My Grinch fluff is a no-bake pineapple fluff that I whisk together in 10 minutes and tint Grinch green. Instant vanilla pudding sets right in the undrained crushed pineapple, then whipped topping and mini marshmallows fold in for a thick, spoonable fluff. A red candy heart goes on top of each cup.
Pineapple fluff, turned Grinch green
My daughter loves the Grinch books, so we’ve been making Grinch treats together. This fluff joined the pudding-and-cream-cheese Grinch dip and my who pudding from the Grinch books.
Pineapple fluff is a classic no-bake dessert of instant pudding mix stirred into crushed pineapple, then folded with whipped topping and marshmallows. I add coconut, color it green, and finish each cup with a red heart for the Grinch.
It needs only an hour in the fridge, so it works for a same-day party.
What goes into the fluff
Full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the recipe card.
- Crushed pineapple goes in undrained. Its juice sets the instant pudding, and the fruit gives every spoonful a little bite. Use the whole 20-ounce can, because drained pineapple leaves the fluff loose.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix is the only thickener, so use instant, not cook-and-serve. White chocolate pudding mix works the same way.
- Mini marshmallows need to be gelatin-free to keep this vegetarian, since most regular marshmallows contain gelatin. Dandies are one widely sold brand.
- Whipped topping gives the fluff its light, airy body. Two cups of whipped cream can stand in for it.
- Green food coloring made from spirulina gives a bright green without artificial dye. Add a little at a time until it reaches Grinch green.
Shruthi’s Top Tips
How to keep this Christmas fluff thick
- Don’t add the whipped topping until the pineapple and pudding have visibly thickened. If it still looks thin, keep whisking.
- Fold the whipped topping in gently with a spatula. Stirring knocks out the air and the fluff turns runny.
- Make it the day you serve it. By the next day the marshmallows soften into the fluff.
- Add the sprinkles and hearts just before serving so the colors don’t bleed.
- For toddlers, swap the candy hearts for half a maraschino cherry, because small hard candy is a choking risk.
How to make grinch fluff
- Whisk the pudding mix into the undrained crushed pineapple in a large bowl until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in the whipped topping until no white streaks remain.
- Fold in the marshmallows, coconut, and green coloring until the fluff is evenly bright green.
- Chill for at least 1 hour. Top with sprinkles and red candy hearts just before serving.
How to serve grinch fluff
Spoon it into small clear glasses so the green shows, or serve it in one big bowl on the dessert table. Next to a Christmas tree dip made with homemade cake and a plate of 3-ingredient white chocolate fudge, it covers the kids’ end of a Christmas party.
One batch serves 8. For more holiday ideas, see my Christmas party recipes.
Variations
Use white chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla. Leave out the coconut. Skip the green coloring for a classic pineapple fluff.
Grinch Fluff with Pineapple and Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 1 3.4-oz box instant vanilla pudding mix, or white chocolate pudding mix
- 1 20-oz can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed (or 2 cups fresh whipped cream)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows, gelatin-free, such as Dandies
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, optional
- 4 drops green food coloring, spirulina-based or liquid, a few drops at a time
- 2 teaspoons green and white sprinkles, for topping
- 8 red candy hearts , or halved maraschino cherries
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix into the undrained crushed pineapple until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain.
- Fold in the marshmallows, coconut, and green coloring until evenly bright green.
- Chill at least 1 hour. Just before serving, top with sprinkles and red candy hearts.
Notes
- Use the pineapple undrained; the juice sets the pudding. Drained pineapple leaves the fluff loose.
- Fold gently once the whipped topping is in; stirring makes it runny.
- Use gelatin-free marshmallows to keep it vegetarian.
- For toddlers, swap the candy hearts for halved maraschino cherries.
- Best the day it’s made. Keep leftovers covered in the fridge up to 2 days; the marshmallows soften over time.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
