Bring that tropical feeling home with Pina Colada Fluff! An incredibly easy and delicious dessert salad! Love pina colada? Check out my pina colada smoothie recipe and my pina colada fudge – ah-mazing!
Pina Colada Fluff
I’m currently sitting in my room at the the Little America hotel in Salt Lake City. I’m here for the Six Sisters Build Your Blog Conference and I couldn’t be more excited!
I’m kind of lucky to be sitting in this room because when I went to check-in, guess what? I didn’t have a reservation. Now I could have sworn I booked a room. Conference ticket – check. Flight booked – check. Room – check? How on earth did I forget something so important?!?
I was searching through my emails like a mad woman saying, “But I know I booked the room!” I’m clearly losing my mind.
Thank you Little America for getting me into a room straight away. Much appreciated. Now I have time to share a recipe with you that’s sure to brighten up your day: Pina Colada Fluff.
I made this up this last week to take up to my Dad’s house (as a thank you for his help with our beater car…) and I have to say it was AWESOME.
I needed something quick, something, easy, and something sweet – pina colada fluff it is!
I made this fluff with pineapple, coconut, vanilla pudding mix, marshmallows, pecans (totally optional) and a bit of rum extract to give it that true pina colada flavor. Sooo spectacular!
This dessert salad would be perfect for your next get together, potluck or picnic. It takes like two short minutes to pull together and just about that long for it to be inhaled.
More Fluff Recipes
- Strawberry Fluff
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Fluff
- Peppermint Fluff
- Watergate Salad
- Cherry Fluff
- Cranberry Fluff
How To Make Pina Colada Fluff
Pina Colada Fluff
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz vanilla instant pudding mix 1 box
- 20 oz crushed pineapple 1 can - do not drain!
- 8 oz Cool Whip 1 container - I used lite - thawed
- 1 tsp rum extract
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts your favorite
Instructions
- Combine pudding mix and the entire can of crushed pineapple in a large bowl.
- Stir until completely combined.
- Fold in Cool Whip, rum extract, marshmallows, coconut, and nuts.
- Chill until ready to served.
Video
Nutrition
Daneita Key says
How much real rum would I use vs rum extract?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
A similar amount. You don’t want to add a bunch of liquid or it will be runny. That’s why I went with extract, a stronger rum flavor.
Leighton says
This might be a stupid question, but does rum extract have alcohol in it? I just want to be able to give it to my kids haha
Darlene Withrow says
No more than vanilla extract has probably.
Donna ladner says
I’m going to try it at my 5th Sunday luncheon it really looks good.
CARrie says
What are the nutrition stats on this dish?
Mehndi design videos says
Looks Delicious.
Tally Academy online says
I’m so in love with this <3
Lynn Hudak says
Could also add some pina colada non-alcoholic mix?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Sure but this salad can’t take a whole lot of liquid which is why I used the extract. Bigger punch of flavor.
Darlene says
I’ve made the exact same w/o alcohol for 45 yrs Have always called it Ambrosia & even is called that at the store.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s so interesting! My ambrosial salad recipe calls for mandarins and cherries. I wonder if it’s a regional thing?
Ronda says
My family isn’t a fan of coconut, coconut flavoring, etc.. Could this be left out or substituted with something else?
Darlene says
You can leave the coconut out or use cooked rice.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You can leave it out Ronda!
doris self says
I made this for Easter this year I liked it but didn’t care for the rum extract in it.
Lorri says
Is there anyone out there who can prounonce the ingredients on a Cool Whip container? Or who actually knows what those words mean? Knows what those ingredients are? And people still eat it? Sorry… It just baffles me
Antonet Roajer says
Yummy!! Desserts with coconut are my favorite. This one is tempting me to try.
Jessica Miranda says
Can you use regular rum instead of rum extract? What is the difference?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes you can Jessica. The rum extract actually has a more concentrated rum flavor without the alcohol.
Angela says
I wish people would quit trying to alternate every recipe they want to try. If you don’t like the ingredients in a recipe, skip it and move on. I feel sorry for the person who posted it and is bombarded with questions if they can leave this or that out or substitute this for that and then the one’s who say, I made it, but I left such & such out and added such & such and we all loved it.
Shannon says
If serving this in the early afternoon, would you recommend making it the night before or the morning of? I’m just worried that if it’s made too far in advance the marshmallows will “melt” but if it doesn’t sit long enough they may not soak up the flavor.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I would make it the morning of Shannon. Enjoy!
Jamie says
Can I use marshmallow creme instead of marshmallows? Not a fan of regular marshmallows but this recipe sounds amazing.
claudia says
Oh my god! This is so yummy!!!
But at the second time I took more pudding and pineapple (the double dose) and half of the cool whip and this would be perfect for us! 🙂
Thank you for this wonderful receipe! (And sorry, my English isn’t very good… 😉 )
Kind regards from Austria!
Claudia
Melinda Baker says
Do you have a Cherry Fluff Recipe? ?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I do Melinda! Right here 🙂 http://www.momontimeout.com/2014/02/cherry-fluff/
Alma says
What about an easy strawberry one?
KitchenDoc says
Comes out way too runny. Definitely need more pudding mix than the recipe calls for (or drain the pineapple if possible)
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Might want to check your ingredients – shouldn’t be runny at all 🙂 Did you watch the video? I think that will help you figure out where you went wrong. Absolutely do not drain the pineapple – that juice is what dissolves the pudding. Hope that helps!
Carla Tidwell says
I don’t have rum extract and don’t want to go to the store? Should I use almond extract or no extract?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Mmm! Almond would be good!
Laura says
Its amazing! Try adding mandarin oranges! Its so yummy!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I have an orange fluff on my blog too and it’s SO good! Thank you!
Linda says
when cool whip is not available could regular whip cream be used then add a pack of gelatin (clear) ?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Here is a recipe for stabilized whipped cream that would work! http://www.365daysofbakingandmore.com/stabilized-whipped-cream/
Mary says
Do you eat this by the spoonful or spread it on something or dip it?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Spoonful Mary 🙂
Melinda says
Made this twice in the last week! Everyone loves it!!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Love hearing that Melinda! Have a wonderful week!
Maryanne Gyori says
Wandering if you could use Malibu Coconut Rum instead of rum extract?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Sure!
Sunshine says
Can you tell me how long I can keep in the fridge??
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Several days!
Georgie says
I made it exactly one week ago ! Do you think it would still be good ?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
One week might be pushing it…
WENDY says
IF I USE RUM WILL IT CHANGE THE TASTE OF THE FLUFF OR SHOULD I STICK WITH RUM EXTRACT. IF I SHALL GO WITH THE RUM SHOULD I USE SAME AMOUNT AS RECIPE CALL FOR.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Rum does taste different than rum extract, so yes, a little different. I would use the same amount.
Donna says
Have an extra few sips as you go along and the dessert begins to taste better and better! ?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Lol! Too true Donna 😉
Jacqualine says
All I have to say ladies!!!! “I SHOULD HAVE MADE A TRIPLE BATCH” LOL This was fantastic and I make it every get together I have and I have many. It’s always the first to go and everyone ask for more. Love it and thank you. 🙂
Sharon Sonier says
Looks so good, I will make it for our Cox Cousin Reunion next summer! We all had Moms that were great cooks!
Venice Cudby says
What is Cool Whip.. Is there a subtitute for that as we don’t have that here in New Zeand. Only whipped cream..
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You could totally use whipped cream in place of the Cool Whip but an even better option is to use stabilized whipped cream like this:http://www.365daysofbakingandmore.com/stabilized-whipped-cream/
Darlene Swoboda says
Send info on your book Deserts out of a box.. can’t find where I can buy it
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Here’s the link Darlene: http://amzn.to/2dpqqcm
Patricia Smith says
we make variations of this alot try it with banana creme pudding and tropical mixed fruit , Yummy!
Jacqualine Teixeira says
Hi hun, I’m definitely making this for one of my desserts this up coming Canadian Thanksgiving. That being said. The recipe calls for 8 ounces of Cool Whip, our Cool Whip comes in One liter containers. Should I just use half?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It’s about 2 cups for per container here Jacqualine so maybe just scoop out about 2 cups? This recipe is very forgiving too 🙂
Jacqualine Teixeira says
Wonderful thank you. One more question. How many days a head of time can I make this? I’m having my dinner on Saturday?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I wouldn’t make it more than one or two days ahead of time Jacqualine. Enjoy!
Jacqualine Teixeira says
Ok, thank you. 🙂
Joy Terrones says
Where do u get rum extract
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Right near the other extracts in the baking aisle Joy or you can order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=moonti09-20&keywords=rum%20extract&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=xm2&linkId=b130f59b420d3c31e50d34d455823584
Sandy says
Wondering if you can use pieces of angel food cake instead of marshmallows
Janett Tillman says
Just found your website,and I live it! You have some great recipes I can’t wait to try. I have a website I have started,I hope someday it’s half as good as yours.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You’re too sweet! Thanks Janet!
Arlene says
Have you tried with adding real rum?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes and YES 🙂 Very good!
Jocelyn says
I’m so glad you asked that!
Alicia Silva says
I hate to sound dumb. But where do you get rum extract?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Next to the other extracts like vanilla extract. You can also order it from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2czBn7w
Nancy says
If I made a coconut cake how do you think if I put your pins collars salad on top of the cake do you think that would taste okay
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m sure it would be delicious! You might also want to check out how I frosted this cake – http://www.momontimeout.com/2016/04/easy-strawberry-pineapple-cake/
SunnyDaysNora says
Thanks so much for sharing! I made for a party and everyone raves about it!
Karren Egstad says
Would it be possible to use Mandarin orange’s and lemon pudding mix to make lemon fluff ?
Amanda says
I feel like that would work extremely well!!!
Sue Erskine says
I really like this recipe, but we don’t have Cool Whip over here.. Can I use regular cream and whip it, instead…??
Sharon Hartinger says
Can you please post the receipt for me please , can’t seem to get it
Sue says
Can you use fresh pineapple with a little pineapple juice instead of canned pineapple?
Janet says
What kind or how many instant vanilla pudding do you use. I want to use sugar free and the large box is only 1.5 oz. so I use 3 boxes?
Michelle says
1 small box – 4 servings is what the recipe calls for. If using large box, only use 1 as that’s 6 servings. It weighs a lot less because artificial sweetener weighs a lot less than sugar.
Barbara says
Do you have the nutritional information on this
Della Barker says
Will this still taste like a pina colada if you leave the rum extract out of the recipe? Thank you
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It will taste like pineapple coconut but not pina colada. Still amazing!
Joyce Murphy says
How about using real whipped cream rather than CoolWhip. Do you think 1 cup whipped would do it?
Sherie Euhardy says
Not sure if whipped cream would hold up but I have a recipe to replace CoolWhip.
4 ounces cream cheese
1/3 cup confectioners sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Cup heavy whipping cream
Beat the first three ingredients together. In a different bowl whip the cream to soft peaks.
Add cream cheese mixture by 1/3rds. Beat until stiff peaks.
Refridgerate until read to use.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Sherie! This would work nicely in this recipe.
Debbie Young says
Do you think this would work in a mold? Looks & sounds DELISH! Thinking of molding it in a horseshoe cake pan for KY Derby party. Guess I could spray the pan and/or line with plastic wrap to unmold it from the pan? Thanks!!
Joyce Murphy says
I think plastic wrap would be better than spraying the pan. The spray might add a taste to it.
It may or may not hold up.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hmmm – it’s pretty fluffy Debbie but that sounds like such a cute idea I would totally try it 🙂 If it didn’t work out you could just throw it in a bowl.
Donna says
I seriously doubt it would hold up in a mold! Having made this often, I just don’t think it would work. Good luck on trying!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I don’t think that would work either.
Jennifer says
Taking to family reunion tomorrow. Sampled it and if I am any judge it should be a hit! It is awesome and super easy to make. I did double it!
Debi says
I love pina colada anything! I don’t, however, love shredded coconut. Can I substitute the coconut flavor somehow? I’m definitely making this! Thanks!
Michelle says
Use coconut pudding or coconut extract?
Beck says
My momma and I love pina colada stuff. We’re going to have to try this!
Joyce E Rorie says
The pineapple fruit salad is delicious. When I take to church functions it it always eaten. I get lost of compliments.
Courtney @ Housewifery says
This looks the perfect summer dessert!
Destinie says
Do I have to make the pudding first or do I just mix it in like that?
Rita says
Is the can of pineapple packed in juice or syrup,or does it make a difference?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
In juice Rita and in my opinion, yes, it does make a difference.
Jade says
Looks amazing!!! Making this for a BBQ tomorrow! Can it be made a head of time or is it better fresh?
Thanks!!
Liz says
Yum – thank you. Have a great week.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are so welcome Liz! Thank you!
Melissa says
This is so stinkin’ delicious! Oh my gosh! I made this tonight, and we didn’t have marshmallows and my kids don’t like nuts. But it was still so good! I am putting this in my “keepers” folder for sure!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s awesome Melissa! Thank you!
Kady Rohrer says
Hi I am maaking this right now as I type. Do you make the pudding mix first or just dump the powder mix in
Cherry Klein says
I have the same question. ..do you make the pudding or just add the pineapple to the mix???
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Don’t make the pudding, just add the pineapple to the mix 🙂 Hope that helps!
Cherry Klein says
Thanks!!!
Sheila says
Can sugar free instant pudding be used?
Edna says
Put the pineapple and the box of pudding together
Melissa says
Holy cow! I want to eat this right now! Sounds so, so yummy!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
Oh my gosh I can’t even imagine! I hope you enjoyed the conference! I am certainly loving this fluff!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
You are the queen of Fluff Trish. I was still dreaming about your cherry version when you blast me with this. Too much good stuff!! I love it!
Cristina says
Oh wow, this looks delicious! Perfect for these grey winter days.
Melody Hampshire says
recipes with fewer carbs please
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
Oh, my! I’m pretty sure I would devour that entire bowl of fluff in record time!!! It sounds amazing!
Sharon says
I wish I could have had more but Moderation in all things!!! Amazing dessert. That is what I call it!!!