Description
Craving a light, fruity dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make? What if you could whip up a creamy, fluffy treat packed with strawberries, pineapple, and marshmallows in no time? Say hello to Strawberry Fluff! This no-bake dessert combines strawberry jello, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and fresh fruit for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
For the Fluff
-
Strawberry Jello Mix (3 oz): Provides structure and bold strawberry flavor.
-
Boiling Water (1 cup): Dissolves the jello for a smooth base.
-
Crushed Ice (1 cup): Cools the jello quickly, helping it thicken.
-
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 oz): Adds creaminess and a sweet vanilla note.
-
Whipped Topping (8 oz, e.g., Cool Whip, thawed): Creates a light, fluffy texture.
-
Fresh Strawberries (16 oz, quartered, about 2 cups): Add fresh, juicy fruit flavor.
-
Crushed Pineapple (8 oz, drained): Brings a tangy, tropical sweetness.
-
Mini Marshmallows (2 cups): Provide a chewy, sweet texture.
Substitutions and Variations
-
Jello Mix: Use sugar-free strawberry jello or raspberry jello for a different berry flavor.
-
Pudding Mix: Swap with instant cheesecake or white chocolate pudding for a richer taste, or sugar-free pudding for a lighter option.
-
Whipped Topping: Substitute with homemade whipped cream (1 cup heavy cream whipped with 2 tbsp powdered sugar) or vegan whipped topping for a dairy-free version.
-
Strawberries: Use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) or fresh raspberries for variety.
-
Pineapple: Replace with mandarin oranges or fruit cocktail (drained) for a different fruit profile.
-
Marshmallows: Omit for a less sweet fluff, or use flavored mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
-
Add-Ins: Mix in ½ cup chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or white chocolate chips for extra texture.
-
Vegan Option: Use vegan jello, vegan pudding mix, plant-based whipped topping, and ensure marshmallows are vegan-friendly.
-
Gluten-Free: Confirm jello, pudding, and marshmallows are gluten-free (most are, but check labels).
Instructions
-
Dissolve the Jello:
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine one 3 oz package of strawberry jello mix with 1 cup boiling water.
-
Whisk for 1–2 minutes until the jello is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear.
-
Tip: Boil the water just before using to ensure the jello dissolves fully, and whisk vigorously to avoid granules.
-
-
Cool the Jello Mixture:
-
Add 1 cup crushed ice to the jello mixture, stirring until the ice is fully melted and the mixture cools to room temperature, about 2–3 minutes.
-
Remove any unmelted ice to avoid diluting the mixture.
-
Tip: Use crushed ice for faster melting, or substitute with 1 cup ice-cold water if ice isn’t available, stirring until cool.
-
-
Add the Pudding Mix:
-
Whisk in one 3.4 oz package of instant vanilla pudding mix until thoroughly combined and the mixture thickens, about 1 minute.
-
The mixture should be smooth and slightly gelled.
-
Tip: Whisk quickly to prevent lumps, and ensure the jello is cool to avoid curdling the pudding.
-
-
Chill the Base:
-
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes to further thicken the jello-pudding mixture.
-
Tip: Don’t skip this step, as chilling helps the mixture hold the fruit and marshmallows without sinking.
-
-
Incorporate the Whipped Topping:
-
Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and fold in 8 oz thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip) using a spatula until fully combined and no streaks remain, about 1 minute.
-
The mixture should be light, fluffy, and pink.
-
Tip: Fold gently to maintain the airiness of the whipped topping, and ensure it’s fully thawed for easy mixing.
-
-
Add the Fruit and Marshmallows:
-
Gently stir in 16 oz quartered fresh strawberries, 8 oz drained crushed pineapple, and 2 cups mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
-
Be careful not to overmix, as the fruit and marshmallows should remain distinct.
-
Tip: Drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid a watery fluff, and quarter strawberries into bite-sized pieces for even texture.
-
-
Chill and Serve:
-
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the fluff and meld the flavors.
-
Serve chilled, scooping into bowls or cups, optionally garnished with extra strawberries or a dollop of whipped topping.
-
Tip: Chill for up to 4 hours for a firmer texture, and stir gently before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
-