Cranberry and Meringue Fluff Salad
I’ve made this at least 3 times this holiday season and is always huge hit! Perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet holiday meringues, fluffy marshmallows all coated in a creamy whipped topping. Best of all it’s NO BAKE and can be made a day ahead! Great as a sweet side dish or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz package fresh cranberries
- 1 cup crushed pineapple
- 1 cup white sugar (see notes)
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered or confectioner's sugar (see notes)
- 1 large container cool whip (or 16 fl oz heavy cream, whipped until stiff)
- Half a pack of mini-marshmallows, or to taste
- 3-4 oz vanilla or peppermint meringues, coarsely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the cranberries a few times until coarsely chopped. Add the crushed pineapple and sugar and give it a quick stir just until everything is blended. Transfer to a large glass bowl (like a trifle bowl) where you would serve it from. Set aside in the fridge as you prep the rest of the ingredients.
- In a food mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar. When completely blended and smooth, fold in the whipped cream or cool whip.
- Gently fold in the cream cheese mixture with the cranberry mixture. Fold in the marshmallows and chopped meringues (if using). Let sit for about 2 hours in the fridge or preferably overnight. Sprinkle some extra marshmallows, crushed meringues and a few cranberries on top for garnish, just before serving. Serve in the trifle bowl or in individual dessert glasses.
Notes
TIPS & TRICKS
This dessert can be made a day ahead. It gets thicker as it sits so it won't be liquidy.
Ready-made vanilla or peppermint meringues are sold in plastic containers in grocery stores. I get mine from Trader Joe's.
If you don't wish to add or use the meringues, then simply add an extra 1/4 cup powdered sugar and, if desired, another 1/4 cup white sugar. The meringues add sweetness so if you don't use them you may want to just up the sugar a little. It would be delicious, with or without the meringues.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!