If you’re searching for a creamy, sweet-tart, and utterly nostalgic holiday treat, Cranberry Fluff is about to become your new obsession! This timeless classic combines tart bursts of cranberries, juicy pineapple, pillowy marshmallows, and the crunch of nuts, all folded into a soft cloud of whipped cream. There’s something so irresistible about how this no-bake side doubles as a dessert, bringing a pop of pink color and festive flavor to any table. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or an ordinary Tuesday that needs a dash of fun, Cranberry Fluff always dazzles and delights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cranberry Mixture:
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or 1 container of whipped topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cranberry Fluff
Step 1: Chop and Sweeten the Cranberries
Grab your food processor and pulse the fresh cranberries until they’re finely chopped, but not puréed—you want vibrant little bits, not mush. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl, stir in the sugar, and give it all a good mix. Now, cover the bowl and let this cranberry-sugar mixture chill in the fridge for at least one hour so the cranberries soften and create a gorgeous syrupy base.
Step 2: Add Pineapple, Marshmallows, Grapes, and Nuts
Once the cranberries have had their sweet nap, stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, halved grapes, and your choice of chopped nuts. Each addition brings its own special texture and flavor; the marshmallows will soak up all that berry goodness while the grapes and nuts make every bite interesting.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, pour in your heavy cream and vanilla extract. Whip them together until stiff peaks form—the end result should be luscious and airy. (Or, if you’re feeling practical or pressed for time, you can gently fold in a container of whipped topping instead. Both options are lovely!)
Step 4: Fold Everything Together
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture using a spatula. You want everything well combined, but try not to deflate the cream—those beautiful fluffy clouds are what make Cranberry Fluff so heavenly and light.
Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle
Cover the finished Cranberry Fluff and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. This gives all the flavors time to meld, the marshmallows to soften, and the fluff to set into its signature creamy, scoopable texture.
How to Serve Cranberry Fluff
Garnishes
Let’s be honest: Cranberry Fluff already looks dreamy with its pastel pink swirls! But to make it even more festive, sprinkle a handful of extra chopped nuts on top, add a few whole cranberries, or crown it with a sprig of mint. A dollop of whipped cream or a few mini marshmallows right before serving never hurts, either.
Side Dishes
This sweet and tangy favorite shines alongside classic holiday mains. Serve Cranberry Fluff with roast turkey, glazed ham, or baked chicken. It’s also a beautiful companion to savory side dishes like stuffing, sweet potatoes, or green bean casserole—trust me, the contrast is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic bowl! Spoon Cranberry Fluff into individual dessert cups or vintage glassware for a special touch at parties. If you’re serving a crowd, let guests build their own parfaits with extra fruit and granola, or use it as a topping for waffles or pancakes at brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cranberry Fluff keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep chilled until you’re ready for round two. The flavors deepen, and the texture stays perfectly fluffy.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing Cranberry Fluff. The whipped cream can separate and the marshmallows lose their cheery texture after defrosting. It’s so quick to put together, you’re better off making a fresh batch whenever the craving strikes!
Reheating
No reheating required for this cool, creamy treat! Just give your Cranberry Fluff a gentle stir after chilling, and it’s ready to dish up straight from the fridge. Serve it chilled every time for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Fluff ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when made ahead. You can prepare Cranberry Fluff a day in advance—just store it in the fridge, covered, and give it a gentle stir before serving.
What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?
If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can use frozen (no need to thaw—just process straight from the freezer). Avoid sweetened dried cranberries, as they’ll change the texture and flavor.
Are there nut-free options for Cranberry Fluff?
Definitely! Simply leave out the nuts or replace them with toasted coconut flakes or extra fruit to keep the crunch without using tree nuts.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes, Cool Whip or your favorite non-dairy whipped topping works great if you want a shortcut or need to keep the dish extra stable for travel. Just fold it in as you would whipped cream.
How do I make Cranberry Fluff lighter or lower in sugar?
For a lighter version, use light whipped topping and reduced-sugar marshmallows. You can also reduce the sugar mixed with the cranberries for a more tart flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Cranberry Fluff yet, you’re truly missing out on one of the most delightful holiday dishes around. It’s easy, addictive, and brings a burst of color and joy to any meal. I can’t wait for you to make it and share a bowl (or two!) with your favorite people—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new tradition!
Print
Cranberry Fluff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Cranberry Fluff recipe that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of pineapple, marshmallows, grapes, and nuts, all enveloped in a fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Cranberry Mixture:
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or 1 container of whipped topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberry Mixture: Pulse cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped. Mix in sugar, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to macerate.
- Combine Ingredients: After chilling, add drained pineapple, marshmallows, grapes, and nuts to the cranberry mixture.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the cranberry mixture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance flavors and texture.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated.
- For a lighter option, use whipped topping and reduced-sugar marshmallows.
- Perfect as a holiday side dish or dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
