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Cranberry Fluff

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Fresh cranberries, pineapple chunks, and mini marshmallows come together in a smooth, whipped blend. A great holiday side or treat.

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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:22 GMT
Bright fruit mix with cranberries, pineapple, and marshmallows in a creamy dressing. Pin it
Bright fruit mix with cranberries, pineapple, and marshmallows in a creamy dressing. | cuisinegenial.com

Simple Festive Cranberry Fluff

Here's my go-to cranberry fluff that's turned into a holiday must-have at our family table. This combo mixes tangy fresh cranberries, juicy pineapple chunks and soft marshmallows all folded into a smooth, airy mixture. It works great as a side or sweet treat during festive meals, and I'm always passing the recipe along to guests who can't get enough.

What Makes This Cranberry Mix So Good

You'll fall for this tasty fluff because:

  • Works as a light dessert or easy side dish
  • You can make it ahead to save time during busy holidays
  • Every spoonful gives you that perfect sweet-tart combo
  • You only need a handful of basic ingredients

What You'll Need For Your Cranberry Fluff

  • Fresh Cranberries: They bring that festive tang this dish needs.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances out the cranberries' tartness.
  • Cream Cheese: Gives your fluff that rich, smooth feel.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the light, airy texture.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds juicy sweetness throughout.
  • Mini Marshmallows: They're key for that signature fluffy feel.

How To Put It All Together

Quick Chill
Let it rest in your fridge for at least 2 hours so the flavors can blend together nicely.
Simple Assembly
Carefully mix in your cranberries, drained pineapple and those soft marshmallows. Just fold them in gently to keep things airy.
Make the Cream Base
Whip the cream cheese until it's lump-free, then add in cream, sugar and vanilla. Keep beating until it's light and fluffy.
Cranberry Prep
Put the cranberries and sugar in your food processor and pulse. You want them chopped but not mushy.

Ways To Get It Right

  • Quick Fix: You can swap in Cool Whip if you're short on time.
  • Extra Texture: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
  • Smart Swap: If fresh aren't around, thawed frozen cranberries work just fine.
  • Sweeten Smartly: Let cranberries sit with sugar for a while to cut their tartness.
A bowl of fluffy pink salad made with cranberries and topped with mini marshmallows. Pin it
A bowl of fluffy pink salad made with cranberries and topped with mini marshmallows. | cuisinegenial.com

Planning Ahead & Keeping Fresh

  • You can keep your fluff in the fridge for up to 3 days, but don't try freezing it.
  • Want to plan ahead? Make this up to 2 days before your event and store it covered in the fridge.

A Crowd-Pleasing Tradition

This cranberry fluff brings together tangy, sweet and creamy flavors in each bite. It's become such a staple at our holiday meals that we can't imagine Thanksgiving or Christmas without it. Once you try making this for your family gatherings, I bet they'll ask for it year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does sugar do to cranberries?

It softens their texture and tones down the sharpness.

→ How far in advance can I prepare it?

Make it a day before and chill in the fridge.

→ Why whip the mix until stiff?

It gives the blend a light and airy finish.

→ Can I swap fresh cranberries with frozen?

Fresh is better, but thawed and drained frozen ones work too.

→ Why use drained pineapple?

Leftover juice can make it too watery.

Cranberry Fluff

This creamy mix blends tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and soft marshmallows with a whipped cream and cheese base. Perfect for gatherings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups mini marshmallows.
02 8 oz crushed pineapple, with all juice drained out.
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
04 3/4 cup powdered sugar.
05 2 cups heavy cream.
06 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature.
07 3/4 cup sugar (granulated).
08 12 oz fresh cranberries.

Instructions

Step 01

Toss granulated sugar and fresh cranberries into the food processor bowl but don't turn it on just yet.

Step 02

Blend the cranberries until they're chopped very finely without turning into a paste.

Step 03

Scoop the chopped cranberries into a container and let them sit so the sugar can mix properly.

Step 04

Whisk the cream cheese in a large bowl until it's totally soft and lump-free.

Step 05

Pour the vanilla, powdered sugar, and heavy cream into the bowl with the cream cheese.

Step 06

Use high speed on a mixer to whip the cream until peaks hold their shape. Don't whip it for too long.

Step 07

Carefully stir the sugared cranberries into the whipped mixture until the color is even.

Step 08

Gently fold in the well-drained pineapple until no chunks are left separate.

Step 09

Mix the mini marshmallows in slowly so you don't flatten the whipped mixture.

Step 10

Spoon the combined mixture into a serving bowl or an airtight container.

Step 11

Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to lock in freshness.

Step 12

Put the mixture in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight, to let the flavors fully blend.

Step 13

Give everything a gentle stir to even out the ingredients before enjoying.

Step 14

Serve cold as a sweet side or light treat.

Step 15

Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead of time.
  2. Ideal for festive gatherings.
  3. Zero cooking involved.
  4. Feeds a big group.

Tools You'll Need

  • A food processor.
  • A big bowl for mixing.
  • Hand or stand mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, cream).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 496
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 53 g
  • Protein: 3 g