Pineapple Fluff

This easy, stir-together Pineapple Fluff recipe with coconut and marshmallows is whipped up in minutes for a tropical tasting treat the whole family will love. Perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday brunch, or summer picnics with friends.

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Prep Time10

Total Time2 10

Servings servings

Table of Contents

PINEAPPLE FLUFF RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Easy Pineapple Dessert Substitutions and Additions
HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY PINEAPPLE FLUFF RECIPE
HOW TO SERVE PINEAPPLE FLUFF
WHEN TO SERVE Crushed Pineapple Dessert
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER Pineapple Marshmallow Dessert
WHY THIS IS THE BEST RECIPE FOR PINEAPPLE FLUFF
Pineapple Fluff Frequently Asked Questions
More Favorite Recipes You'll Love
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Serve a no bake dessert everyone will love with Pineapple Fluff, a heavenly blend of crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping. Our easy recipe even has a hint of coconut. Its light, airy texture, and tropical flavors make it a delightful treat year-round. It’s an easy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

pineapple fluff dessert with nuts, pudding, cool whip, and marshmallows in a bowl ready to serve

PINEAPPLE FLUFF RECIPE INGREDIENTS

measured ingredients for pineapple fluff laid out

Get ready to whip up a delightful treat with just a handful of simple ingredients! Pineapple Fluff is a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the tropical goodness of crushed pineapple with the creamy indulgence of marshmallows and coconut.

You’ll need:

1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 3.4-ounce box of vanilla instant pudding mix
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup shredded coconut
½ cup + 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (½ cup for the filling and 2 tablespoons for garnish)
1 8-ounce container whipped topping, thawed

Easy Pineapple Dessert Substitutions and Additions

This easy pineapple dessert recipe is versatile; you can adjust or replace ingredients if necessary. Remember that making changes might alter the flavor of the dessert, but it’s a forgiving recipe, and it will still taste great!

CRUSHED PINEAPPLE: You can use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned crushed pineapple for a more intense flavor and texture. Chop the fresh pineapple into small pieces first. Another option is a can of pineapple tidbits instead of crushed.

INSTANT VANILLA PUDDING MIX: You can experiment with different flavors of instant pudding mixes. Banana or coconut pudding will be delicious and maintain the ‘tropical’ vibe of this dessert.

White chocolate pudding is a nice touch for a less fruity flavor.

You can also use homemade pudding, but let it chill thoroughly before adding it to the recipe.

MINI MARSHMALLOWS: You can use rainbow mini marshmallows for a fun pop of color and flavor.

CHOPPED PECANS: Any kind of nut will do. Chopped walnuts, macadamia nuts, or almonds make good options. I recommend you lightly toast your nuts beforehand to enhance the flavor.

THAWED WHIPPED TOPPING (Cool Whip): For a fresher option, substitute the thawed whipped topping with homemade stabilized whipped cream.

HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY PINEAPPLE FLUFF RECIPE

Making this crushed pineapple dessert is as simple as stirring everything together — a few easy steps is all it takes! Here’s what to do:

crushed pineapple and pudding mix together in a bowl

STEP ONE: Open the crushed pineapple and add it to a medium-sized mixing bowl. It should hold two to three quarts.

Don’t drain the pineapple. You want all those yummy juices to combine with the pudding mix.

Sprinkle the dry pudding mix packet over the crushed pineapple and stir to combine completely. This will make a creamy instant pudding base for your pineapple fluff.

STEP TWO: Measure in the mini marshmallows and shredded coconut. Then, add in half a cup of the pecans. Keep two tablespoons of pecans on the side to use as a garnish at the end. Gently stir everything together.

cool whip in a bowl with pudding, crushed pineapple, nuts, and coconut

STEP THREE: Use a rubber spatula to scoop the Cool Whip into the mixture, then gently fold it together until the mixture is smooth.

STEP FOUR: Once the pineapple fluff is thoroughly mixed, transfer it to a serving dish or individual dessert cups, as you prefer.

Cover the pineapple fluff loosely with plastic wrap, then set it in the fridge for at least two hours before you serve it. This gives the flavors time to meld together. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it.

STEP FIVE: Sprinkle on the reserved pecans. If you’d like, you can also set a cherry on top for a pop of red color. Serve and enjoy.

HOW TO SERVE PINEAPPLE FLUFF

This crushed pineapple vanilla pudding recipe is easy to serve because it looks beautiful in a big serving dish or in individual serving cups.

Here are some ways to impress your guests even more with this tasty tropical dessert that has tons of pineapple flavor.

As a Dessert Salad: Serve pineapple fluff as a refreshing dessert salad alongside grilled chicken or barbecue dishes. Its creamy texture and tropical flavors complement savory main dishes like beef kabobs, firecracker chicken, or Dr Pepper pulled pork, adding a burst of sweetness to each bite.

In Individual Dessert Cups: For a fun and individualized presentation, spoon your pineapple fluff into individual dessert cups or parfait glasses, similar to these Bailey’s cheesecake trifles. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a touch of sophistication.

As a Sweet Side Dish: This is the perfect side dish for cookouts or family dinners. Try other fruity fluff recipes such as strawberry fluff, orange fluff, or pina colada fluff. These easy salads double as sides for savory dinners.

As a Cake Filling: Use your chilled pineapple fluff as a delicious filling between layers of baked vanilla or coconut cake. Its light and fluffy texture contrasts the moist cake layers, creating a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any celebration.

Brunch Parfaits: Layer pineapple fluff with Greek yogurt and nutty granola to create a tropical brunch parfait. The combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures makes it a satisfying morning snack. Especially welcomed for a birthday surprise!

Accompany with Grilled Fruit Kabobs: Serve pineapple fluff alongside grilled fruit kabobs for a deliciously fruity dessert experience. The caramelized flavors of the grilled fruit pair beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the pineapple fluff, creating a memorable finale to any meal. Try fresh fruit like pineapples, mangoes, bananas, kiwis, and strawberries.

Fruit Salad Topping: Set a big scoop of pineapple fluff in the center of a bowl, surround it with your favorite tropical fruits, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle some toasted coconut over the top and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

WHEN TO SERVE Crushed Pineapple Dessert

Whether it’s a laid-back gathering with friends or a formal dinner party, this easy pineapple dessert recipe is a welcome addition to any occasion.

It will be a new family favorite, and one you’ll surely tuck away in your recipe box.

Backyard Barbecue: Enjoy this yummy pineapple fluff recipe on a sunny afternoon in the backyard. The light, fresh flavors will be the perfect accompaniment or finishing touch to favorites like burgers and hot dogs.

Picnic in the Park: Spread out a blanket under the shade of a tree and enjoy a leisurely picnic in the park. Pineapple fluff makes a delightful addition to the spread, satisfying sweet cravings with its fluffy texture and fruity flavors.

Family Potluck Dinner: Gather around the table with loved ones for a cozy family potluck dinner. Pineapple fluff takes center stage as a crowd-pleasing dessert, with its creamy goodness and nostalgic appeal, much like this recipe for Pineapple Pretzel Salad or Ambrosia Salad.

Summer Pool Party: Dive into summer fun with a poolside gathering among friends. Pineapple fluff is a refreshing respite from the heat since it’s a light and satisfying dessert option that pairs perfectly with fruity cocktails and poolside snacks.

Holiday Celebration: Whether it’s Easter brunch or Thanksgiving dinner, pineapple fluff adds a touch of nostalgia to holiday gatherings. Its vibrant colors and festive flavors make it a standout dessert that will become a new family tradition, bringing joy and sweetness to special occasions throughout the year.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER Pineapple Marshmallow Dessert

Once you’ve stirred up a bowl of delicious pineapple fluff, you’ll want to know the best way to store it to maintain its freshness and flavor. Whether you’re planning ahead for a gathering or looking to enjoy leftovers later, proper storage ensures that this delightful dessert stays perfect for every occasion.

MAKE AHEAD: This pudding and Cool Whip dessert is an excellent make-ahead recipe, so it’s perfect for entertaining or holidays.

Just prepare the recipe as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in an even more delicious dessert.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store pineapple fluff in the refrigerator, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap.

Stored properly, pineapple fluff will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute any moisture that may have separated.

IN THE FREEZER: It’s best to enjoy fresh pineapple fluff. While Cool Whip recipes with pudding can be stored in the freezer, the texture will likely be affected when it thaws.

pineapple fluff with nuts, marshmallows, and pudding ready to eat

WHY THIS IS THE BEST RECIPE FOR PINEAPPLE FLUFF

Easy to Make, Hard to Resist: One of the reasons we adore this recipe is its simplicity. Pineapple fluff comes together effortlessly with just a handful of readily available ingredients and minimal prep work. And even though it’s incredibly easy to make, its irresistible taste makes it hard to resist going back for seconds.

Nostalgic Comfort in Every Bite: For many, pineapple fluff holds a special place in our hearts, reminding us of fond memories of family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and cherished moments shared with loved ones. Its comforting familiarity and timeless appeal make it a beloved dessert.

A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Perhaps the most compelling reason to love this recipe is its universal appeal. Loved by both kids and adults alike, pineapple fluff has a way of putting smiles on everyone’s faces.

Pineapple Fluff Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sugar-free pudding mix in this recipe?

Yes, sugar-free pudding mix can be used as a substitute, although it may alter the sweetness and texture of the dessert slightly.

Can I omit the shredded coconut?

Absolutely! Feel free to leave out the shredded coconut if you prefer. The pineapple fluff will still be delicious without it.

Can I add other fruits to pineapple fluff?

Certainly! Feel free to get creative and add other fresh fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, or mandarin oranges, to customize the flavor.

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of miniature marshmallows?

While miniature marshmallows work best for pineapple fluff due to their small, uniform size, you can use regular-sized marshmallows. Be sure to chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the mixture.

My pineapple fluff turned out too runny. What did I do wrong?

Your pineapple fluff is likely runny because you overstirred it. If you stir the Cool Whip too vigorously or too long, it can deflate, and your pineapple fluff will be runny.

This pineapple fluff with crushed pineapple and Cool Whip is a delicious and satisfying treat with a tropical flavor, a creamy texture, and a nostalgic charm. Made with sweet and tangy crushed pineapple, the creamy richness of Cool Whip, and the delightful crunch of pecans, every bite is a party on your tongue.

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Pineapple Fluff

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 2 10

Servings servings

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Ingredients

20 ounce crushed pineapple 1 can, undrained
1 3.4-ounce box of vanilla instant pudding mix
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup shredded coconut
½ cup + 2 tablespoons chopped pecans ½ cup for the filling and 2 tablespoons for garnish
1 container 8 ounces thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip)

Instructions

Add the undrained crushed pineapple to a medium mixing bowl (2-3 quarts). Sprinkle the instant pudding mix over the crushed pineapple. Stir to combine the pineapple and pudding mix completely.
Add the miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and ½ cup of the chopped pecans. (Reserve the remaining pecans for garnish)
Fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Chill the pineapple fluff in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved chopped pecans. You can also garnish with a cherry on top.

Notes

Make sure you don’t drain the pineapple. You want all those yummy juices to combine with the pudding mix.
You don’t want to whip the mixture or over-stir it, or it will deflate and become soupy instead of fluffy, so just fold everything together slowly.

Nutrition

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Pineapple Fluff

PINEAPPLE FLUFF RECIPE INGREDIENTS

Easy Pineapple Dessert Substitutions and Additions

HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY PINEAPPLE FLUFF RECIPE

HOW TO SERVE PINEAPPLE FLUFF

WHEN TO SERVE Crushed Pineapple Dessert

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER Pineapple Marshmallow Dessert

WHY THIS IS THE BEST RECIPE FOR PINEAPPLE FLUFF

Pineapple Fluff Frequently Asked Questions

More Favorite Recipes You’ll Love