When the weather warms up as summer gets closer, it’s a great time to take advantage of delicious fruit. But if you don’t want to turn on the oven and heat up the kitchen, no bake desserts are the perfect solution! Pineapple Fluff (or Pina Colada Fluff) is perfect for summer days by the pool, cookouts, and more!
Pineapple Fluff
Dessert salads are perfect for summer but they also work great for picnics and potlucks which makes them very versatile. They’re so easy to make that’s worth learning how!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – There’s no baking needed. All you have to do is mix a few simple ingredients together and then chill. This makes it perfect for busy days or even last-minute gatherings. Learning how to make pineapple fluff is easy for all ages in the kitchen.
- Tropical Flavor – Pineapple, coconut, and a splash of rum extract bring a bright, vacation-ready taste everyone enjoys. It’s a perfect recipe for those hot summer days!
- Familiar Ingredients – This recipe uses pantry staples like vanilla pudding mix and marshmallows. There are no hard-to-find items needed for this easy dessert recipe.
- Super Customizable – You can easily change up the flavor of this fluff salad by changing the mix-ins. Once you know how to make it, you can make it your own and the only limits are your favorite flavors.
Ingredients & Equipment
This pineapple fluff recipe is made with simple ingredients and quick and easy steps. You should be able to find all of the ingredients at your local grocery store. Here’s what you need:
- Crushed pineapple
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Miniature marshmallows
- Coconut flakes
- Rum extract (optional)
- Pecans (optional)
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from the kitchen:
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowl
Step By Step Recipe for Pineapple Fluff
This recipe makes 8 servings. It takes 10 minutes of prep time and I recommend at least 30 minutes of chill time before serving.
Step 1. In a large bowl, mix together the crushed pineapple (do not drain – mix in the juice too) and the instant pudding mix.
Step 2. Add the rum extract, marshmallows, pecans, and coconut, and mix until well combined. (The rum extract and pecans are completely optional and you will still get the delicious tropical flavor without them. The rum adds more of the pina colada vibe to this fluff salad.)
Step 3. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
Step 4. Put the pineapple fluff dessert in the serving bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 5. Top with a maraschino cherry (if desired) and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
You can cover any leftover pina colada dessert with plastic wrap (or put it in an airtight container) and keep it up in the refrigerator for up to three days. When serving leftovers, gently stir the fluff before serving again.
Variations
Fluff salads are easy to customize. All you have to do is switch up the fruit, pudding flavor, or mix-ins. Here are some popular fluff salad recipes:
- Strawberry Fluff – Mix strawberry gelatin, whipped topping, mini marshmallows, crushed pineapple, and diced strawberries.
- Orange Dreamsicle Fluff – Combine orange gelatin, whipped topping, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows.
- Banana Split Fluff – Blend instant banana pudding, whipped topping, marshmallows, pineapple, strawberries, and mini chocolate chips.
- Cherry Fluff – Mix cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and chopped walnuts (if desired).
- Lemon Fluff – Mix lemon pudding, whipped topping, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs.
- Chocolate Fluff – Blend chocolate pudding, whipped topping, marshmallows, crushed cookies, and chocolate chips.
- Pistacho Fluff – This is also called Watergate Salad. You don’t need actual pistachios for this version though they make a fun topping. Instead of vanilla instant pudding, mix pistacho pudding mix, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping together.
- Ambrosia Salad – This is a take on a fluff dessert recipe. It’s typically made with typically made with fruit, whipped cream, marshmallows, and coconut. For a classic version, use cushed pineapple and canned mandarin oranges. You can also use the multi-colored marshmallows for a classic look.
Tips & Tricks
- Just a remind that the nuts and rum extract are completely optional and you will still get great flavor without them.
- Be sure your whipped topping is thawed before making this recipe.
- Be sure to fold the whipped topping and following ingredients gently into the mixture to keep the light and fluffy texture of the fluff salad.
- Pineapple fluff can be made a day in advance. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
- You can also spoon the pineapple fluff into individual cups or dishes for parties or serve family-style in a big bowl.
More Cool Whip Desserts
- Pistachio Fluff Salad
- Strawberry Blueberry Pretzel Salad
- Cool Whip Fruit Salad
- Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
- Cool Whip Cookies
- Booty Dip
Ingredients
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple
- 3.4 oz. package of instant vanilla pudding
- 8 ounces cool whip
- 1 tsp. rum extract
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1½ cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Maraschino cherries optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the crushed pineapple (do not drain – mix in the juice too) and the vanilla pudding mix.
- Add the rum extract, marshmallows, nuts, and coconut, and mix until well combined.
- Gently fold the whipped topping into the mixture.
- Put salad in the serving bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Top with a maraschino cherry (if desired) and enjoy!
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