Cherry Fluff dessert salad is one of my favorite no bake dessert recipes! This easy dump and go salad is perfectly sweet, pretty and pink! Love no bake desserts as much as we do? Try thisPeanut Butter Icebox Cake and Easy Ice Cream Cake!
Cherry Fluff
Sometimes it’s a relief to make up a dessert that takes about five minutes and some time in the fridge. This is definitely one of those desserts. Those five minutes of prep will be amply rewarded with the moans and sighs of pure pleasure when your family or guests dive face first into this incredible dessert salad.
Cherry Fluff is a lot like pistachio fluff in that it’s a dump and stir dessert. A can of this, a can of that, throw in some marshmallows, a handful of coconut, stir it up and voila. You’ve got a dessert that is totally gorgeous, fun, and will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Cherry Fluff is a great dessert to prepare anytime of year but is especially fun for Valentine’s Day, Christmas and even Easter. The pretty pink color of the salad is just too much to resist and once the little ones discover the sweet marshmallows hidden inside…well, let’s just say you better have gotten your bowl first.
It’s recipes like this that will bring smiles to your guests face and will also have them asking you for the recipe later. Trust me. I love that this recipe makes up a generous amount – plenty for a party. If you’re just making it for your family, you’ll definitely be rewarded with leftovers which can be enjoyed throughout the week.
When you’ve got just a few minutes to spare, this is definitely a dessert you should turn to. If you have loads of time on your hands, make this, and then go read a magazine or catch up on Real Housewives. Your choice. Just make this so you can thank me later 🙂
No Bake Desserts
- No Bake Cookies
- Ambrosia Salad
- Pina Colada Fluff
- Chocolate Chip No Bake Cheesecake
- No Bake Banana Cream Pudding Cheesecake
How To Make Cherry Fluff
Cherry Fluff
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cool Whip 1 container - I use lite
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk 1 can - I use fat-free
- 21 oz cherry pie filling 1 can
- 20 oz crushed pineapple 1 can - well drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut unsweetened or sweetened is fine
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped - optional
Instructions
- Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl.
- Fold in remaining three ingredients.
- Refrigerate for one hour before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Lea Wilcox says
My family and I absolutely loved the cherry fluff but for some reason it didn’t turn out pink in color. Is it because I didn’t drain the pineapples?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Maybe? If you didn’t drain the pineapple, I’m sure this was pretty runny right? It should still be pink though because of the cherry pie filling gel.
Matt says
Hi
Can you make this with something else if you don’t like cherries?
Thanks
Love your recipes
Matt
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
This basic formula will work with any canned pie filling, so yep, feel free to experiment!
Terri says
This recipe is amazing!! I usually do a pistachio salad or a general fruit salad, but this has replaced them forever! It’s so easy and I always have these ingredients on hand.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s so great to hear Terri!
JOAN L HJELLE says
Enjoy your letter and recipes. I made the Cherry Fluff and took it to a pot luck. However, I forgot to buy the condensed milk and couldn’t get out again to a store. Made the recipe without it, and the people loved it and the whole thing was gone and didn’t even have some to take home. Putting in the condensed milk makes it way to sweet. Try it, I think you will like it.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I definitely will – thanks Joan!
Jessica says
Can you make this in advance? If so, how long?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Definitely! A day or two would be fine.
Dorie says
Have to try this, it’s very close to my cherry coke heavenly dish!
Teresa Gutierrez says
I also add cherry jello (the powder) to the crushed pineapple and then add all the other ingredients. It puffs up and makes a lot.
Michelle says
How many will this serve?
Deborah says
This is similar to our Million Dollar Salad.. Ours call for 8oz of sour cream. We’vemade it using fat free and sugar free by using the sugar free cherry pie filling and any products so that everyone can have some. I’ve served both side by side and no one could tell the difference.
Laurajj says
Oh I wanted to let you know…that this is one of our families favorites, and I make it so often for other family get togethers! Everyone loves it! We leave out the nuts and coconut…but its so good!
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Julia Kruz says
Look super delicious! Thank you Trish
Shley says
Very nice
Salomon Chaussures says
A number of recipes I’ve looked at lately call for canned pineapple. When the recipe does not specify sweet or unsweetened, which should be used, or does it matter?
Anand says
Nice information
Thank for sharing !!
outlook 365 says
Awesome cook you’re Trish! 🙂 Very nice post.. i am bookmarking this website and will visit again! 🙂
googlemail says
I never love to cook but I always search many other different recipe and ideas. Thanks Trish. I will always visit this website.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Well thank you!! Have a wonderful week!
Jeri Adams says
I’ve made a fruit dessert salad for many many years now. It’s called frog’s eye salad. In this recipe you add acini di pepe pasta (hence, the frog’s eye name). I usually measure out about a cup dry. A dressing is made from sugar, pineappIe juice, a beaten egg and flour cooked on the stove until thickened and then cooled, then stirring in a little lemon juice. Combine with the cooled pasta and refrigerated for several hours or overnight – most soaks right into the pasta. Just fold in the remaining ingredients and cool whip and you’re good to go!! I think this pasta/dressing would work wonderfully with your recipe as well. Especially, for people who aren’t fond of coconut or would like to try something different….
Brytaney Ambrose says
Wonder how long you could freeze this for? I’m having surgery and to have something to snack on.
Anand says
Nice information !!
Thank for sharing!!
Wayne says
I never love to cook but I always search many other different recipe and ideas. Thanks Trish. I will always visit this website.
Kathy says
This is a great recipe. Thank for share !
Gee Fanuiel says
Recipe: Cherry Fluff
Would like to know if there is another form of coconut to use in this recipe. I do not like the strings in coconut. Is there a coconut abstract? Additionally, what do you think about chopping the nuts real fine as to not have large chunks of nuts. Would love to hear some comments., (PLEASE)
Thanks,
Gee
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You can eliminate the coconut if you want or add a couple of drops of extract if you like the taste. And yes, chop the nuts as finely as you like – it’s really up to you!
Sue says
We’ve made this for years, but we used a can of fruit cocktail, drained in ours. We didn’t use the condensed milk, and we put a package of jello powder in ours to make it pink. We always called it Pink Stuff. I’ve also made it using different flavor jello powder & the colored mini marshmallows. I really like it with orange jello The jello can be sugar free if prefered..
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So many delicious options with this easy recipe Sue! Thanks for stopping by!
Emily says
Mom, tasty recipe!!! Run to enjoy the heaven food:)
Rachel Page says
I makes this , but I freeze it. I like this way much better…not so cold on the teeth!
Lisa says
My version is with out marshmallows and coconut ,instead I use bananas. It’s called Banana Split salad and it does remind you of a banana split.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Sounds fabulous Lisa!
amy says
This page has some spammy ad-ware on it that takes me off your site completely and asks me to download an app. Then it won’t let me go back to your page; I have to go all the way back to Google’s search results where this recipe was listed. Very frustrating! It kicks me off after only 30 seconds on your page.This page has some spammy ad-ware on it that takes me off your site completely and asks me to download an app. Then it won’t let me go back to your page; I have to go all the way back to Google’s search results where this recipe was listed. Very frustrating! It kicks me off after only 30 seconds on your page.
Amy says
(That experience was on my mobile earlier, btw.) Thank you for the recipe. I’m making it for my grandmother’s birthday party tomorrow.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Enjoy Amy!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks for letting me know Amy! I’ve forwarded this to my ad guy.
Korteeni says
I got this basic recipe from my mom whose family has been making it for years. I make it every holiday myself, but I moved overseas and can’t find any cool whip now. Do you have any suggestions for a decent replacement? Everyone is telling me to use a basic cream but I’ve done it once and it just wasn’t right. Wasn’t as fluffy and not the same sweetness or flavor. They don’t understand the magic in Cool Whip!! Hellllp :/
Tyra says
I love this recipe but have to confess that I have modified it and added in cream cheese for “richness”. LOL As if this needs it!! The cream cheese just does something a little extra that I love!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh Tyra! Now I totally need to try that!!
Audrey says
I like fluff. Fantastic recipe.!!
jessica says
This brings back memories of my grandma! Can I make this ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge overnight? or does the cool whip get weird ?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I don’t think it would be too much of a problem although I think it is best made the day you plan to serve.
Alyssa says
Hello, I just tried making this recipe as a test run. It came out super runny, even after being in the fridge for 2 hours. Can you give me some tips on how to get it from being runny?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It shouldn’t be runny – at all. Did you drain the pineapple? It needs to be really well drained.
Nell says
This looks delicious, but I have a question. A number of recipes I’ve looked at lately call for canned pineapple. When the recipe does not specify sweet or unsweetened, which should be used, or does it matter? Thanks for all the great recipes you share!
Amy@theidearoom says
This recipe looks amazing! pinned!
Stacey says
I make this every year for the holidays.
It is my favorite, it’s wonderful!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I love it too Stacey!
Liz says
Thank you Trish for the nice desserts.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are so welcome Liz!
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
I’ve never had this before but it looks super fun!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So fun and DELICIOUS Rebecca 🙂 Def give it a try!
Wendy @ www.mamasblogcentral.com says
That Cherry Fluff looks so yummy. I would love for you to share this on my Friday T.G.I.F. linky party 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Wendy!
Bonnie N says
I make this using raspberries making my own raspberry mixture. This recipe can be adapted to any flavor using the corresponding Jell-O flavor. (My recipe uses Jell-O)
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Raspberries would be amazing Bonnie! I’m totally going to give that a try 🙂 Thank you!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Hi Trish! We love salads like this in our house. It’s like an excuse to eat dessert with your dinner! I actually made a very similar salad this weekend for one of our meals…we call it “Pink Ambrosia” because the cherries turn the cool whip pink. So pretty!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Absolutely Blair! Pink Ambrosia is such a pretty name for the salad – love it!
tanktrouble6 says
help me!
Sandra says
I have no idea why I’ve never made a recipe like this- so easy! Thanks for sharing, I’m totally making this tomorrow 🙂 Following you on facebook and google+!
Sandra
http://www.notesfromtheslife.com
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes. Soooo easy! You’re going to love it 🙂 Thanks so much for following!
Laurie says
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Cindy Eikenberg says
Hi Trish! Oh, I love this!! Plus pink is my favorite color, too! 🙂 Thank you so much for joining us and sharing at Best of the Weekend – pinned! Hope you have a happy and fabulous weekend!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Cindy!
Brittany says
I just want to say that these pictures made me so hungry for good desserts!:) I loved all the cheery desserts! I have a sweet tooth for fluff as well!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Brittany! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Dina says
this looks like a fun dessert and good for a crowd!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
We love it! Thanks Dina!
Kristen Duke says
Yummy!! Sounds delicious and love that it’s quick to make!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s the best part – it’s quick and easy 🙂 Thanks Kristen!
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
Love, love, love this!! My mom has made this forever and we call it “Pink Stuff”. We also have a variation called “Purple Gravy” where we use blueberry pie filling instead of cherry. These are the kind of salads I can really get behind! 🙂
gretchen says
my mom makes what we call ‘green stuff’ similar to this takes a pkg pistachio pudding container cool whip an a drained can crushed pineapple mix all together its sooo good …def gonna give this fluff (pink stuff) a try
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s what we call Pistachio Fluff – SOOOO good! Give this one a try Gretchen, I think you’ll love it!
Tonia says
My MIL makes a dessert like this and it is so good! Have a great weekend!
Julia says
This sounds like something’s my grandmama made. Do you think I could make this with fresh or frozen cherries… Or is the sauce from the canned cherries important? Thank you!
Jenner says
The pie filling helps act as a binder and thickener with the rest of the ingredients, and gives it the pink color. Nothing says you couldn’t add some fresh or frozen! =) I would make sure to pat them as dry as possible (esp. if frozen) so they don’t add too much moisture though, it could get too thin.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you! Have a great weekend!
Cassidy says
I’m sure you’ve already made this, but in case you are signed up for email notifications I thought I would share what my family does. We use a thing on cool whip and a block of cream cheese. We mix these together well and adding a little maraschino cherry juice if we need to thin it out some. Then we take a can of sliced pineapple and cut it into pieces, about half of a bag of mini marshmallows, and most of the cherries from a jar of marachino cherries halved and mix together. If it isn’t pink enough we add more cherry juice.
kimmie says
Can’t wait to try this! I’m glad to see some have made it w/o coconut! My family and I aren’t fans! This sounds so good!!!
Dawn Markum says
I don’t like coconut. Do you think it would work leaving it out?
Carrie Bourlon says
Yes, if you don’t like coconut, leave it out and add extra nuts.
Dawn Markum says
Thanks! Can’t wait to try it!
Alyssa says
This looks really good! I love the pretty pink color too!
Kate says
I love it when I find a yummy recipe, and I already have all the ingredients to make it! My kids are going to love this! Thanks for sharing, Trish!! =)
Jenner says
We’ve had this in my family for a couple decades sans coconut and marshmallows and call it Pink Salad. LOVE it and it’s mandatory when certain friends come for the weekend. Also holds up fantastically to freezing (though I’m not sure if the marshmallows would).
Tip: go through and cut your cherries in half to check for pits. =)
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s awesome Jenner! I have never even thought to check for pits – great idea!
DDugay says
My Uncle used to make this for us kids roughly 52 years ago. He used to call it Gobbletygook ala Uncle Joe. We kids thought Uncle Joe was the best cook ever !!!! We did not know for years he only knew how to make 3 things, LOL
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
LOL! That’s so awesome! Yes, this is about the easiest recipe EVER 🙂
Nicki says
Where’s the “search” button? I’m looking for the pina colada fluff. But there’s no way to search your recipes by name?
Gayle says
“Gobbletygook” ….that is too funny. I thought only my family used that word. I’ve only heard it in KY.
Happy Valley Chow says
Fluff always tastes sooo good! Fantastic recipe 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes it does 🙂 Thank you Eric!