Cranberry Fluff

Recipe Details

• Author: deesviral
• Cuisine: American
• Category: Dessert / Holiday Salad
• Keywords: Cranberry Salad, Holiday Fluff, Thanksgiving Recipe, No-Bake Dessert, deesviral
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 container whipped topping)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the sugar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
2. After chilling, stir in the drained crushed pineapple and mini marshmallows.
3. If using heavy cream, whip it until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream (or whipped topping) into the cranberry mixture.
4. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
5. Cover and chill the fluff for at least 1 more hour before serving to let the flavors blend.

Tips & Variations

• No whipped cream? You can use Cool Whip or other whipped topping instead.
• Make ahead: Best when chilled for a few hours or overnight before serving.
• Texture tip: Don’t over-process the cranberries—pulse gently to keep a bit of bite.
• Add-ins: Try adding diced apples or mandarin oranges for extra flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

Cranberry Fluff is a retro classic for good reason—it’s light, creamy, tart, and sweet all at once. The fresh cranberries give it a zing that balances the richness of cream and sweetness of marshmallows. It’s no-bake, beginner-friendly, and always gets compliments. That’s why it’s one of deesviral’s go-to holiday recipes.