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Simple recipes like this pineapple fluff are great, but simple doesn’t always mean it comes out right. That’s why I spent 2 weeks in the kitchen, testing and perfecting 5 fluff recipes (not a bad job!). I went through all the potential fails so you don’t have to when you follow my recipe!
After all my testing and tweaking, I have developed a pineapple fluff recipe with 3 easy steps that is never mushy, watery or flavorless like some fluffs can be.
Sweet and tangy pineapple tidbits come together with shredded coconut, vanilla pudding, cool whip, mini marshmallows, and nuts to create a creamy dessert that resembles pina colada flavor.
This is a no-bake dessert that, dare I say, will be the star of every family gathering. Good thing it’s quick and easy to make, because everyone will be begging you for more!
I think another reason why these old school desserts became so popular is because they are so easy to make.
Seriously, the hardest part about making this creamy pineapple fluff salad recipe is not eating it while you’re making it! Who doesn’t love easy desserts that are always a crowd pleaser?
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!
What You Need to Make Pineapple Fluff Dessert
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
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. This is an important part of the recipe, so I want to be sure you do not drain that can of pineapple! You want that sweet pineapple juice in your salad!
- Serve cold. Pineapple fluff is best served cold. Be sure to chill it for at least 2 hours before serving. You can even make this ahead the day before and let it chill overnight.
Storing & Freezing Pineapple Fluff
Store this pineapple fluff recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. This recipe can be frozen and will keep for up to three months. Just be aware that the consistency after you thaw it may be different than when it’s made fresh. The flavor should be just the same!
Pineapple Fluff Salad substitutions & 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.
More Fluff Recipes
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Pineapple Fluff Recipe
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple, do not drain
- 8 oz cool whip
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup 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.
- Fold in the cool whip, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut and 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.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclosure
All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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.