This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.
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.
My mother doesn’t like to eat with her false teeth so everything has to be pretty soft. Do you think this recipe would work out ok if I used Jellied Cranberry Sauce instead of the Whole Berry?
Patty-
Although I have never tried this Jellied Cranberry Sauce, I think it would work just fine! I hope you and your mother enjoy the recipe. Happy Thanksgiving! :)
-Jamie
This looks so good and I think I might try it… Do you suggest as part of the meal or is it more of a dessert?
Helen-
We enjoy it as part of the meal but it could also be served as dessert. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for visiting.
-Jamie
would it work with jellied cranberry sauce? I currently live on an su base in Germany and can’t find the whole cranberry sauce. I bought the jellied and all the rest of the ingredients and wondered what you thought before I make it.
Hi Amanda,
Sorry for the late reply. I don’t know that jellied cranberry sauce would work unless you cooked it down a little first, and allowed it to cool. I’d love to hear if you tried it, and how it worked out.
– Jamie
The addition of a few chopped nuts of your choice would add another delicious demention to this as well .
Coletta-
Yes, I have heard of people adding walnuts or pecans to cranberry fluff. Unfortunately, most of my family is anti-nuts is dessert which is a total bummer.
-Jamie
The original cranberry fluff is made with real cranberries
Red grapes marshmallows cool whip and pecans
It’s a recipe that was handed down to me from my sister
And she got it from her In laws from Oklahoma
Many many years ago!!
Lori-
Thanks for stopping by.
-Jamie
This looks fabulous!! What do you serve it with?? Or just serve it as dessert?? So cool!!
We eat it as a side dish on Thanksgiving or dessert! :) Thanks for stopping by!
-Jamie
Jamie this looks so good! I have to make it asap.
Thanks so much, Carrie! :)
This is my favorite Thanksgiving side dish!
Miss-
Thanks for stopping by!
-Jamie
Ooooh, I love this fluff! It reminds me of Thanksgivings at home. Must add to my holiday menu this year.
Liz-
Thanks so much for stopping by.
-Jamie
Oh, I would LOVE this. I was always a fan of the regular orangy fluff stuff, but I think cranberries with the marshmallows would be awesome. Great idea!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ll have to try the orange version too!
-Jamie