Description
This Delicious Cranberry Fluff Dessert is a refreshing, easy-to-make no-bake dish perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a light, fruity treat. Combining tart cranberries with sweet marshmallows, fresh fruits, and whipped cream, this dessert offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Mixture
- 2 cups Fresh or thawed frozen cranberries (Use for tart punch)
- 1 cup Miniature marshmallows (Substitute with vegan marshmallows for a dairy-free delight)
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar (Adjust based on the tartness of cranberries)
- 1 pinch Salt (Balances the sweetness)
Fruit and Nuts
- 1 cup Diced apples (Swap with pears for different taste)
- 1 cup Halved grapes (Any fresh berries can be used)
- 1/2 cup Chopped nuts (optional) (Walnuts or pecans work well)
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup Heavy cream (Coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute)
Instructions
- Thaw and Chop Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, thaw them in the refrigerator for several hours. Once thawed, pulse in a food processor until finely chopped to release their tart flavor.
- Combine Cranberries, Marshmallows, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the finely chopped cranberries, miniature marshmallows, and granulated sugar. Stir until the ingredients are well integrated and the sugar starts to draw out the cranberry juice.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften slightly.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and gently fold in the diced apples, halved grapes, and chopped nuts if using. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand or stand mixer until soft peaks form. This will take about 3 to 5 minutes and adds a light, airy texture to the dessert.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture until fully combined, maintaining a fluffy consistency.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the cranberry fluff dessert immediately for best texture, or keep chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute vegan marshmallows and coconut cream to make this dessert dairy-free.
- Adjust the sugar amount based on the tartness of your cranberries for a sweeter or more tart dessert.
- Swap diced apples with pears or use any fresh berries in place of grapes to customize the fruit flavor.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch; walnuts or pecans pair especially well.
- For best results, chill the dessert for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
