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Here’s what you need for the Easy Cranberry Fluff Salad: - 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup mini marshmallows - 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the texture and taste of this salad. The cranberries add tartness, while the sugar balances it out. Mini marshmallows introduce sweetness and fluffiness. The whipped cream brings a creamy element, making every bite delightful. Crushed pineapple adds a tropical twist, while nuts give a nice crunch. Lastly, the vanilla extract rounds out the flavors. Using fresh cranberries gives a bright flavor, but frozen works too. Just make sure they are thawed and drained. You can also adjust the nuts based on your preference or leave them out for a nut-free treat. This simple list makes it easy to gather what you need and start cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a medium bowl. Add 2 cups of fresh or thawed cranberries and 1 cup of sugar. Mix them well so the sugar coats all the cranberries. Let this sit for 30 minutes. This resting time helps the cranberries become sweeter. After 30 minutes, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender or a food processor to pulse the cranberry mix. Aim for a chunky consistency. You want some bits of cranberry, not a smooth puree. This texture gives your salad character. Now, move to a large mixing bowl. Add the blended cranberries. Fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows, 1 cup of whipped cream, 1/2 cup of drained crushed pineapple, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if you like. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a gentle motion to mix. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep it fluffy. Spoon the mixture into a serving dish or individual bowls. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Place the dish in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time lets the flavors mix well and makes the salad nice and fluffy. To get that perfect texture, do not puree the cranberries. You want some chunks to give your salad character. After blending, gently fold in the other ingredients. This keeps the fluffiness intact and makes each bite a delight. For a beautiful presentation, use clear glass bowls. The vibrant red cranberries and white cream look stunning together. You can also add a few garnishes for extra appeal. Consider sprinkling chopped nuts on top or adding fresh cranberries. These small touches make a big impact. If you want to make this dish in advance, it’s easy! Chill the salad in the fridge for a few hours. This helps the flavors mix well and taste even better. For storage, keep it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for up to three days. Pro Tips Chill for Flavor: Letting the Cranberry Cloud Delight chill for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste. Texture Matters: When blending the cranberry mixture, aim for a chunky consistency to provide a delightful texture in every bite. Optional Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other nuts or even shredded coconut for added flavor and texture in your dish. Presentation Counts: Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers and colors of this delightful dessert for an elegant touch. {{image_4}} You can choose between pecans and walnuts for your salad. Pecans add a sweet, buttery taste, while walnuts offer a slightly bitter crunch. If you want a nut-free version, simply leave out the nuts. The salad will still taste great without them. If you want to switch things up, consider replacing the crushed pineapple. You could use diced apples, pears, or even peaches for a different flavor. Adding more berries like blueberries or raspberries can also enhance the taste and bring a pop of color. For a fun twist, try flavored whipped cream. You could use chocolate, caramel, or even a hint of peppermint for the holidays. Don’t be afraid to experiment with extracts too. Almond or coconut extracts can give your salad a unique twist beyond standard vanilla. To keep your cranberry fluff salad fresh, use an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the texture may change. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. You can freeze cranberry fluff salad, but it’s not the best idea. Freezing can change its texture. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Stir gently before serving to bring back some fluffiness. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. If you choose frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them first. After thawing, drain the excess water. This step helps keep the texture right and avoids extra moisture in your salad. Fresh cranberries work too, and they give a nice crunch. Cranberry Fluff Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for best results. The flavors get better over time, but the salad may lose some fluffiness. If it gets too watery, a gentle stir can help. Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead. Prepare it and store it in the fridge. This helps the flavors mix well. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir. If it looks a bit flat, a quick mix can bring back the fluffiness. Serve Cranberry Fluff Salad in clear glass bowls. This lets the colorful layers shine through. For extra flair, you can garnish with chopped nuts or fresh cranberries on top. This adds a nice touch and makes it look inviting. This blog post walked you through making a delightful Cranberry Fluff Salad. We covered key ingredients, easy steps, helpful tips, and fun variations. Remember to blend the cranberries lightly to keep the texture just right. You can make this salad ahead and store it easily. Enjoy serving it in clear bowls for extra flair. Whether it's for a holiday meal or a casual gathering, this salad will impress. Now grab your ingredients and start creating this tasty dish!

Cranberry Cloud Delight

A delightful and fluffy cranberry dessert that combines tart cranberries with sweet marshmallows and whipped cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
  • 0.5 cup crushed pineapple, drained thoroughly
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the cranberries are coated in sugar. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
  • After the 30-minute resting period, use an immersion blender or a food processor to blend the cranberry mixture briefly, aiming for a chunky consistency.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the blended cranberry mixture. Fold in the mini marshmallows, whipped cream, drained crushed pineapple, chopped nuts (if desired), and the vanilla extract.
  • Spoon the cohesive mixture into a serving dish or individual bowls. Cover with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
  • Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  • Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to re-fluff it and consider garnishing with additional chopped nuts or fresh cranberries.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of this delightful dish.
Keyword cranberry, dessert, fluffy, holiday