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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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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
Equipment
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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is my kind of dessert! I am cranberry obsessed!
Me too, Nicole! Thanks for visiting!
-Jamie
Oh love this idea! So fresh and creamy – yum!
Thanks so much, Jessica!
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.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Erin! :)
That is so pretty! And I’ll bet it’s the perfect light dessert after all of that heavy Thanksgiving food.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Dara!
This looks awesome! I can’t wait to try it. Cranberries, pineapple, AND marshmallows? Yum.
Thanks so much, Emily!
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
Marta-
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a lovely holiday.
-Jamie
I’m usually not a cranberry fan…but how can I pass up these marshmallows?!
Jennifer-
I hope you get a chance to try it. Thanks for visiting.
-Jamie
I adore cranberry fluff! If only I could reach through the screen and grab that bowl!
Anna-
Thanks so much for stopping by.
-Jamie
This has always been a fav of mine but I grind/finely chop a pound of fresh cranberries in mine:) MMMMM Good!
Kathy-
Adding the fresh cranberries sounds so good. Thanks for visiting.
-Jamie
This fluff is amazing. I love the addition of the whole berry cranberry sauce. And you photographs are as stunning as always!
Jen-
Thanks so much for stopping by.
-Jamie