Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff is a delightful, creamy dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. It’s a delicious mix of tart cranberries, sweet marshmallows, fluffy whipped cream, and tangy cream cheese, resulting in a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet side dish, this fluff is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberries: In a food processor, pulse the fresh cranberries until they are finely chopped. Transfer the cranberries to a medium bowl, add the granulated sugar, and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cranberries to macerate.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and forms stiff peaks.
- Combine the Ingredients: Drain any excess liquid from the cranberry mixture. Fold the cranberry mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chopped pecans (if using), and crushed pineapple (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry cheesecake fluff for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the fluff to set.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry cheesecake fluff chilled, garnished with additional chopped pecans or cranberries if desired.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen cranberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before chopping.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the mixture. You can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Sweetness: The sugar helps to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tart fluff.
Variations
- Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Fluff: Add the zest of one orange and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice to the cranberry mixture for a citrusy twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans if you prefer a nut-free dessert, or replace them with sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch.
- Cherry Cheesecake Fluff: Substitute the cranberries with canned cherry pie filling for a different flavor profile. This creates a sweeter and fruitier version of the fluff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff can be made up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld and improves the texture. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly as the marshmallows absorb moisture, but it will still taste delicious.
3. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy whipping cream with 2 cups of whipped topping if you prefer. This can be a convenient shortcut, but the flavor will be slightly different compared to using fresh whipped cream.
4. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries are recommended for this recipe because they provide the right balance of tartness and moisture. Dried cranberries would make the dessert too dry and overly sweet, but you could try rehydrating them in hot water if needed.
Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff is a delightful and festive dessert that combines the tangy tartness of cranberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a refreshing, creamy treat. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet side dish, this cranberry fluff is sure to be a hit with everyone. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious balance of flavors and textures!