🥣 Ingredients

• 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)
• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
• 2 medium bananas, sliced
• 1 cup halved maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
• 1 cup chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Chocolate syrup or hot fudge (for drizzling)
• Additional cherries and whipped cream for garnish (optional)

🧁 Instructions

1. Mix pudding and pineapple: In a large bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and the entire can of crushed pineapple (including the juice). Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
2. Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined. This creates the light, fluffy base of your salad.
3. Add marshmallows and fruit: Stir in mini marshmallows, sliced bananas, cherries, and strawberries. If using nuts, fold them in now for a bit of crunch.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend and the mixture to thicken into a creamy fluff.
5. Serve: Spoon into dessert cups or a large serving bowl. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or hot fudge, and top with extra whipped cream and cherries if desired.

🍍 Tips for the Best Banana Split Fluff

• Don’t skip draining the cherries! Too much liquid can make the salad watery — pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing.
• Add bananas just before serving: This keeps them from browning and preserves that fresh look.
• Use cold ingredients: Chilled pudding, fruit, and whipped topping make the fluff firmer and more refreshing.
• Customize it: Swap in crushed Oreos, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips for fun variations.

🍨 Make It Your Own

• Banana Split Parfaits: Layer the fluff with crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers in tall glasses — elegant and fun!
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add a spoonful of cocoa powder to the pudding mix or stir in mini chocolate chips.
• Tropical Twist: Mix in diced mango, mandarin oranges, or shredded coconut for island vibes.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts and top with crushed pretzels for salty crunch instead.

⏰ Storage & Serving

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving if it separates slightly.
• Freezing not recommended: The texture changes after thawing, so always serve fresh or refrigerated.
• Make-ahead tip: You can mix everything except bananas up to a day in advance — just add them right before serving.

🍫 Serving Ideas

This Banana Split Fluff Salad works beautifully as a picnic dessert or sweet side dish at BBQs and family reunions. Serve it chilled in a large glass bowl for a colorful centerpiece, or scoop it into waffle cones for a fun, ice-cream-inspired presentation that kids adore!

For parties, try setting up a “fluff bar” — bowls of chocolate syrup, nuts, coconut, and cherries so everyone can top their own portion like a sundae.