Description
Christmas Cherry Fluff is a festive, no-bake dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines sweet cherry pie filling, creamy sweetened condensed milk, crushed pineapple, fluffy whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and optional coconut and nuts for texture and flavor. Chilled and garnished with whipped cream and festive sprinkles, this bright, airy dessert is easy to prepare and sure to delight guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz / 560 g) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (14 oz / 395 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (250 g) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 ½ cups (375 mL) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip or whipped cream)
- 2 cups (100 g) mini marshmallows
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup (40 g) shredded coconut (optional)
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For Garnish
- Extra cherry pie filling for garnish
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the cherry pie filling and stir gently to break up some larger cherries, creating a slightly textured base.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until the mixture is glossy and evenly combined, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Pineapple: Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple to remove excess liquid, then stir it into the cherry mixture to add a tropical sweetness and texture.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Add the whipped topping and gently fold it in with a spatula, taking care to maintain a light, airy texture in the fluff.
- Add Marshmallows and Optional Ingredients: Fold in the mini marshmallows along with any optional shredded coconut and chopped nuts to add chewiness and crunch.
- Chill the Dessert: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual dessert cups, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours to let the flavors meld and the fluff set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the fluff with extra cherry pie filling, a dollop of whipped cream, and festive toppings such as holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes to add color and holiday cheer.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple to prevent excess moisture making the fluff too watery.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans or walnuts lightly before folding them in.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavors.
- Use regular or fat-free whipped topping based on dietary preference.
- Substitute mini marshmallows with chopped regular marshmallows if mini are unavailable.
