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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
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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
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Cranberry Fluff

By: Jamie
4.41 from 204 ratings
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 12
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 can whole berry cranberry sauce 14 ounces
  • 1 can crushed pineapple 20 ounces, drained
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions 

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

Video

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 26mg, Potassium: 90mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 29g, Vitamin A: 73IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

4.41 from 204 votes (203 ratings without comment)

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64 Comments

  1. Nicole says:

    This is my kind of dessert! I am cranberry obsessed!

    1. Jamie says:

      Me too, Nicole! Thanks for visiting!
      -Jamie

  2. Jessica @ Sweet Menu says:

    Oh love this idea! So fresh and creamy – yum!

    1. Jamie says:

      Thanks so much, Jessica!

  3. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says:

    Not too early to talk about Thanksgiving, especially when you are talking this recipe. I grew up with something very similar that was always a favorite.

    1. Jamie says:

      Thanks so much for stopping by, Erin! :)

  4. Cookin Canuck says:

    That is so pretty! And I’ll bet it’s the perfect light dessert after all of that heavy Thanksgiving food.

    1. Jamie says:

      Thanks so much for stopping by, Dara!

  5. Emily Bites says:

    This looks awesome! I can’t wait to try it. Cranberries, pineapple, AND marshmallows? Yum.

    1. Jamie says:

      Thanks so much, Emily!

  6. Marta says:

    Wow, Thanksgiving really is just around the corner! And I must say I don’t always look forward to the “feast”. I’m the only one in my family who skips the turkey, most of the time (sometimes I tell myself to at least eat a little bit), and goes straight for the cranberry sauce and green bean casserole. Adding another side dish in the mix would definitely NOT hurt :) and who knows, it may make things a little more enjoyable.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Marta

    1. Jamie says:

      Marta-
      Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a lovely holiday.

      -Jamie

  7. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says:

    I’m usually not a cranberry fan…but how can I pass up these marshmallows?!

    1. Jamie says:

      Jennifer-
      I hope you get a chance to try it. Thanks for visiting.

      -Jamie

  8. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says:

    I adore cranberry fluff! If only I could reach through the screen and grab that bowl!

    1. Jamie says:

      Anna-
      Thanks so much for stopping by.

      -Jamie

  9. Kathy says:

    This has always been a fav of mine but I grind/finely chop a pound of fresh cranberries in mine:) MMMMM Good!

    1. Jamie says:

      Kathy-
      Adding the fresh cranberries sounds so good. Thanks for visiting.

      -Jamie

  10. Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says:

    This fluff is amazing. I love the addition of the whole berry cranberry sauce. And you photographs are as stunning as always!

    1. Jamie says:

      Jen-
      Thanks so much for stopping by.

      -Jamie