Jello Pudding Fluff

About This Recipe

Jello Pudding Fluff, also commonly known as “Pudding Fluff” or “Pudding Whip,” is a classic no-bake dessert salad. It is a simple mixture made by combining instant pudding mix with whipped topping and often other ingredients like fruit or cottage cheese. The result is a light, creamy, and sweet dessert with an airy texture that is quick to prepare and requires no cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires no baking or cooking, just mixing.

Quick to Make: It can be prepared in under 15 minutes, plus chilling time.

Versatile Base: The basic recipe is a perfect canvas for adding various mix-ins like fruit, nuts, or coconut.

Crowd-Pleasing: Its light, sweet flavor and fluffy texture are popular at potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

1 (3.4 oz) package of instant pudding mix (any flavor, such as vanilla, chocolate, or lemon)

1 (8 oz) container of frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

1 cup of cold milk (whole or 2% recommended)

Optional Add-ins (choose one or a combination):

1 to 2 cups of small fruit pieces (e.g., mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, drained; berries)

1 cup of miniature marshmallows

1 cup of cottage cheese

Step by Step Instructions

Chill Your Bowl: For best results, place a medium mixing bowl in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before starting.

Combine Pudding and Milk: In the chilled bowl, pour in the 1 cup of cold milk. Add the entire package of instant pudding mix.

Whisk: Immediately begin whisking vigorously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. Do not let it set fully.

Fold in Whipped Topping: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture. Continue folding until no white streaks remain and the mixture is uniform and fluffy.

Add Mix-ins: If using any optional ingredients like fruit or marshmallows, gently fold them in at this stage.

Chill: Transfer the fluff to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend and the texture to set slightly.

Serve: Spoon into bowls or cups. Garnish with a dollop of whipped topping or a piece of fruit if desired.

FAQ

Can I use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping?

Yes, sugar-free instant pudding mix and light or fat-free whipped topping can be substituted to create a lower-calorie version.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?

Yes, you can use 2 cups of freshly whipped, sweetened heavy cream. Note that the texture may be slightly less stable but will be equally delicious.

How long does it take to set?

It is technically edible immediately but is best after chilling for at least 1 hour to achieve the ideal fluffy yet set consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add delicate fruits like bananas just before serving to prevent browning.

You Must Know

This is a no-bake recipe using instant pudding. “Cook-and-serve” or “cooked” pudding mixes will not work as they require heating and a different liquid ratio, resulting in a dense mixture, not a fluff.

The key to maximum fluffiness is to foldthe whipped topping, not stir aggressively. This preserves the air bubbles that create the light texture.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and texture.

This dessert does not freeze well, as the whipped topping can become watery and separate upon thawing.

If the fluff weeps or separates slightly after storage, a quick stir will often recombine it.