Description

Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad is a nostalgic, light, and fluffy frozen dessert featuring sweet cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, creamy condensed milk, and airy whipped topping. Enhanced with optional mini marshmallows and nuts for extra texture, this retro treat is easy to prepare and perfect for chilled summer enjoyment or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
Pinch of salt (optional)

Optional Add-ins

1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For Preparation

Nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of softened butter for greasing the dish

Instructions

Prepare the Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or softened butter to help the frozen salad release easily later.
Combine Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the cherry pie filling and drained crushed pineapple until the fruit is evenly combined with visible cherry swirls.
Add Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, add vanilla extract if using, and sprinkle in a pinch of salt if desired. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and streaked with cherry swirls.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Using a spatula, fold in the thawed whipped topping gently to maintain the airy texture essential for fluffiness.
Incorporate Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in mini marshmallows and chopped nuts evenly through the mixture for extra fluff and crunch.
Transfer and Smooth: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula, allowing cherry swirls to remain visible.
Freeze: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm enough to slice.
Soften Before Serving: About 10–15 minutes before serving, remove the dish from the freezer and let it stand at room temperature to soften slightly for easier scooping or cutting.
Serve: Serve cold directly from the dish with a spoon or spatula, enjoying the refreshing fluff dessert immediately.

Notes

For best texture, prepare the salad the night before and allow it to freeze overnight.
Allow the salad to soften a bit before serving to facilitate clean slicing or spooning.
Optional mini marshmallows add extra fluff, while nuts provide pleasant crunch.
This salad is best served cold and enjoyed quickly as it tends to melt.
Greasing the casserole dish is essential to easily release the frozen salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cherry fluff, frozen salad, retro dessert, cherry pie filling, frozen whipped topping, pineapple dessert, easy no bake dessert, summer dessert, holiday dessert