Pineapple Fluff

Creamy, crunchy and refreshing, pineapple fluff is a sweet fruit salad that’s best served in summertime. Akin to a vintage fluff salad, it incorporates a few simple and perhaps unexpected ingredients, including crushed pineapple, pretzels and whipped topping, to create a dish with truly interesting textures and flavors. Make this recipe for pineapple fluff and serve it as a chilled dessert at a picnic or barbecue, and everyone will go home happy.

Ingredients for Pineapple Fluff

• Pretzels: Crushed pretzels add crucial saltiness and crunch.
• Butter: The butter should be unsalted, and it will need to be melted before you add it in.
• Sugar: You can use sugar-free instant pudding mix if you want to reduce the sugar content.
• Cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a lovely richness to pineapple fluff. You’ll want to set it out to soften before starting the recipe.
• Unsweetened crushed pineapple: Feel free to swap out the crushed pineapple for another canned fruit, if you’d prefer.
• Whipped topping: Make sure to thaw the frozen whipped topping before using it.

Directions

Step 1: Bake the pretzel mixture

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Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Press the mixture into a 13×9-inch pan, then bake it for seven minutes. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the pineapple mixture

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In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until creamy. Fold in the pineapple and whipped topping, then refrigerate the pineapple fluff, covered, until serving time.

Step 3: Prepare to serve

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Place the pineapple fluff in a serving bowl. Break the pretzel mixture into small pieces, then stir them into the pineapple.

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Pineapple Fluff Variations

• Try it with nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds will add another layer of crunch to pineapple fluff.
• Add marshmallows: Sprinkle some mini marshmallows into the mix for added sweetness.

How to Store Pineapple Fluff

The best way to store pineapple fluff is to pour it into an airtight container with a lid (don’t just cover the bowl with plastic wrap) before putting it in the fridge.

How long does pineapple fluff last?

When stored properly, pineapple fluff will last for up to three days.

Pineapple Fluff Tips

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Is pineapple fluff best served chilled or at room temperature?

Pineapple fluff should be served chilled, right out of the refrigerator. Make sure you give this salad enough time to sit in the fridge (at least an hour) before serving to ensure the flavors can mingle together.

How can I make sure my pineapple fluff has the right texture?

To help the salad stay as fluffy and light as possible, use a spatula to gently fold in the (thawed!) whipped topping so the mixture doesn’t deflate.

What should I serve with pineapple fluff?

Pineapple fluff is great as a dip for sliced fruit or cookies. Arrange a platter of fruit or cookies around the fluff for guests to enjoy.