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Cool Whip Pineapple Fluff

  • Author: olivia
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Fold in the drained pineapple, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut (if using), and chopped walnuts or pecans until everything is evenly distributed.
  4. If using sour cream or vanilla yogurt, gently fold it into the mixture until fully incorporated and creamy.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

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Find it online: https://chefsophia.com/cool-whip-pineapple-fluff/