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Runny pineapple fluff is a letdown, so I spent 2 weeks testing 5 fluff recipes to get mine right. The biggest lesson? Don’t drain the pineapple. That small amount of juice is what the instant pudding needs to combine. Keep it in, chill for 30 minutes, and it comes out thick and creamy!
I followed the recipe and it was delicious! Everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing!
-Rose
How I Tested This Pineapple Fluff
Once I was introduced to one fluff salad, I wanted more. That’s why there are so many fluff recipes on my site! I spent 2 weeks testing 5 of them, and this pineapple fluff got the same treatment as the rest. I tested it one piece at a time.
Test 1: Draining the pineapple. I made it with the crushed pineapple drained and undrained. I prefer it undrained. That small amount of liquid is what the instant pudding needs to combine.
Test 2: Marshmallows. I tried 1 cup, 2 cups, and 3 cups. 2 cups gave the best balance between all of the mix-ins!
Why vanilla pudding mix? My cherry fluff uses sweetened condensed milk. But I love the taste of vanilla pudding mix in this one!
Why Cool Whip? It’s stabilized, so it holds up as the fluff chills and keeps the texture thick and creamy. Homemade whipped cream is less stable and can turn the fluff runny.
Why you’ll love this Recipe for Pineapple Fluff
- Made with just 6 simple ingredients.
- Just 3 easy steps.
- Takes just 10 minutes to make.
- Perfect no-bake dessert for summer months or any time you have a pineapple craving!
Pineapple Fluff Salad Ingredients
This easy pineapple fluff recipe uses just 6 simple ingredients to make a delicious fruit dessert. Keep scrolling to get the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card below.
- Instant vanilla pudding
- Crushed pineapple: Do not drain.
- Cool whip
- Mini marshmallows
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts
How to Make Pineapple Fluff with Cool Whip
Follow these 3 simple steps below and this easy sweet treat will be on your table in no time. I warn you though, it probably won’t last long once someone gets a first taste! Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe.
- Combine pudding and pineapple. In a large mixing bowl combine the vanilla pudding powder and crushed pineapple. Reminder: do not drain the pineapple.
- Add remaining ingredients. Fold in the cool whip, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut and chopped nuts.
- Chill. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the mixture to thicken and for the marshmallows to soften.
Tips for making Old Fashioned Pineapple Fluff
- Do not drain the pineapple. That juice is what the pudding needs to combine. Pour in the whole can!
- Chill at least 30 minutes. That gives it time to thicken and the marshmallows time to soften. Chilling it longer is fine too, and you can make it the day before.
Pineapple Fluff Salad Variations
- Reduce sugar content: You can use sugar-free instant pudding mix and whipped topping to reduce the sugar content.
- Use different pudding flavors: If you prefer a different pudding flavor, you can try this recipe with any other flavor of pudding. I just can’t guarantee the same pineapple flavor if you don’t use vanilla pudding mix. Coconut pudding may be a good one to try!
- Add-Ins: Add your favorites to customize this fruity dessert salad. Maraschino cherries make a great addition to top off this fluffy dessert.
- Make it Pineapple Pretzel Salad. Make pineapple pretzel fluff by adding in some pretzel pieces.
Want it with pistachio pudding? Make my pistachio fluff.
How to Store Pineapple Fluff Dessert
Store pineapple fluff in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The marshmallows get soft after 24 hours, so it’s best the first day.
To make ahead, make it up to a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you serve it.
I don’t recommend freezing pineapple fluff. Once it thaws, it’s looser and not as fresh. Make it the day before instead.
Old Fashioned Pineapple Fluff Recipe FAQs
Don’t drain the pineapple to fix it. That small amount of juice is what the instant pudding needs to combine. Runny fluff can come from homemade whipped cream, which isn’t stable like Cool Whip, or from freezing, which leaves it looser once it thaws. Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge to thicken.
For best results, make it up to a day ahead. It keeps in the fridge for 3 days, but the marshmallows get soft after 24 hours.
I don’t recommend it. It thaws looser and not as fresh. Make it the day before instead.
You can, but I recommend Cool Whip for the best results. It’s stabilized, so it holds up as the fluff chills and keeps the texture thick and creamy. Homemade whipped cream is less stable and can make the fluff runny over time. If you use it, serve the fluff right away instead of making it ahead.
No. Crushed pineapple is finely broken down with more juice, which is exactly what you want for this recipe since you’re not draining it. Pineapple chunks or tidbits are larger pieces and won’t blend into the fluff the same way. Stick with canned crushed pineapple for the right texture and flavor.
More Fluff Recipes
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Easy Pineapple Fluff Dessert
Video
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple, do not drain
- 8 oz (226g) cool whip
- 2 cups (86g) mini marshmallows
- 1 cup (85g) sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup (57g) chopped nuts, pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine the vanilla pudding powder and crushed pineapple, reminder, do not drain the pineapple.3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding, 20 oz can crushed pineapple
- Fold in the cool whip, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut and chopped nuts.8 oz (226g) cool whip, 2 cups (86g) mini marshmallows, 1 cup (85g) sweetened shredded coconut, 1/2 cup (57g) chopped nuts
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the mixture to thicken and for the marshmallows to soften.
Last Step: I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a rating and comment here.
I followed the recipe and it was delicious. Everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing.
My caregiver still hasn’t made the Pineapple Fluff dessert for cause we haven’t had the money to get the ingredents to make it…😞….but til we do I’ll keep on just looking at the recipe everyday on the home page. The home page is where I have the recipe at. Thank u very much for it.
LaDonna Nash
I assume the nutrition information is for the whole batch, not per serving?
Correct! All nutritional information are estimates as well.
I think my favorite will be the receipt for Pineapple Fluff. This sounds so refreshing and most of all very easy to make. Thank you so much for your help.
I can’t wait to try it.
Do you think this recipe could be used as an appetizer for Easter dinner?
It’s not a traditional appetizer, but I think people would love it!
I have it for a dessert every year for Easter, my family loves it