Easter Cheesecake Fruit Fluff Salad
If there’s one dessert that always makes an appearance on my Easter table, it’s a big bowl of fluffy, creamy fruit salad. This Easter Cheesecake Fruit Fluff Salad takes the classic version and gives it a rich, cheesecake-inspired twist — then finishes it off with adorable marshmallow bunnies on top.
It’s colorful, sweet, completely no-bake, and incredibly easy to throw together. Perfect for Easter brunch, spring potlucks, or any celebration where you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven.
— Jason Griffith, ChefMeniac.com
Why I Love This Recipe
- Completely no-bake
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Light, creamy, and packed with fruit
- Kid-friendly and festive
- Feeds a crowd easily
The cheesecake pudding adds a subtle tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the fruit and marshmallows. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and just feels like spring.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced pears, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can sliced or diced peaches, drained
- 2 cups pastel mini marshmallows
- Peep marshmallow bunnies (for topping)
Ingredient Notes & Tips
- Drain thoroughly. Excess juice is the number one cause of runny fruit fluff. Pat fruit lightly with paper towels if needed.
- Make sure your Cool Whip is fully thawed for smooth mixing.
- You can swap in fruit cocktail or add fresh strawberries if desired.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce marshmallows to 1½ cups.
If you love creamy, crowd-feeding desserts like this, you’ll also enjoy This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Fruit
Drain all canned fruit thoroughly in a colander.
For best results, gently pat the fruit with paper towels to remove extra moisture. This keeps the salad thick and fluffy instead of watery.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheesecake Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant cheesecake pudding mix with the thawed Cool Whip.
Stir until fully blended and smooth. The mixture will thicken as it sits.
There’s no milk required — the pudding mix thickens directly into the whipped topping, creating that fluffy cheesecake texture.
3️⃣ Fold in the Fruit
Gently fold in:
- Crushed pineapple
- Mandarin oranges
- Diced pears
- Peaches
Mix carefully so the fruit holds its shape.
4️⃣ Add Marshmallows
Fold in the pastel mini marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
They add sweetness and that classic “fluff salad” texture everyone expects.
5️⃣ Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours.
This allows the flavors to blend and the mixture to firm up beautifully.
6️⃣ Decorate & Serve
Before serving:
- Smooth the top with a spoon.
- Press marshmallow bunny Peeps gently into the top for a festive Easter finish.
Serve chilled.
Tips for Success
- Use a large bowl — this recipe makes a generous amount.
- Chill overnight if possible for even better flavor.
- Add Peeps right before serving so they don’t soften too much.
- Stir gently before serving if any separation occurs.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Easter Cheesecake Fruit Fluff Salad pairs perfectly with other spring desserts and brunch dishes.
Try serving it alongside:
- These Spring Flower Pretzel Bites Are My Favorite Easy Treat for Brightening Any Day
- This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert
- This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat (for another layered creamy favorite)
For a refreshing drink option, I love serving it with This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Serves 12–14
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 2g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on specific brands used.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Stir gently before serving leftovers.
- Do not freeze — texture will change significantly.
This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert for Easter brunch or potlucks because it actually improves as it chills.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, no-bake, crowd-friendly desserts, check out:
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
- This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert
- These Spring Flower Pretzel Bites Are My Favorite Easy Treat for Brightening Any Day
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Final Thoughts
Easter Cheesecake Fruit Fluff Salad is one of those desserts that disappears quickly from the table. It’s creamy, colorful, and full of nostalgic flavor — the kind of dish everyone goes back for seconds of.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but festive enough to be the centerpiece of your Easter spread.
If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your photos, and follow along for more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that make every holiday a little sweeter.
