The Best Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe Ever

I've got another fun easy Potluck recipe for you! You're going to love this Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe.

I recently shared this Orange Fluff Recipe and since you enjoyed it, I thought I'd also share this Cherry Fluff Salad recipe!

This is another recipe that's great for taking to a church potluck or a family gathering. This cherry fluff dessert salad is a dessert that masquerades as a salad. It's super easy to make and you most likely already have all the ingredients you need at home.

And if you don't have the ingredients, no worries. There are lots of easy substitutions you can make.

What is Cherry Fluff?

Cherry fluff is a classic recipe that's been around forever. This cherry salad is another recipe that I found in a vintage cookbook. I'm totally obsessed with old cookbooks and have a collection of them at our cottage.

This recipe includes cherry pie filling, whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk in addition to pineapple, marshmallows and coconut. It's one of those recipes you regularly see at church potlucks, BBQs and other gatherings.

This easy recipe makes a great dessert or side dish. It's perfect to enjoy on a hot summer night, but it's pink color makes it the perfect recipe for Valentine's Day too!

It's cool and creamy and only takes 5 minutes to throw together. It's seriously easy.

Cherry Fluff Ingredients

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with full ingredients and instructions.

This salad takes very few ingredients, but don’t forget you can add or remove a couple of these to make this recipe your own.

Cherry Pie Filling
Crushed Pineapple
Cool Whip
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Mini Marshmallows
Shredded Coconut

How to Make Cherry Fluff Salad

Place your whipped topping in a large mixing bowl.

Add your cherry pie filling, coconut, marshmallows and pineapples.

Pour your sweetened condensed milk over the top of all of your ingredients.

Mix well.

While you can serve this when you finish making it, it tastes the best if you allow it to sit covered in the fridge for 4-6 hours. I like to serve this the next day as I think it gives the flavors a chance to really combine well!

Serve with a cherry on top!

Enjoy!

FAQs {Frequently Asked Questions}

Do I have to use cherry pie filling?

Nope, you don't have to. There are lots of people who use maraschino cherries instead of cherry pie filling. And if you're looking for a different flavor, you could change up your pie filling instead. I think it's quite tasty with strawberry pie filling.

You can also change up the pie filling based on a theme or holiday. This popular cool whip dessert is characterized by its fabulous pink color which makes it perfect for Mother's Day or a baby shower. Use blueberry pie filling and you can change the pastel color to blue. Or serve both cherry fluff and blueberry fluff at a gender reveal party!

Is Cherry Pie Fluff a dessert or salad?

While technically it's not a salad, it definitely sounds healthier when you say you had a cherry salad instead of saying you had a cherry dessert. You can call it whatever you want. Either way, it's delicious…and that's what is important.

Can I make cherry fluff ahead of time?

Yep! You can totally make this recipe in advance. If you make it more than a few days before you serve it, the marshmallows may absorb the liquid which will change the texture and result in a bolder flavor.

Also, make sure you stir well before serving as the moisture may rise to the top while it sits in the fridge.

What's the best way to serve cherry fluff salad?

With a spoon…just kidding. This yummy salad can be served as a side or a dessert. It's perfect for potlucks and get-togethers. It also makes a great snack.

If you want to be super fancy, consider serving this delicious recipe in a graham cracker crust.

What else can I add to this delicious cherry salad?

The sky is the limit. You can add a can of drained fruit cocktail or some mandarin oranges. I know a lot of people add nuts like chopped pecans or slivered almonds to their fluff-style desserts for more of a classic ambrosia salad vibe.

Do I have to use an electric mixer?

No. For best results, I recommend using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer as I feel it does a better job combining the ingredients and giving you a fluffy texture, but if you don't have an electric mixer you can mix it by hand.

I've used a rubber spatula when I've been in a pinch and didn't want to wash the blades of my hand mixer, but it took a whole lot longer.

Another option is to use a food processor to make this cherry jello salad.

What is the best way to store this fluffy salad recipe?

You can store this delicious dessert in the fridge for up to a week. You’ll want to store it in airtight container (or at least cover it with plastic wrap) when storing it or it will get dry and nasty.

Can I freeze this creamy dessert?

I don't recommend it as the creamy texture changes dramatically.

Can I use regular whipped cream or homemade whipped cream instead of cool whip?

Sure. I love homemade whipped cream and regularly use heavy whipping cream and this whipped cream dispenser to make my own delicious whipped cream.

I don't have crushed pineapples. Can I use pineapple chunks instead?

You sure can! I sometimes combine pineapple chunks and pineapple juice and blend them to make my own crushed pineapples.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy this simple recipe! I know this cherry fluff recipe is a family favorite around here and I hope your family enjoys it too!

Check out these other delicious recipes that are perfect for potlucks!

Pin this Cherry Fluff Recipe for later!

Yield: 6-8 servings