As if you could find a more perfect no-bake deliciousness for the perfect occasion than this Cherry Cheesecake Fluff. With creamy cheesecake-flavored filling, sweet cherry pie topping, and fluffy mini marshmallows, there is no need for any other spoonful. Perfect making ahead; little effort for the ultimate potluck, party, or a comforting treat. Serve it cold and watch it disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is the dessert you didn’t even know you needed! It is creamy and dreamy and has all the flavors of tangy cream cheese, sweet cherries, and fluffy marshmallows. Perfect for potlucks or holiday dinners, this no-bake recipe is just perfect when you need a quick and easy dessert that will look as impressive as it tastes. You will be amazed by how simply this comes together, with very little preparation and a simple list of ingredients. Oh, and it’s kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and as versatile as they come!
Key Ingredients
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the dessert! Softened cream cheese forms the tangy, creamy base of the dessert. Room temperature cream cheese guarantees a smooth and lump-free texture.
Cheese Instant Pudding Mix: This will lend a very rich flavor like cheesecake to the fluff. It will also help stabilize the mixture.
Vanilla Extract: For the flavor profile enhancement, that will add warmth and depth to the dessert overall. Pure vanilla extract should yield the best results.
Milk: Just a tiny amount of milk makes the cream cheese base thinner and softer, enabling it to fold in the rest of the ingredients easily.
Cool Whip: This gives the dessert its light and airy texture we have come to expect in these types of desserts. For the homemade touch, this could be replaced with stabilized whipped cream.
Cherry Pie Filling: These cherries are sweet and tart and provide a great punch of fruity taste and bright color. Alternatively, other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry could be used for variation.
Mini Marshmallows: This adds an extra layer of chewiness with sweet contrast on the creamy base while soaking in the cherry flavor to enjoy!
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
Cherries in a Fluff Cheesecake can be savored or served in the following fantastic creative forms:
– Dessert Cups: Scoop in individual serving cups or tiny mason jars for a party-ready look. Top with some whipped cream and a cherry for adorning.
– Side Dish: Dip it and serve it along with other popular potluck fare such as fruit salad or ambrosia.
– Pie Filling: Use this fluff as filling in a crust of graham crackers to create a cheesecake that requires no baking.
– Topping: Spoon over angel food cake or pound cake for simple, yet elegant dessert.
Create an extra-special presentation with crushed graham cracker, shaved chocolate, or toasted almonds added for a little crunch.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating
Leftover fluff is stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last three days, but the marshmallows will start to soften over time.
Freezing
It’s not the best dessert to freeze because of the marshmallows and whipped topping, but you can keep it in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and stir before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
This is an excellent do-ahead dessert! Make it the night before, refrigerate, and let it sit overnight for the flavors to meld beautifully. A quick stir, and it’s ready for serving!
Variations
Tropical Fluff: Substitute the cherry pie filling with chunks of pineapple and shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Berry Blast: For an explosion of flavors, churn blueberry or blackberry mixes into cherry filling.
Chocolate-Cherry Happiness: Put little chocolate chips into the fluff for a surprise of chocolate.
Weight-Losers: Sugar-free pudding mix, light Cool Whip, and low sugar filling for cherry pie are excellent ways to prepare a healthier version for your family.
Nutty Touch: For an added crunch and texture, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is all things creamy, fruity, and fun. It is an easy, no-bake dessert to make and incredibly delicious. It can be made for just about any occasion. Family treat or potluck show-stopper, this fut is going to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and serve it-you’ll see how fast it will go 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
- 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.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream, taking care to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Carefully fold in cherry pie filling until evenly distributed. Add mini marshmallows and fold gently to incorporate.
- 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.
- Before serving, give the fluff a gentle stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Scoop into serving dishes and enjoy chilled.
