Cherry Fluff Salad is an incredibly easy, light and fluffy dessert salad. It combines cherry pie filling, softened cream cheese, whipped topping, a touch of sugar and mini marshmallows. Ready in minutes and perfect for gatherings.
Cherry Fluff
Dessert salads are a longtime favorite at summer barbecues and potlucks. This Cherry Fluff is simple to prepare, always popular with friends and family, and tends to disappear quickly — I often double the batch. Because it includes cream cheese and pie filling, the salad leans more toward a dessert than a traditional fruit salad, yet it remains light and airy thanks to the whipped topping and marshmallows.
Because the recipe uses whipped topping and mini marshmallows, it has a pleasant, pillowy texture. The softened cream cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy note that balances the sweetness of the cherry pie filling. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish — chill it briefly before serving so the flavors meld and the marshmallows soften slightly.
Ingredients to Make Cherry Fluff
- Cherry pie filling
- Softened cream cheese
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar)
- Mini marshmallows
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar
How to Make Cherry Fluff
Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer until it becomes smooth and fluffy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until everything is well combined and creamy.
Next, fold in the cherry pie filling, mini marshmallows and the whipped topping. Use a gentle folding motion so the mixture stays light and slightly airy. Continue folding until the mixture is evenly colored and all ingredients are incorporated.
For best results, refrigerate the Cherry Fluff for about an hour before serving, though it can be served immediately if you’re short on time. Chilling lets the texture settle and the flavors blend more completely.
Tips for the Best Cherry Cheesecake Fluff
- Let the cream cheese soften to nearly room temperature for the smoothest texture. Cold cream cheese will make mixing difficult and can leave lumps.
- Cherry pie filling is a crowd-pleasing choice, but you can substitute other fruit pie fillings to vary the flavor.
- Make this salad a day ahead if desired; when covered and chilled it holds well for 2–3 days.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly or use a lighter whipped topping.
Other dessert salads to try
- Watergate Salad — a classic light and fluffy dessert salad
- Retro 7Up Jello Salad — can be made in a baking dish or mold for a nostalgic presentation
- Ambrosia Salad — a kid-friendly, popular fruit-and-marshmallow salad
Cherry Fluff
Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 1 min • Servings: 4
Author: Jen Lunsford
Rating: 5 from 1 vote
Ingredients
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
- 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer until fluffy.
- Add the sugar and vanilla, and continue beating until smooth and well blended.
- Fold in the cherry pie filling, whipped topping and mini marshmallows until evenly combined.
- Chill about an hour if desired, then serve chilled.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 670 kcal • Carbohydrates: 103 g • Protein: 6 g • Fat: 27 g • Saturated Fat: 17 g • Cholesterol: 64 mg • Sodium: 270 mg • Potassium: 292 mg • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 55 g • Vitamin A: 1109 IU • Vitamin C: 5 mg • Calcium: 112 mg • Iron: 1 mg
Enjoy this easy Cherry Fluff as a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert for summer gatherings, holiday potlucks or anytime you want a light sweet treat that’s ready in minutes. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days for the best texture and flavor.