Description
Cranberry Fluff is a vibrant, no-bake holiday side dish featuring finely chopped fresh cranberries mixed with sweet pineapple, mini marshmallows, juicy red grapes, crunchy nuts, and fluffy whipped cream. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful balance of tartness, sweetness, and creamy texture, perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Nuts
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Sweeteners
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Dairy and Flavorings
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 container of whipped topping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Chop Cranberries: In a food processor, pulse the fresh cranberries until they are finely chopped to create a textured base for the fluff.
- Macerate Cranberries: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a large mixing bowl and stir in the granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the cranberries to macerate, which softens them and blends the flavors.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: After chilling, incorporate the drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, halved grapes, and chopped nuts into the cranberry-sugar mixture, folding gently to combine evenly.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Alternatively, use a pre-made whipped topping for convenience.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light and airy texture without deflating the cream.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the fluff to thicken to the perfect consistency.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whipped topping, and use reduced-sugar mini marshmallows.
- Perfect as a refreshing holiday side dish or a no-bake dessert option.
