Description
A refreshing and creamy Cranberry Fluff salad combining tangy fresh cranberries, sweet pineapple, fluffy cream cheese mixture, and mini marshmallows. Perfectly chilled and lightly sweetened with orange zest for a festive holiday side or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Mixture
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any soft or bruised ones to ensure freshness and texture.
- Chop Cranberries: Place the cranberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed, retaining some texture.
- Mix and Chill Cranberries: In a bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and orange zest. Toss evenly to coat the berries, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Gradually add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy cream cheese whip.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, fold together the chilled cranberry mixture, drained crushed pineapple, and the cream cheese mixture until well blended. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows to maintain their shape.
- Chill the Fluff: Cover the combined mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors develop and the fluff firm up.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a side dish or dessert, paired with cookies, pretzels, or fresh fruit for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain any excess liquid.
- Be careful not to over-process cranberries; you want a chopped texture, not a puree.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly without lumps.
- Drain pineapple well to avoid excess moisture that could thin the fluff.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Mini marshmallows add a nice chewy texture; feel free to adjust quantity to taste.
