Cranberry Fluff
Tangy, chilled cranberries and sweet crushed pineapple, folded into marshmallow-filled whipped cream makes this side dish a family favorite!
Servings 4
Calories 686kcal
Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries chill or freeze first
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ⅔ cup crushed pineapple drained
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounce tub frozen whipped topping thawed
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Extra cranberries walnuts and mini marshmallows for garnish, optional
- Mint leaf optional
Instructions
- Chop cranberries in blender or food processor a little at a time.
- Transfer chopped cranberries into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine with sugar, crushed pineapple and chopped nuts.
- Return mixture to blender.
- Add softened cream cheese (cut into small pieces).
- Blend at low speed, stopping blender several times to stir.
- Return mixture to large bowl and fold in whipped topping.
- Fold in marshmallows.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and freeze overnight.
- Thaw slightly before serving.
- Top with a few extra cranberries, walnuts and mini marshmallows for garnish.
- Add a mint leaf in the middle of the extra garnish if desired.
Notes
- Prep and Chill Ingredients: For optimal texture and flavor, chill or freeze the fresh cranberries before chopping them. This helps firm up the berries, making them easier to chop evenly and reducing the risk of them becoming mushy. Additionally, ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before blending it with the other ingredients. Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly, resulting in a creamy and lump-free texture for the cranberry fluff.
- Control Sweetness: Taste the cranberry mixture before adding the full amount of sugar. Depending on personal preference and the natural tartness of the cranberries, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly. Start by adding about half of the sugar, blending the mixture, and then tasting it. Add more sugar gradually until you reach the desired level of sweetness. This allows you to customize the sweetness of the cranberry fluff to suit your taste preferences.
- Texture and Presentation: To enhance the texture and visual appeal of the cranberry fluff, consider adding a variety of textures and colors with the garnishes. Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts and mini marshmallows on top of the fluff just before serving to add crunch and softness. You can also garnish with a few whole cranberries for a pop of color and freshness. For an elegant touch, place a small mint leaf in the center of the garnish to add a hint of greenery and fragrance.
Nutrition
Calories: 686kcal | Carbohydrates: 106g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 97g | Vitamin A: 784IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg