Cherry Cheesecake Fluff

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is an indulgent dessert that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. The light whipped texture paired with the rich, tangy cheesecake flavor makes it incredibly satisfying. The addition of juicy, sweet cherries on top gives it a delightful burst of flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking, which makes it a go-to recipe when you want a delicious treat without all the effort. Perfect for any season and occasion, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix

• 1 cup milk

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.

2. Add the cheesecake pudding mix and milk to the cream cheese, and continue to mix until fully combined and smooth.

3. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

4. Spoon the fluff mixture into a serving dish or individual cups.

5. Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly over the fluff.

6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to chill.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Chill time: 2 hours

Variations

• Fruit Options: Instead of cherry pie filling, you can use other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even mixed berries for a different twist on the flavor.

• Crust Base: For extra texture, add a layer of graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies as a crust at the bottom of the dish.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: For added sweetness, try swapping out the pudding mix for a can of sweetened condensed milk.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Cherry Cheesecake Fluff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: This is a chilled dessert and is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply pull it out of the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Simply pit and chop them, then mix with a little sugar or sweetener to help create a syrup-like consistency before topping the fluff.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors come together even more.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat or fat-free cream cheese for a lighter version of this dessert. However, the texture and taste may be slightly different.

How can I make this fluff more cheesecake-flavored?

If you want a stronger cheesecake flavor, you can add a bit of lemon juice or zest to the mixture for a tangy kick.

Can I make this dessert without whipped topping?

You can make this dessert without whipped topping, but it may lose some of the fluffiness. If you choose to leave it out, you can substitute with additional cream cheese or whipped cream for a creamy texture.

Can I freeze Cherry Cheesecake Fluff?

It is not recommended to freeze this dessert as the texture may change after being thawed. The whipped topping can become watery when frozen and thawed.

How can I make this fluff more decadent?

To make the fluff more decadent, consider adding a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce over the top or sprinkle crushed graham crackers for added flavor.

Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Yes! While cheesecake pudding is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other pudding flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or even lemon to create different variations of this dessert.

Can I use non-dairy ingredients?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and whipped topping with non-dairy versions such as vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.

What’s the best way to serve Cherry Cheesecake Fluff?

You can serve this dessert in individual cups for a fun and portable option, or in a large serving dish for family-style servings. Both are equally delicious!

Conclusion

Cherry Cheesecake Fluff is the perfect combination of rich, creamy cheesecake and fluffy, light texture, making it a dessert that everyone will love. It’s simple to prepare and incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a treat at home, this easy dessert is sure to become a favorite!