Banana Split Fluff Salad
If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and easy dessert, have I got the perfect dessert for you? This banana pudding fluff salad is a fan favorite anywhere you take it, or even just as a sweet treat to keep in the fridge.
Made with banana cream pudding, Cool Whip, and all the fluffiness you could dream of, this dessert salad is perfect for so many occasions. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Its creamy texture, paired with the sweetness of bananas, pineapple, and marshmallows, delivers nostalgia in every spoonful. It’s also ridiculously simple to make, which means you can whip it up in no time, even on your busiest days.
If you love desserts like Pumpkin Fluff or old-fashioned No Bake Banana Pudding, chances are, you’re going to love this too. And hey, if you’re craving more recipes, don’t miss trying our Sweet Potato Fluff recipes!
Ingredients
Before you head to the grocery store, here’s a handy list of what you’ll need to make banana pudding fluff salad. You can also find the full quantities in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
- Banana cream pudding – The rich and creamy base for this dessert. If you don’t have banana pudding, instant vanilla pudding works as a great substitute and still complements the flavors perfectly. Make sure to prepare the pudding according to package instructions before combining.
- Pineapple – Canned crushed pineapple works best for this recipe as it distributes evenly throughout the dessert.
- Cool Whip – This light and airy whipped topping is what gives fluff recipes their signature texture. It blends all the ingredients seamlessly while keeping the dessert fluffy and not overly dense.
- Marshmallows – Mini marshmallows are key for that soft, pillowy texture in every bite. They also absorb some of the flavors, making the dessert even better after chilling in the fridge.
- Walnuts – For a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast to the creamy and fluffy elements. You can chop them finely or leave them in slightly larger pieces, depending on your preference.
- Bananas – Ripe bananas are essential for their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Avoid overripe bananas, as they can become mushy and overpower the other flavors. Slice them just before adding to the dessert to prevent browning.
- Chocolate chips – Mini chocolate chips work best as they are distributed evenly, giving you a touch of chocolate in every bite. They add just the right amount of indulgence without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Maraschino cherries – These bright, sweet cherries are the perfect finishing touch. They add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness that makes the dessert visually appealing and delicious. Be sure to pat them dry to avoid excess syrup mixing into the dessert.
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
This recipe doesn’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients. Grab a large mixing bowl, and you’re good to go!
Step 1: Prepare the pudding mix – Combine the box of instant banana cream pudding with the crushed pineapple (including the juice) in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until smooth. This step gives your pudding fluff its base.
Step 2: Fold in the fluff – Gently fold in the container of Cool Whip, miniature marshmallows, walnuts, and mini chocolate chips. By folding instead of mixing, you’ll keep it nice and airy.
Step 3: Add bananas – Slice the bananas just before adding them to avoid browning, then stir them gently into the mixture. Top with maraschino cherries for an extra festive touch.
Storage
- Refrigerating: Store the fluff salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The bananas might brown slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- Freezing: Fluff salads typically don’t freeze well as the ingredients can separate and lose their texture. It’s best to enjoy this dish right away.
- Reheating: No need to reheat! This dessert is served chilled, making it perfect for any warm-weather gathering.
What to Serve With Banana Pudding Fluff Salad
- Barbecue Favorites: Complement smoky barbecue chicken, ribs, or Air Fryer Pulled Pork with this sweet, creamy dish.
- Holiday Dinners: Pair it with Dijon Glazed Ham, Dutch Oven TurkeyBreast, or Instant Pot Stuffing for a festive balance.
- Summer Cookouts: Serve it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or a fresh Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Brunch Spreads: Add it to a brunch menu with quiche, fruit platters, or buttery croissants for a sweet touch.
Wendys Tips
- Use fresh bananas: Overripe bananas can turn mushy and alter the texture of the salad.
- Fold, don’t mix: To keep this desert light and airy, fold in the Cool Whip and marshmallows instead of aggressively mixing.
- Serve chilled: This salad is best served after a quick chill in the fridge (about 30 minutes).
FAQ
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Absolutely! Banana pudding fluff salad can be made up to a day ahead. Just add the banana slices right before serving for the best results.
Of course! If marshmallows aren’t your thing, you can leave them out or replace them with another light filler ingredient.
Banana Split Fluff Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- spatula
- Serving Bowl
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounces banana instant pudding
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple plus the juice from the can
- 8 ounces cool whip
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped walnuts plus extra for topping
- ¼ cup miniature chocolate chips plus extra for topping
- 2 ripe bananas sliced
- 1 cup maraschino cherries halved, drained well and patted dry with paper towels
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix, pineapple, and cool whip.
- Add the marshmallows, walnuts, and miniature chocolate chips, and stir until well combined.
- Very carefully fold in the bananas and maraschino cherries.
- Add to your favorite serving bowl, and top with extra walnuts, chocolate chips, and a maraschino cherry, if desired.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
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