Description
This Cranberry Fluff recipe is a refreshing and festive dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with finely chopped cranberries, zesty orange, creamy whipped cream cheese mixture, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows, this no-cook treat is light, fruity, and fluffy. Its vibrant color and tangy-sweet flavors make it an appealing side or dessert that guests will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Mixture
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
Cream Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prep the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or bruised to ensure freshness and texture.
- Chop the Cranberries: Place the cranberries into a food processor or blender and pulse several times until they are finely chopped but not pureed, giving the fluff a pleasant texture.
- Combine Cranberries with Sugar and Orange Zest: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 cup of sugar and the orange zest. Toss to coat evenly, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the sugar to slightly dissolve.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy base.
- Whip Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Gradually add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until stiff peaks form for a light, airy texture.
- Mix All Components: In a large bowl, gently fold together the chilled cranberry mixture, drained crushed pineapple, and the whipped cream cheese mixture until well blended. Then fold in the mini marshmallows carefully to maintain fluffiness.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cranberry fluff for at least 1 hour to allow it to set and flavors to meld before serving.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry fluff chilled, accompanied by cookies, pretzels, or fresh fruit for dipping, making it a delightful dessert or side dish.
Notes
- Be sure not to over-process the cranberries to avoid a puree-like consistency; pulses are best.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth blending.
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent the fluff from becoming too watery.
- This recipe can be made a day in advance and refrigerated for better flavor development.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute whipped topping for heavy cream, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.