About This RecipeThis recipe describes a method for making a chilled dessert salad or side dish, often referred to as a “fluff.” It combines cherry-flavored gelatin with canned fruit, dairy, and sometimes marshmallows to create a light, airy texture.Why You’ll Love This RecipeIt requires no baking and minimal preparation.The dessert has a light, sweet, and creamy texture.It is a classic recipe often associated with potlucks and family gatherings.Ingredients1 package (3 oz) cherry-flavored gelatin1 cup boiling water1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained1 cup cold water1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawedOptional: 1 cup miniature marshmallowsStep by Step InstructionsIn a large heatproof bowl, dissolve the cherry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir for about 2 minutes until the powder is completely dissolved.Add the cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir to combine.Refrigerate the gelatin mixture for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until it has thickened to the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.Remove the thickened gelatin from the refrigerator. Gently fold in the cherry pie filling and the undrained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed.Add the thawed whipped topping (and miniature marshmallows, if using) to the bowl.Fold the ingredients together gently until the mixture is uniform and no streaks of whipped topping remain.Pour the mixture into a serving bowl.Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.Serve chilled.FAQCan I use sugar-free gelatin?Yes, sugar-free gelatin can be used in this recipe. The final dessert will be less sweet, which may be preferable depending on the other ingredients used.Why did my fluff not set properly?This can happen if the initial gelatin mixture was not allowed to thicken sufficiently before the other ingredients were added. The whipped topping can also thin the mixture if folded in too vigorously.Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?Fresh pineapple cannot be used because it contains an enzyme (bromelain) that prevents gelatin from setting. Canned pineapple is heat-processed, which deactivates this enzyme. Other fresh fruits like berries can be used, but they may release more liquid.You Must KnowThe key to achieving the correct fluffy texture is allowing the dissolved gelatin to partially set before folding in the other ingredients. If the gelatin is still liquid, the heavier additions will sink, and the whipped topping will deflate, resulting in a denser final product.Storage TipsThis dessert must be stored covered in the refrigerator.It is best consumed within 3-4 days as the texture may become softer and more liquid over time.This dish is not suitable for freezing, as thawing will cause the gelatin to weep and the texture to break down.
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