Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad Recipe

Introduction

Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad is a delightful retro dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries and pineapple with a light, airy texture. Perfectly chilled and easy to make, this frozen salad is a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or potlucks.

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 salad release easily later.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling and drained crushed pineapple. Stir gently until the fruit is evenly mixed and you see cherry swirls.
3. Step 3: Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy with visible cherry streaks.
4. Step 4: Carefully fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula to keep the mixture light and airy.
5. Step 5: If desired, fold in mini marshmallows and chopped nuts until evenly distributed for extra fluff and crunch.
6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top. Don’t worry if cherry swirls show on the surface.
7. Step 7: Cover 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 cutting.
9. Step 9: Serve cold directly from the dish using a spoon or small spatula, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer, but drain excess juice to maintain the right texture.
• Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• To make individual servings, scoop the mixture into small ramekins or silicone molds before freezing.

Storage

Store the frozen salad covered tightly in the freezer for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, allow it to soften at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for easier scooping. Avoid refreezing once thawed to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is ideal for making ahead as it needs to freeze for several hours to set properly. Preparing it the day before will save you time and improve the flavor.

What can I substitute for the whipped topping?

You can use homemade whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping for a different texture or dietary needs. Just be sure it is fully thawed before folding it into the mixture.

Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad Recipe

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Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad is a delightful, no-cook dessert featuring cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and sweetened condensed milk blended with whipped topping for a light, fluffy texture. Enhanced with optional mini marshmallows and nuts, it’s a nostalgic, refreshing treat perfect for warm days or holiday gatherings, frozen to a creamy, scoopable consistency.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including freezing time)
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Main 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)

For Preparation

• Nonstick cooking spray or a 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 swipe of softened butter. This helps the frozen salad release more easily when you scoop or slice it later.
2. Combine fruits: In a large mixing bowl, add the cherry pie filling and drained crushed pineapple. Stir gently until the fruit is evenly combined and you see pretty cherry swirls running through the pineapple.
3. Add creamy base: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the vanilla extract if using. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if desired. Stir until well blended, resulting in a smooth and creamy mixture with streaks of cherry.
4. Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula and a gentle folding motion to retain air, keeping the mix light, fluffy, and cold instead of dense.
5. Add extras: If using mini marshmallows and/or chopped nuts, fold them in now so they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, adding fluff and crunch respectively.
6. Transfer and smooth: Pour the cherry fluff mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Don’t worry if cherry swirls remain visible — this adds to the charm.
7. Freeze: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze flat for at least 4 hours or until firm. For best texture, freeze overnight.
8. Soften before serving: About 10–15 minutes before serving, remove the dish from the freezer and let it soften slightly at room temperature to make scooping or cutting easier.
9. Serve: Serve the frozen salad cold, straight from the dish using a spoon or small spatula. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tends to disappear quickly.

Notes

• Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture diluting the dessert.
• Gently folding in the whipped topping is essential to keep the texture light and fluffy.
• Freezing time can be extended if you want a firmer set, but allow extra time to soften before serving.
• You can substitute nuts or omit them to accommodate allergies.
• This dessert is no-bake and very easy to prepare ahead of time.

Keywords: Cherry Fluff, Frozen Salad, No-Bake Dessert, Cherry Pie Filling, Pineapple, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Whipped Topping, Easy Dessert, Retro Recipe