Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad
Grandma Jean loved calling this her “pantry miracle”—a chilly, fluffy dessert that disappeared before anyone could wash the dishes. It’s the kind of treat you throw together when a sugar craving hits and you only have a few pantry staples on hand. Cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and sweetened condensed milk combine with whipped topping to create a light pink, creamy salad streaked with glossy cherry ribbons. Retro, comforting, and effortless, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or family get-togethers.
Serve it cold but soft enough to scoop right from the glass casserole dish. It pairs perfectly with simple dinners like grilled chicken, pulled pork, or a one-pan meal, and it’s just as at home at Sunday roast or a backyard barbecue. For holidays, place it in the center of the table and watch it vanish before your coffee even cools.
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry pie filling | 1 (21 oz) can | Sweet, glossy base |
| Crushed pineapple | 1 (20 oz) can, drained | Adds tang & texture |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 (14 oz) can | Creamy sweetness |
| Whipped topping | 1 (8 oz) tub, thawed | Light and airy |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp (optional) | Boosts flavor |
| Mini marshmallows | 1 cup (optional) | Extra fluff |
| Pecans or walnuts | ½ cup, chopped (optional) | Crunchy contrast |
| Salt | Pinch (optional) | Balances sweetness |
| Nonstick spray or butter | For greasing dish | Prevents sticking |
👩🍳 Directions
- Prepare the dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish with spray or butter. - Mix the fruit
In a large bowl, combine cherry pie filling and drained pineapple. Stir gently to keep pretty cherry swirls. - Add the creamy base
Mix in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt if desired. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Fold in whipped topping
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to maintain a light, airy texture. - Include extras (optional)
Add marshmallows and/or nuts for added fluff and crunch. - Freeze
Spread evenly in the prepared dish. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours (overnight gives the best texture). - Serve
Let soften 10–15 minutes before serving. Scoop or cut into squares while still chilled.
Storage: Keep covered in the freezer; leftovers can soften in the fridge for up to 2 days.
✨ Cold, creamy, and delightfully nostalgic—Grandma Jean’s cherry fluff frozen salad is the effortless pantry dessert that never sticks around for long.
