Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad Recipe

Introduction

Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad is a nostalgic dessert that combines sweet cherries, pineapple, and creamy whipped topping for a light and refreshing treat. Perfect for warm days or holiday potlucks, this frozen salad offers a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and fluffy texture.

Ingredients

• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8-ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but tasty)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for extra fluff)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
• Pinch of salt (optional, to balance the sweetness)
• Nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of softened butter for greasing the dish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or a thin swipe of softened butter to help the frozen salad release easily later.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling and drained crushed pineapple. Stir gently to mix while keeping the cherry swirls visible.
3. Step 3: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add vanilla extract if using. Add a pinch of salt if desired. Stir until fully blended and the mixture is smooth and creamy with cherry streaks.
4. Step 4: Fold in the thawed whipped topping carefully, using a spatula to keep the mixture light and airy.
5. Step 5: If using, fold in mini marshmallows and chopped nuts evenly throughout the mixture for additional texture.
6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula, preserving the glossy cherry swirls.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
8. Step 8: About 10–15 minutes before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature to soften slightly for easier scooping or slicing.
9. Step 9: Serve cold directly from the dish using a spoon or small spatula. Enjoy this classic dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, try substituting pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts.
• Use fresh cherries when in season for a more vibrant flavor instead of canned pie filling.
• Try mixing in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly or omit the marshmallows.

Storage

Store any leftover frozen salad covered tightly in the freezer for up to one week. To serve, thaw for about 10–15 minutes at room temperature to soften slightly. Avoid refreezing once thawed, as the texture may degrade.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad without nuts?

Yes, the nuts are optional and can be omitted if you have allergies or prefer a smoother texture.

How long should the salad be thawed before serving?

Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly. This makes it easier to scoop or cut without melting completely.

Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 74 reviews

Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad is a nostalgic, creamy, and fruity dessert that combines cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, sweetened condensed milk, and light whipped topping to create a fluffy, flavorful treat. Enhanced with optional marshmallows and nuts for added texture, this no-bake, freezer-set dessert is perfect for summertime gatherings and holiday celebrations.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Fruit Mixture

• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained

Dairy and Sweeteners

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8-ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Pinch of salt

For Preparation

• Nonstick cooking spray or thin layer of softened butter (for greasing the dish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of softened butter. This ensures the frozen salad will release easily when serving.
2. Combine Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, add the cherry pie filling and the well-drained crushed pineapple. Gently stir until the fruits are evenly mixed and you see cherry swirls running through the pineapple.
3. Add Dairy and Flavorings: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the vanilla extract if using. Add a pinch of salt if you prefer to balance the sweetness. Stir the mixture until smooth, creamy, and well blended with visible cherry streaks.
4. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula with a light folding motion to maintain as much airiness as possible, creating a fluffy and light texture.
5. Add Optional Marshmallows and Nuts: If desired, fold in mini marshmallows and chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed to add extra fluff and crunch.
6. Transfer to Dish and Freeze: Pour the cherry fluff mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm enough to slice.
7. Soften Before Serving: About 10 to 15 minutes before serving, remove the dish from the freezer and let it soften slightly at room temperature to make scooping or cutting easier.
8. Serve: Serve cold directly from the dish using a spoon or small spatula. Enjoy promptly as this dessert tends to disappear quickly!

Notes

• Use well-drained crushed pineapple to avoid excess liquid affecting the dessert’s texture.
• Folding in the whipped topping gently is crucial to keep the fluff light and airy.
• For best results, prepare the salad at least 4 hours before serving, preferably freezing overnight.
• The optional marshmallows add sweetness and fluffiness; nuts add crunch—both can be omitted or substituted.
• If you do not have a 9×13-inch dish, a similar-sized freezer-safe container will work.
• This dessert is best served cold but softened slightly for easy serving.

Keywords: cherry fluff, frozen salad, cherry pie filling dessert, no bake dessert, retro dessert, pineapple salad, chilled dessert, easy holiday dessert