At its heart, this dessert is a playful combination of cottage cheese, Cool Whip, and cherry Jell-O, creating a soft, fluffy texture that dances between a fruit salad and a dessert. The bright pink color immediately catches the eye, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Crushed pineapple adds a subtle tangy note, while Maraschino cherries provide bursts of sweet, fruity flavor throughout.
What makes Pink Cherry Jell-O Fluff truly special is its incredible simplicity. Home cooks can prepare this dessert in mere minutes, with most of the time dedicated to chilling and setting. It’s incredibly versatile – easily customizable with different Jell-O flavors or fruit variations, making it a perfect canvas for culinary creativity.
Traditionally a staple at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, this dessert transcends generations. Its light, airy texture and sweet flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults. Whether served as a dessert, a side dish, or a refreshing summer treat, Pink Cherry Jell-O Fluff represents the kind of unpretentious, comforting food that brings people together, one spoonful at a time.
Pink Cherry Jell-O Fluff
Ingredients
1 (6 oz) package cherry Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 (8 oz) containers Cool Whip, thawed
2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Dissolve Jell-O:
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve cherry Jell-O in boiling water
Stir until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes)
Let cool to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes)
Combine Ingredients:
Add cherry pie filling to the cooled Jell-O mixture
Stir in undrained crushed pineapple
Mix well until evenly combined
Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until mixture starts to thicken slightly
Add Remaining Ingredients:
Fold in Cool Whip one container at a time until well incorporated
Gently stir in mini marshmallows
If using, add shredded coconut
Chill and Serve:
Transfer to a serving bowl
Cover with plastic wrap
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight
Garnish with maraschino cherries before serving if desired
Tips
Don’t skip cooling the Jell-O mixture before adding other ingredients
Fold ingredients gently to maintain fluffiness
Can be made up to 24 hours in advance
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve
Stir gently before serving if any liquid has separated
Variations
Use different flavored Jell-O and pie filling combinations:
Strawberry Jell-O with strawberry pie filling
Raspberry Jell-O with raspberry pie filling
Orange Jell-O with mandarin oranges
Add chopped nuts for extra crunch
Mix in diced fresh fruit just before serving
Storage
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container
Best consumed within 3-4 days
Do not freeze
Yield
Serves 12-15 people
Makes approximately 12 cups
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 245
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 2g
Special Notes
Perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings
Can be made sugar-free using sugar-free Jell-O and lite Cool Whip
Transport in a cooler with ice packs if traveling