Cherry Cheesecake Fluff - Recipes By Clare

An Irresistibly Easy, No-Bake Dessert That’s Perfect for Any Occasion

There are few desserts as effortlessly satisfying and universally beloved as a no-bake fluff salad. And when it comes to flavor combinations that never fail to please, Cherry Cheesecake Fluff might just take the cake—or, in this case, the fluff. With a rich, creamy base made of softened cream cheese, folded together with whipped topping, and studded with vibrant cherry pie filling and mini marshmallows, this dreamy dessert is sweet, tangy, fluffy, and completely crave-worthy.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a holiday potluck, or simply need a quick weeknight sweet treat, this dessert is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Cheesecake Fluff

If you’ve never made a dessert salad before, you’re in for a treat. Recipes like this are adored for their simplicity, but this fluff takes it up a notch. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular dessert rotation:

No oven required. You won’t need to heat up the kitchen—perfect for summer days.
5-minute prep. It only takes about 15 minutes of active work (and an hour of chill time).
Crowd-pleaser. The combination of cheesecake flavor and cherries is universally loved.
Easily portable. Great for sharing at parties, picnics, and gatherings.
Flexible and customizable. Swap cherries for other fruits or add fun textures.

Let’s walk through how to make this easy, satisfying dessert.

Ingredients (with US Cup Measurements)

You’ll only need 6 ingredients to create this dreamy fluff. Each component brings something essential to the texture and taste of the dessert:

Main Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened – This is your creamy, tangy base. Full-fat cream cheese works best.
1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese and balances the tartness of the cherries.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and flavor depth.
8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed – This gives the fluff its signature airy texture.
21 oz can cherry pie filling – Sweet, glossy, and packed with cherries.
2 cups mini marshmallows – For that classic fluff texture and chewy sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This dessert comes together in just a few steps. The hardest part? Waiting for it to chill!

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Start by placing your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. It’s important that it’s softened to room temperature—this ensures it whips smoothly without any lumps.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat the mixture using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) on medium-high speed until it becomes smooth, fluffy, and well combined.

Pro Tip: If your cream cheese is still too cold and resists whipping, microwave it in 10-second bursts to soften further—just don’t overdo it!

2. Add the Whipped Topping

Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a silicone spatula or spoon. Be careful not to deflate it too much. The goal is to keep the mixture light and airy.

The combined cream cheese and whipped topping mixture should now resemble a cheesecake mousse—creamy, sweet, and soft.

3. Incorporate the Cherries and Marshmallows

Now, open your can of cherry pie filling and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. The cherries will streak the white fluff with gorgeous swirls of red.

Add in the mini marshmallows last and fold everything together until well combined. These will soak up moisture during chilling and become soft and pillowy, adding texture and sweetness.

4. Chill the Dessert

Transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl or individual dessert dishes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.

Refrigerate the fluff for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This helps all the flavors come together and lets the marshmallows soften into the perfect texture.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

When ready to serve, scoop the chilled fluff into bowls or dessert glasses. Optionally, garnish with extra dollops of whipped cream, a few whole cherries, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake-like twist.

Total Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories:

Approx. 350 kcal per serving (based on 8–10 servings)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead:

This recipe is ideal for preparing in advance. Simply assemble the fluff the night before your event, cover it, and refrigerate until serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.

Storage:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the fluff may become slightly looser over time as the marshmallows release moisture, but it will still taste delicious.

Freezing:

Freezing is not recommended. The whipped topping and cream cheese may separate or become grainy once thawed.

Customization Ideas

This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few fun ways to customize your Cherry Cheesecake Fluff:

1. Use Different Pie Fillings:

Blueberry: A deep purple hue and mild sweetness.
Strawberry: Perfect for summer brunches.
Apple: Add a dash of cinnamon for a fall twist.
Peach: Light and sunny flavor.

2. Add Crunch:

Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds bring texture.
Crushed graham crackers or Nilla wafers sprinkled on top provide a cheesecake crust effect.

3. Mix in Extra Goodies:

Crushed pineapple for added fruitiness.
Shredded coconut for tropical flair.
Mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.

4. Serve It Differently:

Spoon into mini parfait glasses for elegant individual servings.
Layer with crushed cookies or cake pieces for a trifle effect.
Fill tart shells or phyllo cups for an adorable party presentation.

When to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Fluff

This dessert works for virtually any occasion. Here are some ideas:

Picnics & Potlucks: Transport it in a chilled container and serve in disposable cups.
Holidays: It’s festive and beautiful enough for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.
Birthday Parties: A sweet addition to any dessert spread.
Weeknight Treats: Easy enough to whip up after dinner on a whim.
Baby Showers or Bridal Showers: Its light, pink color makes it picture-perfect.

FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: Yes! Whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Use in place of store-bought whipped topping.

Q: Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives. Be sure your pie filling and marshmallows are also dairy-free.

Q: Is this the same as “ambrosia salad”?
A: Not quite. While both are creamy, no-bake desserts with marshmallows, ambrosia typically includes fruit cocktail, coconut, and sour cream. This fluff is more like a cheesecake in texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is more than just a dessert—it’s comfort in a bowl. Sweet, creamy, fluffy, and bursting with juicy cherry flavor, it satisfies your cheesecake craving without the hassle of baking.

Whether you’re a busy parent needing a quick crowd-pleaser or a seasoned home cook looking for a nostalgic favorite, this recipe fits the bill. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can create a beautiful, delicious dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

So next time you need a fuss-free sweet treat, skip the oven, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and whip up this irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Fluff. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you.