This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

This is a classic dessert salad: Cherry Fluff! This easy potluck recipe has cherries and pineapple mixed with cool whip and pudding mix and marshmallows to make the perfect easy side dish or dessert!

Turquoise mug filled with cherry fluff with a cherry on top


What is Cherry Fluff?

Basically, it’s a dessert salad. Popular at potlucks or as a side dish for holidays, Fluff is a creamy sweet recipe that starts with pudding mix and has cherries and other fruit and is made extra fluffy with mini marshmallows and whipped topping.

There are so many variations to Cherry Fluff Salad – you can make it with cream cheese, any pudding mix flavor, different fruit, but no matter how you make it, it’s a classic recipe that everyone loves.

Overhead shot showing five ingredients needed to make cherry fluff

5 Ingredients Needed

  1. Cherry Pie Filling: You can use my homemade cherry pie filling or a 20 ounce can from the store.
  2. Crushed Pineapple: This adds flavor and sweetness to the fluff, and helps create the creamy pudding.
  3. Pudding Mix: Be sure to use instant pudding mix, not cooked.
  4. Cool Whip: Use any kind of whipped topping you like.
  5. Mini Marshmallows: These add bulk and make the fluff nice and, well, fluffy.

How to make Cherry Fluff Salad

This recipe couldn’t be any easier: one bowl, just stir and chill.

  • Add the cherry pie filling, pineapple, and pudding mix to a large bowl. Stir.
  • Fold in the cool whip.
  • Then stir in the marshmallows.
  • You’ll want to chill the salad for at least an hour to let the pudding set up and allow the flavors to come together, but you can make it up to a day ahead.

How to Serve This Cherry Fluff Recipe

This recipe is great as a side dish for a potluck all summer long, or serve it as a holiday side dish.

It’s also a great dessert for a buffet, or you can add it to a graham cracker crust to make it into a pie.

Turquoise mug filled with cherry fluff with a cherry on top and one big spoonful missing

Variations

  • Skip the cherry pie filling and use a 32 ounce jar of maraschino cherries that have been drained and chopped.
  • Use pineapple tidbits instead
  • Skip the pineapple and use mandarin oranges
  • Use colorful mini marshmallows!
  • Make cherry fluff with cream cheese by mixing 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with the pudding mix in step 1.

FAQ

Can you make fluff ahead of time?

Yes – it’s actually better the longer it sits. Make it up to 24 hours ahead.

Can you freeze fluff salad?

I don’t recommend freezing this. It won’t thaw well.

Can I make cherry cheesecake fluff?

Use cheesecake pudding mix to make cheesecake fluff!

How do you store cherry fluff?

Store this covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Turquoise mug filled with cherry fluff with a cherry on top

Cherry Fluff Recipe

5 from 16 votes
This Cherry Fluff dessert salad only takes 5 minutes to make along with chill time in the fridge. It’s so simple to put together, and perfect for when you need a dessert in a hurry.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield 4 servings
Serving Size 1 serving

Ingredients
 

  • 1 21 ounce can cherry pie filling or use about 2 cups of homemade
  • 1 20 ounce/567g can crushed pineapple
  • 1 3.4 ounce/96g box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 8 ounces (226g) Cool Whip
  • 2 cups (120g) mini marshmallows
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Instructions

  • Slightly drain pineapple (open the can and pour off the excess liquid). Place in a large bowl along with the pie filling.
  • Add the pudding mix and stir to combine.
  • Fold in cool whip until combined.
  • Add marshmallows and stir. Chill 1 hour before eating.
  • Store in refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Variations:
  • Add 1 cup (105g) chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds
  • Use cheesecake pudding mix
  • Use any flavor pie filling

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Cherry Fluff is a perfect no-bake dessert recipe! Pink, sweet and the perfect summer treat.

Favorite Fluff Recipes



Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

5 from 16 votes (16 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




4 Comments

  1. Great recipe! Easy, quick, tasty and adaptable to your liking. However, I know it says nutrition info not guaranteed but when I calculate the calories, using the exact ingredients listed for 1 serving (yield 4 servings) it would be 597 calories! I realize calories will depend on the brands used but I would think calories per serving listed should be fairly close.