Creamy Peach Fluff Salad Recipe made with peach gelatin, pudding mix, Cool Whip, canned peaches, and marshmallows. Perfect for any occasion!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Is it just me, or does Peach Fluff Salad feel like the kind of dessert you’d stumble upon at one of those classic family picnics where everyone brings their signature dish? You know, the ones where Aunt Marge insists her potato salad is superior because she uses dill instead of relish? Yeah, those gatherings.
Honestly, the first time I made this Peach Fluff Salad, I was trying to channel that old-school potluck vibe. And you know what? It totally worked. It’s got that light, creamy, sweet-but-not-too-sweet thing going on that just makes you want to go back for seconds. And thirds. Heck, I’ve caught myself eating it straight out of the bowl at midnight like it’s some kind of fluffy, fruity forbidden treasure.
The best part? It’s one of those magical desserts that looks like you tried way harder than you actually did. Everyone’s over there like, “Ooh, what’s in this? Did you make it from scratch?” And you’re just nodding and smiling like, “Yep, totally homemade.” They don’t need to know it only took you ten minutes and one trip to the canned fruit aisle.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Fluff Salad Recipe?
Okay, here’s why this Peach Fluff Salad Recipe is going to be your new best friend:
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Ridiculously Easy: Seriously, if you can stir, you can make this. It’s basically foolproof.
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No Baking Required: Summer heat and ovens? Hard pass. This one’s all about the cold and creamy.
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Super Customizable: Don’t have canned peaches? Swap them for mandarin oranges or pineapple. Prefer whipped cream over Cool Whip? Go for it.
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Potluck Superstar: It’s always the first thing gone. And, let’s be real, it’s way more fun than another boring fruit tray.
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Nostalgic Appeal: There’s something about these old-school fluff recipes that feels like a warm hug from the past.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down what’s going into this peachy goodness and why it all works so well:
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Peach Gelatin Mix: This gives the salad its signature peach flavor. Plus, the color is just so inviting—it practically shouts summer.
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Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is your creamy secret weapon. It thickens everything up without making it feel heavy.
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Cool Whip: Fluff factor, baby. Sure, you can use homemade whipped cream, but Cool Whip just gives it that perfect airy texture.
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Canned Peaches: The main attraction. Just make sure they’re drained really well or you’ll end up with peach soup. Been there, done that.
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Mini Marshmallows: Because what’s a fluff salad without those little chewy bits of sweetness?
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Hot and Cold Water: Basic but essential. You need it to activate the gelatin properly.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, throw in a handful of crushed pecans or coconut. It adds a nice little crunch and makes it feel just a bit more sophisticated.
How To Make Peach Fluff Salad?
Alright, let’s get down to business. This is how you make pure, peachy bliss:
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Dissolve the Gelatin:
Start by pouring your peach gelatin mix into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of hot water and stir until it’s completely dissolved. Now, pour in 1/2 cup of cold water and give it another good stir. Let it cool to room temperature—don’t rush this part or it’ll end up weirdly clumpy. -
Add Pudding Mix:
Sprinkle your instant vanilla pudding mix right into the cooled gelatin. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and thick. It might look a bit too thick at first, but that’s what you want.Want To Save This Recipe?
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Fold in the Cool Whip:
Gently fold in your Cool Whip until everything is well-combined and nice and fluffy. This is the part where it starts looking seriously delicious. -
Add Peaches and Marshmallows:
Fold in your drained peach chunks and mini marshmallows. Be gentle—you want everything evenly distributed but not smashed to bits. -
Chill and Set:
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Patience, my friend. It’s worth it. -
Garnish and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, add some reserved peach slices and a few extra marshmallows on top. Just for that wow factor.
Pro Tip: Want to get extra fancy? Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for a little crunch. Trust me, it’s heavenly.
Storage Options:
This Peach Fluff Salad Recipe will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. But let’s be real—there’s no way it’s going to last that long. It starts getting a bit watery after that, so enjoy it while it’s at its fluffiest.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Here are some ideas to mix things up:
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Use Different Gelatin Flavors: Try strawberry, raspberry, or even lime for a twist.
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Add Fresh Fruit: Fresh peaches, strawberries, or pineapple chunks would be amazing.
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Swap the Cool Whip: Prefer homemade whipped cream? It’ll work just fine. Just don’t expect it to hold up as long.
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Go Nutty: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
What to Serve with Peach Fluff Salad?
Honestly, this is one of those desserts that doesn’t need anything. But if you’re going for a full spread, it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or just about any summery main dish. Serve it with a cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade for ultimate picnic vibes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Sure thing! Just keep in mind it won’t be quite as stable and might not hold up as long.
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure they’re sweet and ripe. And you might want to add a little sugar if they’re on the tart side.
Alright, I’ve given you everything you need to whip up the best Peach Fluff Salad Recipe ever. Now it’s your turn. And if you try it out, drop me a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turns out—and if it brings back those same sweet, nostalgic vibes for you.
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Peach Fluff Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3-ounce package peach gelatin dessert mix
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 5.1-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 8-ounce container Cool Whip, thawed if frozen
- 3 15-ounce cans sliced peaches in 100% juice, drained well and cut into chunks (reserve a few slices for garnish)
- 3 1/4 cups mini marshmallows reserve 1/4 cup for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Gelatin:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peach gelatin dessert mix with 1 cup of hot water. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before proceeding.
Incorporate the Pudding Mix:
- Once the gelatin mixture has cooled, gradually sprinkle in the instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened. This may take a few minutes of consistent mixing.
Add the Cool Whip:
- Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the gelatin-pudding mixture until it is evenly combined. The consistency should be creamy and light.
Include Peaches and Marshmallows:
- Carefully fold in the peach chunks (excluding the reserved slices) and mini marshmallows (reserving 1/4 cup for garnish). Stir gently to ensure the peaches and marshmallows are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the salad has properly set and chilled.
Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the salad with the reserved peach slices and mini marshmallows. Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert or side dish.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
