this is such a simple recipe to make, it’s best to make it fresh.

MAKE-AHEAD: This great dish is the perfect make-ahead recipe. You can make the cherry fluff dessert salad up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

close up overhead shot of bowls of Cherry Fluff topped with mini marshmallows and cherries

Why This Is The Best Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe

Easy to Make: Cherry fluff salad requires few ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it a go-to recipe.

Nostalgia: For many, cherry fluff salad brings back memories of family gatherings, holidays, and childhood. It’s one of those old fashioned recipes that has been passed down.

No-Bake: Especially appreciated during hot months, cherry fluff salad doesn’t require turning on the oven, making it a cool and refreshing option.

Crowd-Pleaser: Its sweet and creamy profile tends to be a hit at gatherings, making it a safe choice when serving a group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

You could certainly substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream in this classic recipe. Check out the tasty recipe here.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It is actually best to make this easy salad recipe ahead of time. It gives the salad time to let all the flavors mingle and combine together for an even tastier fluff salad.

How do I store this cherry fluff salad recipe?

This classic salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days.

Sweet cherries, marshmallows, and pineapple make this cherry fluff dessert a family favorite.

You don’t need to wait until the cherry season for this pink fluff recipe. Since it is made with pie filling, you can whip it up any time of year you crave it.

More Fluff Recipes

Get Recipes on Pinterest

get recipes on pinterest
Get a Free Cookbook
Subscribe now to receive our FREE Sweet & Treats digital cookbook with 15 amazing desserts inside!
close up shot of Cherry Fluff topped with mini marshmallows and cherries in a large bowl

Cherry Fluff

5 from 2 votes
This cherry fluff featuring juicy cherries, pineapple, and mini marshmallows is the perfect recipe to bring to a weekend potluck .
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 21 ounces cherry pie filling
  • 20 ounces crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
  • cups mini marshmallows, divided into 2½ cups and ¼ cup for garnish
  • ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 4 to 6 maraschino cherries with stems attached, optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Using a large mixing bowl, add the cherry pie filling and the drained crushed pineapple.
  • Using a small mixing bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and almond extract.
  • Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the cherry pie filling and the crushed pineapple.
  • Add the thawed whipped topping and stir to combine completely.
  • Fold in 2½ cups of mini marshmallows and chopped pecans. Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  • Just before serving, evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of mini marshmallows and the maraschino cherries.

Notes

  • This dessert is such a pretty color, using a see-through bowl such as a trifle bowl would be a great way to show off the lovely pink color.
  • Stir all of the ingredients together carefully as you don’t want to break apart the fruit pieces.
  • For best results, make sure you give your cherry pie fluff at least 2 hours of chilling time. It allows all of the yummy flavors to blend together.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 325mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 149mg | Iron: 1mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb

Get Recipes on Facebook

get recipes on facebook

More Recipes You’ll Love

Cherry Recipes

Dessert Salad Recipes

Trifle Recipes

Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

You May Also Like

get digital lazy cookbooks

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. Jeannette Shields says

    5 stars
    Iโ€™m going to substitute homemade strawberry pie filling and strawberries for the cherries and filling. This will be great on hot days. Thank you.

16108

Free Membership!

Get all our new recipes straight to

your inbox plus a BONUS

download in your first email! โค