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Cranberry Fluff

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Whole-berry cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple and mini marshmallows combine with whipped topping to create a perfectly sweet and tangy Thanksgiving side dish in this Cranberry Fluff.

Overhead view of cranberry fluff in a white serving dish

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m very much into easy, festive cranberry recipes right now. From cranberry cream cheese dip and cranberry brie bites to this cranberry fluff, I’m crushing hard on all things cranberry at the moment.

If you’re also a cranberry lover, you’ll definitely want to keep checking back because I have more cranberry recipes coming your way!

Ingredients for cranberry fluff on a marble counter

MY FAVORITE THANKSGIVING SIDE DISH

My absolute favorite Thanksgiving side dish is Cranberry Fluff – it’s sweet tangy, and the perfect companion to savory Thanksgiving fare. 

I can’t be the only one that loads up my Thanksgiving plate with every side dish available – in double and triple servings – with just a nod (and a few bites) of roast turkey.

Spatula stirring together cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple in a white mixing bowl

 I’m not gonna lie – all the savory stuff still gets covered in gravy, but the sweet sides, like sweet potato casserole and  this Cranberry Fluff – oh man. A few bites of savory, then a few bites of sweet, tangy, cool almost-dessert-but-not-quite Fluff. 

I don’t think there’s anything better in life, at least when it comes to a Thanksgiving meal.

Spatula adding whipped topping to cranberry sauce and pineapple in a white mixing bowl

WHAT IS CRANBERRY FLUFF?

I was first introduced to this cranberry dessert years ago by my stepmom and it was most definitely love at first bite. 

Cranberry Fluff is made with just a few simple ingredients:

  • Whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Whipped topping
  • Mini marshmallows
Spatula stirring together whipped topping, cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple in a mixing bowl

I mean, how can you go wrong with cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple and miniature marshmallows? It’s like a match made in Thanksgiving heaven.

Some might argue that, similar to Ambrosia Salad,  this recipe is a dessert and not a side dish. I’ll say that it can be either! It just depends on if you like mixing sweet and savory on your plate or if you like to keep them separate.

Mini marshmallows being added to a white mixing bowl

The recipe calls for a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce, but you could also use my homemade cranberry sauce if you had some extra on hand. It is a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving, too!

Spatula stirring together cranberry fluff in a white mixing bowl

HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY FLUFF

I’m telling you, this stuff is so stinkin’ easy to make. 

In a large bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce and drained, crushed pineapple. 

Fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined, and then fold in the mini marshmallows.

Cranberry fluff in two white bowls

You’re done! Now it just needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

How long did that take you to prep? 5 minutes? That’s basically no time at all, especially compared to how much everyone will rave about it at the Thanksgiving table!

Whip this up the night before or the morning of Thanksgiving and sit back and enjoy all of the compliments you’ll get from your family. The fact that it only took 5 minutes to make will be our secret. 

Cranberry fluff in a white serving dish, garnished with fresh cranberries
Overhead view of cranberry fluff in a white serving dish

Cranberry Fluff

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Whole berry cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple and mini marshmallows combine with whipped topping to create a perfectly sweet and tangy Thanksgiving side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, stir together cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple.
  2. Fold in whipped topping until thoroughly combined.
  3. Stir in mini marshmallows
  4. Cover and chill for at least two hours before serving.

Notes

  • If you are not a fan of mainstream frozen whipped topping, you can find all-natural alternatives at Whole Foods or make your own.
  • Store Cranberry Fluff in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Nutrition Information
Yield 12
Amount Per Serving Calories 149Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 16mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 0gSugar 22gProtein 1g

Did you make this recipe?

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Karen Dyson

Wednesday 16th of November 2022

I, too, only take a small amount of turkey because all the other items are so good.

Jamie

Wednesday 16th of November 2022

Glad to know I'm not alone! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Happy baking! Jamie

Trish

Tuesday 23rd of November 2021

I love this Cranberry Fluff also, we need our special club because this stuff is that good! I remember this when I was a child and it has been around for at least 50 + years. Our recipe is just a tad different, we used whole cranberries that we chopped in the blender then let them set in fridge overnight with sugar. Then we mixed the other ingredients and we added chopped pecans also. What a wonderful side this is to have at the holidays. I have taken it to many parties and gatherings and has always been welcomed.

Jamie

Wednesday 15th of December 2021

So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Trish! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback! -Jamie

Cara

Wednesday 10th of November 2021

It also is delicious as a fruit dip for apples and strawberries.

Jamie

Wednesday 17th of November 2021

Love this idea, Cara!

Allison

Monday 23rd of December 2019

I made this for Thanksgiving and everyone LOVED it!  I’m making it again for Christmas and adding some chopped pecans. 

Robin Edwards

Sunday 18th of November 2018

I look forward to trying your recipe, Thank You for sharing ☺ Sincerely, Robin Edwards

Jamie

Monday 19th of November 2018

Thanks so much for stopping by, Robin! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Baking! -Jamie

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