No-bake cherry fluff is an easy and delicious dessert salad that I love to make for holidays, potlucks, and more. A classic 5 minute dessert, cherry pie filling salad is a recipe my family has been enjoying for years. I’m excited to share this recipe with you so let’s get started.

 

Not to be confused with a traditional green salad, cherry fluff is a dessert salad that is made with a variety of sweet ingredients. Made with cherry pie filling, this creamy, colorful dish is one my grandma always had on the table for special occasions and now it’s something I make for my family.

If you have an extra can of cherry pie filling, be sure to try cherries in the snow, chocolate cherry cake, and this cherry yum yum dessert.

Cherry fluff ingredients

You won’t believe how easy this recipe.

• Cherry pie filling – You can use your favorite brand of cherry pie filling.
• Crushed pineapple – I like using crushed pineapple for this dessert salad. Make sure to drain the excess juice so that the salad doesn’t become too wet.
• Sweetened condensed milk – Sweetened condensed milk adds amazing sweetness and creaminess to this dish.
• Mini marshmallows – Use about 2 cups of mini marshmallows.
• Frozen whipped topping – Cool Whip is a great creamy base to this dessert salad.
• Pecans – Chopped pecans add a nice crunch to balance the creaminess. You can leave the pecans out.

How to make cherry fluff

Go to the bottom for the full, printable recipe and video.

It doesn’t get easier than this dump and stir cherry pie fluff dessert recipe.

Step one: Mix – Place the cherry pie filling, drained crushed pineapple, and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl. Stir to combine.

Step two: Chill – Stir in the mini marshmallows, Cool Whip, and chopped pecans. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Make sure to drain any juice from the crushed pineapple. This helps to keep the cherry fluff fluffy and not wet.
• I recommend letting the fluff chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors come together. It’s a great make-ahead dessert.
• If you don’t like nuts, feel free to leave them out.
• It’s great topped with maraschino cherries or fresh cherries.

How to serve cherry fluff salad

You can serve this as a side dish or dessert. It’s great for a Summer BBQ, potluck, or holiday because it feeds a crowd.

Bowl: My family typically serves cherry fluff scooped into individual bowls and is eaten with a spoon.

Dip: This dessert fluff can also be served as a dip alongside cookies like vanilla wafers or butter cookies.

Pie: Spread the mixture into a prepared graham cracker crust and refrigerate overnight to make it into a pie.

Cherry fluff variations

• Substitute the crushed pineapple with pineapple tidbits.
• You can use colorful mini marshmallows for a fun Spring or Summer dessert.
• For a more tropical flavor, top the cherry fluff with 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut.

How to store

Keep any leftover cherry fluff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well.

More no-bake desserts

If you are looking for simple, no-bake desserts, be sure to check out these other favorite recipes like this orange dreamsicle salad and:

• Pineapple pudding
• 5-cup marshmallow salad
• Watergate dessert salad
• Cookie salad