Cherry Cheesecake Fluff
This Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is the ultimate no-bake dessert for any occasion. With creamy cheesecake-flavored filling, sweet cherry pie topping, and fluffy mini marshmallows, every spoonful is a burst of flavor and texture. It’s easy to make ahead, requires minimal effort, and is perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply treating yourself to a little indulgence. Serve it chilled and watch it disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is the dessert you never knew you needed! It’s creamy, dreamy, and bursting with flavors of tangy cream cheese, sweet cherries, and fluffy marshmallows. This no-bake recipe is perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or when you need a quick and easy dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. With minimal prep time and a simple ingredient list, you’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and highly adaptable for any occasion!
Key Ingredients
Cream Cheese: The star of this dessert! Softened cream cheese forms the tangy and creamy base. Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
Cheesecake Instant Pudding Mix: Adds a rich, cheesecake-like flavor to the fluff while helping to stabilize the mixture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, bringing warmth and depth to the dessert. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Milk: Just a touch of milk thins the cream cheese base slightly, making it easier to fold in the other ingredients.
Cool Whip: Gives the dessert its signature light and airy texture. For a homemade touch, substitute with stabilized whipped cream.
Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet, tangy cherries provide a vibrant burst of fruitiness and a pop of color. You can swap it with other fruit pie fillings, like blueberry or strawberry, for variety.
Mini Marshmallows: These add a delightful chewiness and sweet contrast to the creamy base. Plus, they soak up the cherry flavor for an extra treat!
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
Soften the Cream Cheese:
Bring 8 ounces of cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
Beat the Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the Pudding Mix:
Gradually add 3.4 ounces of cheesecake instant pudding mix to the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is well combined and free of lumps.
Incorporate the Vanilla and Milk:
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of milk to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed until fully blended and smooth.
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Add the Cool Whip:
Gently fold in 8 ounces of Cool Whip (or homemade stabilized whipped cream). Folding carefully helps maintain the light and airy texture of the fluff.
Step 3: Mix in the Cherry Filling and Marshmallows
Add the Cherry Pie Filling:
Carefully fold in 21 ounces of cherry pie filling, ensuring the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Incorporate the Mini Marshmallows:
Gently fold in 10 ounces of mini marshmallows, adding a delightful chewiness and sweetness to the dessert.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the fluff to set.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve Chilled:
Before serving, give the fluff a gentle stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Scoop the Cherry Cheesecake Fluff into serving dishes and enjoy this creamy, fruity, and irresistible dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is versatile enough to be served in many fun and creative ways:
Dessert Cups: Scoop into individual serving cups or small mason jars for a party-ready presentation. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry for flair.
Side Dish: Serve alongside other potluck classics like fruit salad or ambrosia.
Pie Filling: Use this fluff as a filling for a graham cracker crust to create a no-bake cheesecake.
Topping: Spoon over angel food cake or pound cake for a simple but elegant dessert.
For an extra-special presentation, garnish with crushed graham crackers, shaved chocolate, or toasted almonds for a touch of crunch.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating
Store leftover fluff in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the marshmallows may soften slightly over time.
Freezing
While it’s not ideal for freezing due to the marshmallows and whipped topping, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dessert is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it the night before and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Variations
Tropical Fluff: Swap cherry pie filling for pineapple chunks and add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Berry Explosion: Mix cherry filling with fresh blueberries or blackberries for a mixed-berry version.
Chocolate-Cherry Bliss: Add mini chocolate chips to the fluff for a chocolatey surprise.
Lighter Option: Use sugar-free pudding mix, light Cool Whip, and low-sugar cherry pie filling for a healthier version.
Nutty Touch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and fun. This no-bake dessert is easy to prepare, irresistibly delicious, and adaptable to suit any occasion. Whether you serve it as a simple treat for the family or a show-stopping dish at your next potluck, this fluff is sure to be a hit. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it disappears from the table!
Cherry Cheesecake Fluff
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 3.4 ounces cheesecake instant pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 8 ounces cool whip or homemade stabilized whipped cream
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
Instructions
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Bring cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add pudding mix and beat until well combined. Mix in vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
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Gently fold in the Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream, taking care to maintain a light and airy texture.
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Carefully fold in cherry pie filling until evenly distributed. Add mini marshmallows and fold gently to incorporate.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the fluff to set.
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Before serving, give the fluff a gentle stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Scoop into serving dishes and enjoy chilled.
Notes
Nutrition
Cherry Cheesecake Fluff was first seen on Its Not About Nutrition