Description
Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is a creamy, no-bake dessert that combines smooth cream cheese, sweet cherry pie filling, fluffy whipped topping, and mini marshmallows for a delightfully light and fruity treat. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quick dessert fix, this easy-to-make fluff salad offers a nostalgic flavor with optional nutty crunch and graham cracker garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Add-Ins
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Garnish
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, maintaining the fluffy texture.
- Add Cherry Filling and Marshmallows: Stir in the cherry pie filling, mini marshmallows, and if using, chopped pecans or walnuts, mixing gently to evenly distribute all ingredients without deflating the fluff.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up slightly.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the top of the fluff for a crunchy finish, adding texture and complementary flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Cherry Cheesecake Fluff chilled and enjoy this refreshing, easy dessert.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Use fresh or canned cherries if you prefer, but cherry pie filling adds sweetness and gel-like texture.
- Allowing the dessert to chill overnight enhances the flavors and firmness.
- Substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Graham cracker garnish adds crunch but can be omitted if serving to those with gluten sensitivity.
