Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff is a delightful, creamy dessert that’s perfect for the holidays or any gathering. With a blend of tangy cranberries, sweet pineapple, and rich cream cheese, this fluff salad offers a refreshing twist on classic cheesecake flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce package fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 cup sugar, divided
- 8 ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor or blender, combine the cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, crushed pineapple with its juice, and walnuts. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped but not mushy. Cover and refrigerate for one hour to let the flavors blend.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth. Slowly add the heavy whipping cream and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the cranberry mixture and mini marshmallows into the cream cheese mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use chopped pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- For extra citrus brightness, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cranberry mixture.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar slightly or substitute with a natural sweetener.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Storage
Store the cranberry cheesecake fluff covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir. It’s best enjoyed chilled and can be reheated slightly to soften if it thickens too much, but serving cold preserves its creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Thaw and drain them well before processing to avoid excess liquid in the fluff.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, letting it chill overnight helps the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the texture.
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Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff is a light and festive dessert salad that combines tart fresh cranberries, crushed pineapple, crunchy walnuts, and mini marshmallows with a creamy whipped cream cheese and heavy cream mixture. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this no-cook dessert requires minimal prep and delivers a deliciously fluffy, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Fruit and Nuts
- 12 ounce package fresh cranberries
- 8 ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1/2 cup walnuts
Sugars
- 1 1/2 cup sugar, divided (1 cup + 1/2 cup)
Dairy and Other
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare cranberry mixture: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, crushed pineapple (undrained), and walnuts. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are coarsely chopped but not pureed to avoid becoming mushy. Transfer the mixture to a covered container and refrigerate for one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Make the creamy base: In a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream and continue beating until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy whipped cream cheese base.
- Combine all components: Gently fold the chilled cranberry mixture and mini marshmallows into the whipped cream cheese base until evenly combined, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Chill the dessert: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the cranberry cheesecake fluff for at least 3 to 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step allows the dessert to set and the flavors to deepen before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, do not over-blend the cranberry mixture; keep some chunkiness.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth cream base without lumps.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumes within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Optional: top with additional mini marshmallows or chopped nuts before serving for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff, holiday dessert, no-bake dessert, cranberry salad, whipped cream cheese dessert, festive dessert
