Creamy Berry Cheesecake Fluff Salad (Easy No-Bake Dessert!)
If you’re looking for a no-bake dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and guaranteed to disappear fast, this Creamy Berry Cheesecake Fluff Salad is it. With tangy cream cheese, sweet vanilla, pillowy whipped topping, juicy fresh berries, and soft mini marshmallows, this dish hits every texture and flavor note perfectly.
It’s light enough for summer gatherings but indulgent enough to serve at holidays, potlucks, and family dinners. The best part? It takes just minutes to mix together and only 30 minutes to chill.
Let me show you why this has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasing desserts.
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who creates recipes for busy home cooks, I’m always drawn to desserts that are:
- ✔️ No-bake
- ✔️ Simple ingredients
- ✔️ Make-ahead friendly
- ✔️ Beautiful on the table
This recipe checks every box. It reminds me of the nostalgic fluff salads we grew up with—but upgraded with fresh berries and a cheesecake-style base.
It pairs beautifully with summer drinks like This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days and makes a colorful dessert spread alongside treats like These Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies Are My Favorite Way to Bake Up Instant Joy.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese (2 blocks), softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 12 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 18 ounces fresh blueberries
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries, diced
- 6 ounces fresh raspberries
🕒 Chill Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Makes: About 9 cups
Ingredient Notes & Easy Swaps
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s fully softened for a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Keeps the mixture silky and sweet without graininess.
- Cool Whip: You can substitute half with freshly whipped cream for a richer texture.
- Berries: Fresh is best here. Frozen berries release too much moisture.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows add softness and a classic fluff texture.
Want to mix things up? Try adding:
- White chocolate chips
- A splash of lemon zest for brightness
- Blackberries for even more berry depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cream the Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
2️⃣ Add the Fluff
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until fully combined. The mixture should be creamy and light.
3️⃣ Mix the Good Stuff
Add the mini marshmallows, blueberries, diced strawberries, and raspberries. Fold carefully to keep the berries intact—especially the raspberries, which are delicate.
4️⃣ Chill & Set
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to thicken slightly.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Top with extra fresh berries right before serving for a vibrant, fresh finish.
Tips for Success
- ✔️ Pat berries dry before folding in to prevent excess moisture.
- ✔️ Use a rubber spatula for folding to avoid crushing the fruit.
- ✔️ Chill longer (up to 2 hours) if you want a thicker, more set texture.
- ✔️ Serve cold for the best flavor and consistency.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dessert shines at:
- Summer barbecues
- Baby showers
- Easter brunch
- Fourth of July parties
- Potlucks
For a full dessert table, pair it with:
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
- This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack
- These Caramel Apple Nachos Are My Favorite Quick Fall Dessert Trick
For drinks, it pairs wonderfully with fruity refreshers or light cocktails. The berry flavors complement citrusy beverages especially well.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Based on 12 servings:
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Stir gently before serving leftovers.
- Not freezer-friendly (the texture will separate once thawed).
- If making ahead for a party, wait to garnish with extra berries until just before serving.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into easy, crowd-friendly desserts like this one, you’ll definitely want to check out:
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
- This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack
- These Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies Are My Favorite Way to Bake Up Instant Joy
Each one is simple, fun, and guaranteed to impress.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Berry Cheesecake Fluff Salad is one of those recipes that feels nostalgic yet fresh at the same time. It’s colorful, light, creamy, and bursting with real fruit flavor. Plus, it’s nearly impossible to mess up—which makes it perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned hosts alike.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Leave a comment and let me know. And don’t forget to follow along on Chef Maniac for more easy, family-friendly recipes.
Happy cooking!
— Jason Griffith
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