Description
Sweet Valentine’s Day Fluff with pineapple, marshmallows, cherries, and a creamy vanilla base. Perfect for parties or a special treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained (partially drained)
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup pink sprinkles (for Valentine’s Day theme)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until softened. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until soft (but not melted).
- Combine Cream Cheese and Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk with an electric mixer until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Incorporate the Vanilla Pudding Mix: Add instant vanilla pudding mix and beat until fully incorporated. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- Drain the Pineapple (Sort Of): Partially drain the crushed pineapple, removing about half of the juice.
- Fold in the Pineapple: Gently fold the partially drained pineapple into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add the Marshmallows and Cherries: Gently fold in the miniature marshmallows and halved maraschino cherries.
- Fold in the Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add the Sprinkles (and Nuts, if using): Sprinkle pink sprinkles (and chopped nuts, if using) over the top.
- Chill the Fluff: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably 4 hours or overnight).
- Serve and Enjoy!: Serve chilled in individual bowls or a serving dish. Garnish with extra sprinkles or cherries, if desired.
Notes
- Pudding Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors of instant pudding mix (cheesecake, strawberry, chocolate).
- Fruit Variations: Add other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or mandarin oranges (drain well).
- Chocolatey Version: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture.
- Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
- Healthier Version: Use light cream cheese, sugar-free pudding mix, and a sugar substitute for the sweetened condensed milk.
- Presentation: Serve in pretty glass bowls or parfait glasses.
- Make Ahead: Can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes