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

Scale

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