Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad

This Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad is a dreamy dessert-meets-salad treat that combines everything you love about strawberry shortcake—juicy strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and chunks of soft cake—in a sweet, creamy, no-bake dish. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, holidays, or just a fun family dessert, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

The first time I made Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad, I was trying to use up leftover angel food cake and strawberries before they went soft. I tossed them into a bowl with whipped topping and mini marshmallows, and magic happened. My husband took one spoonful and said, “This tastes like dessert and nostalgia all in one bite.” My daughter now calls it “cloud salad,” and it’s become a staple at every family gathering—especially in the spring and summer.

✔Ingredients Notes For Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad

• Fresh Strawberries: Hulled and chopped for sweet, juicy flavor

• Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): Fluffy and sweet base

• Strawberry or Cheesecake Pudding Mix: Adds flavor and helps bind everything

• Mini Marshmallows: For extra sweetness and fun texture

• Angel Food Cake or Pound Cake: Cubed into bite-sized chunks

• Milk: To mix with the pudding (cold milk works best)

• Vanilla Extract (Optional): For a hint of warm flavor

✔Recipe Steps

1. Mix Pudding Base: In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).

2. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.

3. Add Mix-Ins: Stir in strawberries, mini marshmallows, and cake cubes. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.

4. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and fluff up.

5. Serve: Spoon into bowls or cups and enjoy chilled. Garnish with extra strawberries or cake crumbs if desired.

✔Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 2–3 days. Best enjoyed fresh.

• Freezer: Not recommended—texture will change when thawed

Variations & Substitutions

• Use Pound Cake for a denser, richer texture

• Add Cream Cheese for a cheesecake-like twist

• Try Different Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, or pineapple work well

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes—just prepare it the day before and keep chilled until ready to serve.

Can I use frozen strawberries? It’s best to stick with fresh—they hold up better and don’t water down the fluff.

What pudding flavor works best? Cheesecake or vanilla pudding add a rich, creamy flavor, but strawberry pudding makes it extra fruity.

This Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad is light, creamy, and bursting with berry goodness—a fun twist on the classic dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist! 🍓🍰☁️

Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 1 box 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
• ▢ 1 cup 0.5 lbs cold milk
• ▢ 1 container 8 oz / 0.5 lbs whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• ▢ 2 cups 0.5 lbs fresh strawberries, chopped
• ▢ 2 –3 cups 0.5–0.75 lbs cubed pound cake or angel food cake
• ▢ 1 cup 0.5 lbs mini marshmallows
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs strawberry yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

• Prepare the Pudding Base:
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
• Fold in the whipped topping and yogurt (if using) until creamy and fluffy.
• Add the Mix-Ins:
• Gently stir in the chopped strawberries, mini marshmallows, and cake cubes.
• Mix until everything is evenly coated with the fluffy pudding mixture.
• Chill:
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up slightly.
• Serve:
• Spoon into bowls and garnish with extra strawberries or cake cubes if desired.
• Best served chilled!