Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (2024)

This cranberry fluff dessert is sweet, tarty, ultra-creamy, and comes together with just six simple ingredients! Garnish it with vibrant whole cranberries and a sprinkle of mini marshmallows for a show-stopping dish.

Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (1)

Pin this recipe now to save it for later

Like my Orange Fluff Salad and Cherry Fluff Salad, this cranberry fluff dessert has been a long-standing sweet treat in my house and brings back many fond childhood memories! It’s a special recipe that deserves to be shared with friends and family, especially since it’s so tasty and easy to make!

Seriously, with only six simple ingredients and no technical processes involved, it’s absolutely fail-proof and perfect for making ahead as it’s best enjoyed chilled.

Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (2)

Cranberry Fluff Recipe

If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know that I love creative fruit-infused sweet treats like Snickers Salad, Waldorf Salad, and Jello Pretzel Salad, to name a few! This Cranberry fluff recipe is right up there on the list and takes minimal time to assemble with almost no effort!

Simply add all of the ingredients into a bowl, combine, and chill – that’s it! The canned cranberry sauce adds delicious sweet and tart notes to this dessert as well as a beautiful pink hue. Meanwhile, the crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and Cool Whip add contrasting textures, creaminess, and sweetness that will have you coming back for more!

Grab My Favorite Tools

Click on the products below to see my favorite tools for making this recipe!

Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (7)

Ingredients for Cranberry Fluff

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

  • Canned cranberry sauce – Choose a variety that contains whole berries.
  • Canned crushed pineapple – Drained and discarded. Whole canned pineapple will also work, but you’ll need to cut the pineapple into smaller pieces.
  • Cool Whip – A store-brand whipped topping can also be used.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Mini marshmallows – If needed, you can also cut large marshmallows into small pieces to use in this fluff salad.

Variations

  • Use frozen and thawed Cool Whip or whipped topping in this recipe if you need to serve this dessert immediately after assembling and don’t have the time to chill it in the fridge.
  • Don’t enjoy cranberries? No problem! Easily adapt the flavor of this fluff dessert by using a different fruit base, such as mandarin oranges for Orange Fluff Salad or cherry pie filling or Cherry Fluff Salad.
  • Add some crunchy texture to this cranberry fluff salad by including slivered almonds or pistachios.
Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (8)
Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (9)
Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (10)
Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (11)

How to Make Cranberry Fluff

  1. Combine the ingredients: Start by combining the cranberry sauce with pineapple in a bowl. Then, add the Cool Whip, vanilla extract, salt, and mini marshmallows.
  2. Chill: Cover the bowl, and chill the mixture in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours.
  3. Serve: Scoop out individual portions into dessert bowls to enjoy chilled!
Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (12)

Quick Tip

While the canned pineapple juice is not required for this dessert, you can store it in the fridge to use in smoothies! I like to drain the pineapple juice through a sieve and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to get all the excess juice out!

How to Store Cranberry Fluff

Store leftover cranberry fluff dessert in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’s important to cover this dessert to prevent it from absorbing other odors or flavors from the fridge.

This cranberry fluff salad will last for 4-5 days in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving as the ingredients tend to separate!

Serving Suggestions

Scoop this cranberry fluff dessert chilled from the fridge into dessert bowls or fancy ice cream bowls, and garnish with whole cranberries and extra mini marshmallows.

This cranberry fluff can also be enjoyed alongside some plain sweet crackers or white chocolate wafers as a mouth-watering dessert dip!

FAQs

Why is my cranberry fluff dessert soft?

Excess moisture in this dessert will turn it soft and soggy. It’s important to drain as much of the pineapple juice from the canned crushed pineapple as possible before combining it with the rest of the ingredients.

Can I freeze cranberry fluff?

Absolutely! Cranberry fluff can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. It tastes similar to ice cream this way and can be enjoyed as a frozen treat!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

I don’t recommend it! Fresh cranberries won’t have a sweet sauce to flavor the rest of the ingredients and will create a more tart flavor.

Can I add condensed milk to this cranberry fluff salad?

You could, but be prepared for a very sweet dessert! The Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, and cranberry sauce already add plenty of sweetness to this fluff salad without being overpowering.

More Deliciously Creamy Desserts

Recipes

Orange Fluff Salad

Recipes

Peanut Butter Fluff Pie

Recipes

Oreo Fluff Dessert

Recipes

Cherry Fluff Salad

Recipes

Snickers Salad

Recipes

No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Dessert

Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (19)

Cranberry Fluff

This cranberry fluff dessert is sweet, tarty, ultra-creamy, and comes together with just six simple ingredients! Garnish it with vibrant whole cranberries and a sprinkle of mini marshmallows for a show-stopping dish.

No ratings yet

Pin RecipeSave RecipeRate RecipePrint Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Kasey Schwartz

Servings: 10 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl

  • Rubber spatula

  • Measuring cup

  • measuring spoons

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces can cranberry sauce with whole berries
  • 20 ounces can crushed pineapple juice drained and discarded
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

  • Add the cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple to a large mixing bowl and stir together.

    14 ounces can cranberry sauce, 20 ounces can crushed pineapple

  • Add the Cool Whip to the bowl and fold it into the fruit mix.

    8 ounces Cool Whip

  • Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

    1 Tablespoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt

  • Fold in the mini marshmallows.

    3 cups mini marshmallows

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least two hours or longer. Uncover, scoop and serve chilled when ready to enjoy!

Notes

  • Add 1 cup chopped pecans for a crunchy cranberry fluff salad.
  • Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and mini marshmallows if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

Categories: Christmas, Holidays, No Bake Desserts, , Recipes, Thanksgiving

About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

Read More About Me

Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe | All Things Mamma (2024)

FAQs

How to spice up canned jellied cranberry sauce? ›

Adding a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon or orange zest, a tablespoon of chopped candied peel, or even a splash of juice to your canned sauce will brighten flavors and bring in some homemade flavor.

How to grind cranberries without a grinder? ›

If you do not have a grinder, pulse fruit in a food processor. Add sugar: Stir in the sugar. (Start with less than a cup and keep adding 1/4 cups until you reach your desired level of sweetness.)

How do you eat canned cranberry jelly? ›

The traditional way to serve canned cranberry sauce is to slice the cylinder into rounds and arrange them on a platter. Go a step further by adding a garnish like sugared rosemary or candied ginger. Or, cook the canned sauce with orange juice and zest for a citrusy take on a holiday standby.

Why do cranberries pop when cooked? ›

Cranberries actually have quite a lot of pectin, which helps keep the berries nice and firm before they are cooked. When the cranberries are heated on the stovetop in water, they pop open. The longer the berries are in the hot liquid, the more they break apart, which releases more and more pectin into the water.

What takes the bitterness out of cranberry sauce? ›

Try A Softer Sweetener

If you don't have maple syrup (pancake syrup WILL NOT do, y'all), try honey or a more neutral sweetener like agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or even simple syrup. All of these syrupy ingredients are a perfect quick fix for bitter cranberry sauce.

Is canned jellied cranberry sauce good for you? ›

Health Benefits

Cranberries are also rich in vitamin C and fiber, as well as the metabolism-boosting mineral manganese. And yes, you reap all these benefits whether the cranberry sauce on your holiday table is homemade or canned, jellied or whole-berry.

How to grind cranberries by hand? ›

Manual Grinding with a Mortar and Pestle

Here's how to do it: Place a small batch of cranberries in the mortar. Gently crush the cranberries with the pestle, using a circular motion to grind them into a paste. Continue until you achieve the desired consistency, adding more cranberries as needed.

Can you eat raw cranberries? ›

Cranberries are more than just the makings of a sweet sauce. You can add them to smoothies or salads, or eat them whole. Eating raw cranberries is safe and easy, though their sharp, bitter flavor isn't for everyone. Be sure to clean and sort them thoroughly.

How to make cranberry powder at home? ›

3Spread cranberry puree on an Excalibur Dehydrator tray lined with parchment paper to avoid staining. 4Dry at 115° F for 10-14 hours or until very dry and brittle. 5Remove from dehydrator and cool completely. 6Break into pieces and blend in a high speed blender or coffee grinder until fine powder.

Does canned jellied cranberry go bad? ›

As long as an unopened can of cranberry sauce is stored in a consistently cool pantry, it'll keep and taste good for at least a year beyond the date stamped on the can. (That date is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the cranberry sauce will remain at peak quality and is not a safety-related expiration date.)

Do you just eat cranberry sauce out of the can? ›

It's perfectly fine to serve up cranberry sauce — whole berry or jelled — straight out of the can. But in my experience, heating the canned sauce up takes its flavor to the next level. Plus, it becomes a little more aesthetically pleasing.

Why is jellied cranberry sauce canned upside down? ›

The cans are "filled and labeled upside down with the rounded edge on top and the sharp can-like edge on the bottom to keep the jelly whole." This creates an air bubble vacuum on the rounded side (the top) so customers "can swipe the edge of the can with a knife to break the vacuum and the log will easily slide out."

How to soften cranberries for salad? ›

Put your dried fruit in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes, and then strain the fruit and discard the water. The fruit will be plumper, juicier, and softer. To give your fruit some extra flavor, swap the water for fruit juice or a liquor, like rum, bourbon, or brandy.

Can you eat too many raw cranberries? ›

There's little health risk to consuming them raw, but consuming them cooked is certainly preferable in terms of taste, texture, and flavor. "I have seen that consuming too much of them can cause stomach upset, but I do not think very many people are over consuming them raw," notes Keyser.

Do squirrels eat cranberries? ›

Vegetables and seeds are common in herbivore's diet. Since squirrels are predominantly herbivores, sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, apples, and rose hips are all used in Squirrel Complete to replicate natural flavors.

How do you fix bland cranberry sauce? ›

Maple syrup, brown sugar and even honey can make your cranberry sauce more dynamic. And don't forget the spices! Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, citrus zest and star anise all work well with cranberries and can be added while the sauce cooks to infuse your sauce with flavor.

What is the difference between cranberry sauce and jellied cranberry sauce? ›

Cranberry sauce can be served either as a gooey liquid or as a solid jelly. The jellied version is solid enough to retain the shape of the container in which it's placed whereas the sauce version is much more fluid.

How long does Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce last? ›

In general, after they are opened, our juices and sauces may be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. For best quality and taste, use the product before the date stamped on it.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 6721

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.