Creamy, dreamy, and full of tropical flavor, this Cool Whip Pineapple Fluff is the ultimate easy dessert salad. Sweet pineapple, fluffy whipped topping, mini marshmallows, coconut, and crunchy nuts all mingle in a single bowl. It’s a no-bake crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes and chills into a cool, refreshing treat for potlucks, holidays, or summer cookouts.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (3.4-oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits, drained very well
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream or vanilla yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple very well in a fine-mesh strainer or colander, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to remove excess juice so the fluff sets properly. If using tidbits, lightly chop them for easier mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed Cool Whip and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until smooth, thick, and evenly combined with no streaks of pudding remaining.
- Fold in the drained pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut (if using), and chopped walnuts or pecans until everything is evenly distributed.
- If using sour cream or vanilla yogurt, gently fold it into the mixture until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Taste and, if you’d like it sweeter, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. For a firmer fluff, you can sprinkle in up to 1 extra tablespoon of dry pudding mix and fold again.
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the fluff is well chilled and thickened and the marshmallows have softened slightly.
- Before serving, give the fluff a gentle stir, then spoon into a serving bowl. Top with a few extra pineapple tidbits, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, and whole walnut or pecan halves for garnish. Serve cold and enjoy!
Variation
- Tropical Coconut Fluff: Use crushed pineapple, add the shredded coconut and chopped nuts, and top with toasted coconut and extra pineapple for a pina-colada-inspired salad.
- Lighter Pineapple Fluff: Use light or sugar-free whipped topping, sugar-free instant pudding mix, and vanilla Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to cut sugar and boost protein.
- Marshmallow-Free Version: Skip the mini marshmallows and replace them with extra pineapple or a handful of additional coconut for a smoother, more mousse-like texture.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to use instant vanilla pudding mix (dry) and not cook-and-serve pudding; instant is what thickens the mixture without heat.
- If your fluff seems too loose after mixing, simply chill it longer 2–3 hours or overnight will give you a firmer texture.
- Fold gently when adding pineapple and nuts so you don’t deflate the airy texture of the Cool Whip base.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a clear glass bowl or trifle dish so the creamy, fluffy texture and pineapple pieces show off on the dessert table.
- Spoon into small dessert cups or parfait glasses and top each with a bit of coconut and a whole walnut or pecan for an easy party dessert.
- Pair with ham, turkey, or barbecue as a sweet, retro-style side dish at potlucks, church suppers, and holiday gatherings.
Tips
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving, but 2–3 hours (or overnight) will give the best set and fully blended flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, add 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar to taste; for a firmer texture, mix in a little extra dry pudding mix.
- Stir gently right before serving to refresh the fluff, then add fresh toppings like pineapple, coconut, and nuts on top so they stay pretty and crisp.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Cool Whip Pineapple Fluff ahead of time?
-answer Yes. This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before serving and refresh the toppings if needed. - Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
-answer You can, but canned pineapple is easier to drain well and tends to give a more consistent texture. If using fresh, chop it finely and blot with paper towels to remove as much excess juice as possible so the fluff still sets. - How long does pineapple fluff last in the fridge?
-answer Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep for about 3–4 days. The texture is best within the first 2 days, as the marshmallows soften and the nuts may lose some crunch over time. - Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
-answer Yes, you can replace the Cool Whip with about 3 cups of freshly whipped cream (sweetened to taste). The fluff will be a bit softer and won’t keep quite as long, so plan to enjoy it within 1–2 days for the best texture.
Conclusion
Cool Whip Pineapple Fluff is everything you want in a nostalgic dessert salad sweet, creamy, and irresistibly light with pops of pineapple, coconut, and nuts. With just a few pantry staples and no baking required, it’s ideal for potlucks, holidays, and easy entertaining. Chill a bowl, top it with a little extra crunch, and watch it disappear scoop by scoop.
Print
Cool Whip Pineapple Fluff
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, dreamy, and full of tropical flavor, this Cool Whip Pineapple Fluff is the ultimate easy dessert salad. Sweet pineapple, fluffy whipped topping, mini marshmallows, coconut, and crunchy nuts all mingle in a single bowl. It’s a no-bake crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes and chills into a cool, refreshing treat for potlucks, holidays, or summer cookouts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8-oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (3.4-oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits, drained very well
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream or vanilla yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple very well in a fine-mesh strainer or colander, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to remove excess juice so the fluff sets properly. If using tidbits, lightly chop them for easier mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed Cool Whip and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until smooth, thick, and evenly combined with no streaks of pudding remaining.
- Fold in the drained pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut (if using), and chopped walnuts or pecans until everything is evenly distributed.
- If using sour cream or vanilla yogurt, gently fold it into the mixture until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Taste and, if you’d like it sweeter, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. For a firmer fluff, you can sprinkle in up to 1 extra tablespoon of dry pudding mix and fold again.
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the fluff is well chilled and thickened and the marshmallows have softened slightly.
- Before serving, give the fluff a gentle stir, then spoon into a serving bowl. Top with a few extra pineapple tidbits, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, and whole walnut or pecan halves for garnish. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- Draining the pineapple very well is key—too much liquid will keep the fluff from thickening properly.
- Using sour cream or vanilla yogurt adds a tangy, creamy note that balances the sweetness; you can leave it out for a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Choose just a couple of mix-ins (like coconut and nuts) so the fluff stays creamy instead of overcrowded.
- This salad thickens as it chills; if it seems a bit loose at first, it will firm up after an hour or two in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld, but the marshmallows will continue to soften over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish, No-Bake
- Method: No-bake, Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Cool Whip pineapple fluff, pineapple fluff salad, no-bake dessert, potluck dessert, pineapple marshmallow salad
