Pina Colada Fluff

Are you overdue for a trip to the tropics? There’s something about the feeling of the sunshine on your face, the sand between your toes and a fruity rum drink in hand that’s hard to replicate. But if you can’t make a beach vacation happen this year, whipping up this pina colada fluff will make you feel pretty darn close.

Each bite captures the tropical, fruity flavors of the classic pina colada with coconut, pineapple and rum. Instead of a frosty sipper, though, the fluffy concoction is created with layers of airy whipped topping and creamy pudding mix. This surprisingly sweet treat makes a festive dinner party dessert, but the pina colada fluff recipe is easy enough to prep for weeknights too.

Ingredients for Pina Colada Fluff

• Crushed pineapple: Cans of crushed pineapple are always in season. Be sure not to drain the can, because our recipe calls for the juice too. If you pick up any extra fruit, put it to use in another canned pineapple recipe.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: Perfectly creamy, rich vanilla pudding makes a delicious, foolproof dessert base. Baking with instant pudding mix may sound like a cheap shortcut, but don’t overthink it. Pudding adds moisture (yes, even though it’s a dry ingredient). Plus, its consistent texture and flavor make traditionally finicky desserts, like custards, foolproof for home cooks.
• Coconut rum or rum extract: Use coconut rum for a boozy dessert, or pick up rum extract in the baking aisle to get all the tropical flavor without the kick (which is what we love about recipes with rum extract).
• Miniature marshmallows: Chewy, sweet mini marshmallows add texture and flavor to many fluff salad recipes, including this one.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Toasting the shredded coconut brings out the taste and adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the soft, fluffy dessert.
• Pistachios: Toasted, shelled and chopped pistachios are tasty, colorful and crunchy toppers.
• Frozen whipped topping: This recipe’s distinctive fluffy texture is due to whipped topping. Defrost the topping before using it.

Directions

Step 1: Hydrate the pudding mix

In a large bowl, combine the canned crushed pineapple (including the juice), pudding mix and rum.

Step 2: Add the mix-ins

Gently stir in the mini marshmallows, toasted coconut and pistachios.

Step 3: Fold in the whip

With a large spatula, carefully fold in the thawed whipped topping.

Editor’s Tip: Folding ingredients aims to preserve the air in a mixture, unlike stirring, which has a tendency to flatten things. Use a broad tool, like a spatula or wooden spoon, to fold. Dollop the whipped topping onto the pudding mix, then gently scoop and fold the whip to combine it into the mix.

Step 4: Chill

Chill the prepared recipe for pina colada fluff until serving. If desired, top with maraschino cherries.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t be tempted to serve immediately. The fluff needs to chill in order to set. It also tastes best cold.

SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pina Colada Fluff Variations

• Use homemade ingredients: Want to get fancy? Replace the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream. Bonus points if you stir in a dash of vanilla extract. If you go this route, know that the pina colada fluff recipe will deflate more quickly because it doesn’t have stabilizers.
• Play with flavors: Don’t have (or want to buy) rum extract? Try coconut, pineapple or citrus extracts instead.
• Have fun with mix-ins: Swap in pecans for the pistachios or add maraschino cherries to the top.

How to Store Pina Colada Fluff

Store pina colada fluff in the refrigerator, tightly covered with storage wrap or foil.

How long does pina colada fluff last?

In the fridge, pina colada fluff will last for two to three days.

Can you make pina colada fluff ahead of time?

Yes, pina colada fluff is a delicious make-ahead spring dessert. As long as you made it with store-bought whipped topping, the fluff will keep well for a few days. If you made the fluff with homemade whipped cream, the salad will begin to deflate after a few hours—but you can still make it the morning before you want to serve it.

Pina Colada Fluff Tips

SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME

What should you serve with pina colada fluff?

Whenever you serve it, try pairing this pina colada fluff recipe with an equally tropical chicken recipe, such as pineapple chicken, or coconut shrimp for the main dish.

This tropical dessert is a fun dish to serve in the deep winter when you crave something bright and fresh. It’s also a delicious summer dessert that will cool you down with each bite.

Can you make dairy-free pina colada fluff?

If you want to replace the whipped topping with a nondairy alternative, look for whipped coconut milk at the store (a brand called So Delicious makes it). You can also prepare homemade whipped cashew cream in Cool Whip’s stead. You’ll also need to replace the instant pudding mix with a nondairy version, which should be available at larger grocery stores.

Can you use fresh pineapple in a recipe for pina colada fluff?

We don’t suggest using fresh pineapple here. Canned pineapple is almost always more moist than fresh, and the juice inside the can is necessary for bringing the fruit and pudding mix together.