Grandma’s Cherry Fluff Frozen Salad

Grandma Jean used to call this her “pantry magic”—a frosty, cloud-like dessert that vanished before the plates were cleared. It’s the perfect last-minute sweet when cravings strike and you’re working with simple shelf staples. Cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and sweetened condensed milk blend with whipped topping to form a soft pink, creamy treat swirled with bright cherry streaks. Nostalgic, comforting, and wonderfully simple, it’s a go-to for hectic evenings or casual gatherings.

Serve it well chilled but soft enough to scoop straight from the casserole dish. It complements easy meals like grilled chicken, pulled pork, or sheet-pan dinners, and fits right in at a Sunday supper or backyard cookout. During the holidays, set it out front and center—you’ll see it disappear before dessert plates are even passed around.

📝 Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cherry pie filling	1 (21 oz) can	Sweet, glossy foundation
Crushed pineapple	1 (20 oz) can, drained	Adds brightness and texture
Sweetened condensed milk	1 (14 oz) can	Rich, creamy sweetness
Whipped topping	1 (8 oz) tub, thawed	Light and fluffy texture
Vanilla extract	1 tsp (optional)	Enhances overall flavor
Mini marshmallows	1 cup (optional)	Adds extra softness
Pecans or walnuts	½ cup, chopped (optional)	Provides crunchy contrast
Salt	Pinch (optional)	Balances sweetness
Nonstick spray or butter	For greasing dish	Prevents sticking

👩‍🍳 Directions

Prepare the dish
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter.

Combine the fruit
In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the cherry pie filling and well-drained pineapple, keeping the cherry ribbons visible.

Create the creamy mixture
Blend in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt if using. Mix until smooth.

Fold in the topping
Carefully fold in the thawed whipped topping, keeping the mixture airy and light.

Add optional ingredients
Stir in marshmallows and chopped nuts if desired for extra texture and flavor.

Freeze
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Cover securely and freeze for at least 4 hours—overnight is ideal for best consistency.

Serve
Allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Scoop or slice into squares while still nicely chilled.

Storage: Keep tightly covered in the freezer. Leftovers may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the texture will soften.

✨ Cool, creamy, and delightfully old-fashioned—Grandma Jean’s cherry fluff frozen salad is the kind of easy pantry dessert that never lasts long.