Creamy Cranberry Fluff Salad
A light, airy holiday dessert or side dish combining tart cranberries, sweet marshmallows, and rich whipped cream, perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup drained pineapple chunks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add whipped cream, folding gently to keep it light and airy. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Fold the cooled cranberry mixture gently into the cream cheese and whipped cream blend, keeping streaks of cranberry color.
- Fold in mini marshmallows, pineapple chunks, and chopped nuts.
- Transfer the salad into a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, gently stir and garnish with whole cranberries or extra nuts if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
Ensure cranberry mixture is completely cooled before folding in marshmallows to prevent melting. Use chilled bowls and beaters for whipping cream. Fold ingredients gently to maintain fluffiness. Prepare a day ahead for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: cranberry fluff salad, holiday dessert, Christmas salad, Thanksgiving side dish, creamy cranberry salad, easy holiday recipe