Description
This delightful Cranberry Fluff recipe combines tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and fluffy cream cheese whipped with heavy cream, resulting in a light, refreshing dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a fruity, creamy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Mixture
- 12 ounces cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any that are soft or bruised to ensure freshness and texture.
- Chop Cranberries: Place the cranberries into a food processor or blender and pulse until they are finely chopped but not pureed, preserving a slight texture.
- Mix and Chill Cranberries: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar and the orange zest, then toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Whip Cream: Gradually add heavy cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until stiff peaks form, lending a light and airy texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, fold together the cranberry mixture, drained crushed pineapple, and cream cheese mixture gently to combine.
- Add Marshmallows: Carefully fold in the mini marshmallows, ensuring they remain whole and distributed evenly throughout the fluff.
- Chill and Set: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the dessert to set and flavors to develop.
Notes
- For extra zest, you can finely grate additional orange zest on top before serving.
- This recipe can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated to enhance the flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- This dessert is best served chilled to maintain fluffiness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cranberry fluff, holiday dessert, cranberry salad, creamy cranberry dessert, fruity fluff
