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Need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert? This Pineapple Fluff is light, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavor—made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in less than 10 minutes! It’s the easiest no-bake treat for potlucks, parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet.
What Is Fluff Salad?
A fluff salad is a sweet, creamy dessert-style “salad” made with whipped topping (like Cool Whip), fruit (often canned), mini marshmallows, and sometimes pudding mix or crushed cookies. It’s called a “salad” mostly for fun—there’s no lettuce involved! Fluff salads are popular at potlucks, holidays, and summer gatherings because they’re easy to make, no-bake, and always a hit. Think of them as a cross between a dessert and a side dish.
We are big fans of dessert salad! Have you ever tried Ambrosia Salad or Watergate Salad?
Ingredients
- Crushed pineapple: I used store-brand crushed pineapple. If you have trouble finding crushed pineapple, you can buy an extra can of pineapple chunks and chop up the chunks into small pieces. Just remember to reserve the juice.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: I love the taste of vanilla pudding in this recipe, but pistachio pudding (aka Watergate Salad), lemon, cheesecake (like my Easter Fruit Fluff), or even white chocolate would taste delicious too.
- Pineapple chunks: Feel free to use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned pineapple if you prefer.
- Mini marshmallows: I used plain white mini marshmallows, but you can use the multicolored ones for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Pecans: Feel free to use walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts or pistachios instead of pecans. You can even make your fluff with pretzel pieces (like my Pineapple Pretzel Salad)!
- Sweetened coconut flakes: Toasted coconut will also work well.
- Whipped topping: Use a store-bought tub of Cool Whip or make your own homemade whipped cream.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Pineapple Fluff Recipe
- Prepare The Pudding: In a large bowl, stir together the undrained crushed pineapple and instant pudding mix until it starts to thicken.
- Mix In The Mix-Ins: Add the pineapple chunks, marshmallows, pecans, and coconut flakes, and mix with a spatula.
- Fold In The Fluff: Fold in the whipped topping until evenly combined.
- Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Serve: Top with more marshmallows, pecans, coconut, or maraschino cherries and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pineapple Fluff Salad
- Fold the Fluff: To keep the fluff light and airy, fold gently and avoid overmixing.
- Don’t Forget To Drain: When adding the pineapple chunks, drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in your fluff. Too much liquid can make it watery.
- Serving Suggestion: For the best flavor and texture, chill your pineapple fluff for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. If you like softer marshmallows, leave the fluff in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours.
Fluff Recipe Variations
- Fill With Other Fruit: You can add other fruit in the mix including mandarin oranges, peaches, pears, grapes, or strawberries.
- Cut The Calories: For a lighter version, use sugar-free whipped topping or sugar-free pudding.
- Choose Chocolate: Try swapping the vanilla pudding mix for chocolate pudding for a delicious contrast between sweet and tangy.
Can I Make Pineapple Fluff Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this fluff. Use coconut whipped cream or your favorite plant-based whipping cream alternative.
Storage and Make Ahead
- To Store: Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the juice starts to separate, give the fluff a quick stir.
- To Freeze: Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the texture of the marshmallows may change during the thawing process so it’s best when made fresh.
More Easy Dessert Salad Recipes
If you tried this Pineapple Fluff Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!!!
Pineapple Fluff
Serves — 8
Pineapple Fluff is a delicious cool and creamy, crowd-pleasing dessert. A refreshing treat with a sweet and tangy tropical taste.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 20 ounces can of crushed pineapple undrained
- 3.4 ounces box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 20 ounces can of pineapple chunks drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 8 ounces container of whipped topping thawed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the crushed pineapple and vanilla instant pudding and stir until the pineapple juice and pudding starts to thicken.20 ounces can of crushed pineapple, 3.4 ounces box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- Add the pineapple chunks, marshmallows, pecans, and coconut flakes, and mix with a spatula.20 ounces can of pineapple chunks, 2 cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup chopped pecans, 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- Fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is evenly combined.8 ounces container of whipped topping
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Jenn’s Notes
Storage:
- To Store: Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also store it in a large Tupperware container. If the juice starts to separate, give the fluff a quick stir.
- To Freeze: Store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Please note that the texture of the marshmallows may change during the thawing process. I think this dessert is best when made fresh.
- If you have trouble finding crushed pineapple, you can buy an extra can of pineapple chunks and chop up the chunks into small pieces. Just remember to reserve the juice.
- You can use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned pineapple if you prefer.
- You can add or omit or add more marshmallows, coconut, or pecans according to your taste.
- Feel free to use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping. I don’t recommend canned whipped cream because the consistency is too runny.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 99IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg
Hi Jenn,
I love your recipes, all the ones I especially like include Whipped Topping. I live in Australia, Whipped Topping is not available here. What can I substitute it with?
Looking forward to your advise
Regards,
Carol
Hi Carol, In Australia I think it is known as thickened cream. You can also make your own whipped cream by using this recipe https://princesspinkygirl.com/homemade-whipped-cream/ – hope this helps!
A lot of flash back recipes