Dairy Free Raspberry Fluff is a light, creamy, fruit-filled side dish that tastes almost like dessert. Fluffy, sweet, and bright with raspberry flavor, this easy raspberry fluff salad is perfect for baby showers, bridal showers, barbecues, picnics, potlucks, holidays, or a simple weekend dinner. If you avoid milk products, you can still enjoy a creamy fruit salad with a soft, whipped texture. As written, this recipe is made without dairy, wheat, egg, soy, peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish ingredients, with a simple gluten-free option. Always check your own labels to make sure every ingredient works for your needs.
WHY WE LOVE THIS RASPBERRY FLUFF SALAD
Potluck and barbecue side dishes are often the most exciting part of the meal, and fruit salads are always near the top of the list. This dairy free raspberry fluff salad is especially fun because it is cool, creamy, and full of berry flavor, yet it does not require fresh fruit to be in season. Frozen raspberries make the recipe easy to prepare any time of year, and they help create the beautiful pink color as they thaw into the mixture.
This is one of those recipes that sits perfectly between a side dish and a dessert. It is sweet enough to feel special, but it still works beautifully alongside grilled foods, sandwiches, picnic plates, and holiday spreads. The texture is soft and airy, with a creamy base, juicy raspberries, and a cheesecake-style flavor from the pudding mix. It is simple to make, easy to transport, and best when it has time to chill, which makes it a great make-ahead recipe for gatherings.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE FRESH RASPBERRIES?
No, fresh raspberries are not required. This recipe intentionally uses frozen raspberries so you can make it even when raspberries are not in season. Frozen berries are convenient, flavorful, and easy to keep on hand. They also soften as the salad chills, blending into the creamy mixture and deepening the raspberry color.
You can add fresh raspberries on top before serving if you want a pretty garnish, as shown in the photos, but they are optional. The recipe will still taste delicious without them.
HOW DO I MAKE COOL WHIP DAIRY FREE?
Traditional whipped topping usually contains dairy, so this dairy free raspberry fluff uses a dairy free whipped cream alternative. You can use a store-bought dairy free whipped topping, such as Coco Whip from So Delicious, or you can make your own dairy free whipped cream at home.
For a homemade version, Country Crock Plant Cream works well as a heavy cream replacement. Chill the plant cream, mixing bowl, and beaters first, then whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This gives the raspberry fluff a creamy, light texture without using milk-based cream.
If you use a different dairy free whipping cream, follow the same general method and keep everything cold. Chilling the bowl and beaters helps the whipped cream hold its shape and fold smoothly into the raspberry mixture.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS RASPBERRY FLUFF SALAD?
This easy dairy free raspberry fluff recipe uses a short list of ingredients:
- Vanilla dairy free yogurt, such as So Delicious, or another non-dairy brand that works for your diet
- Cheesecake instant pudding mix, used dry and not prepared according to the box directions
- Frozen raspberries
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
WHAT DAIRY FREE YOGURT DO I RECOMMEND?
There are many dairy free yogurt options available, so use the one that fits your dietary needs and tastes best to you. A coconut-based vanilla yogurt, such as So Delicious, works well in this recipe because it has a creamy texture and mild flavor. If you prefer another dairy free yogurt brand, it can be used as long as it is vanilla flavored and has a texture you enjoy.
Because ingredients and manufacturing practices can change, always read the label before buying or serving any product, especially if you are preparing this recipe for someone with food allergies.
DON’T JELLO PUDDING MIXES HAVE DAIRY?
Many people assume instant pudding mixes contain dairy because prepared pudding is usually made with milk. However, some boxed pudding mixes do not contain milk ingredients before liquid is added. For this recipe, the pudding mix is used dry to add flavor and help thicken the raspberry fluff.
The cheesecake flavor is used for a creamy, dessert-like taste, but it is important to read the ingredient label every time. The original article notes that the cheesecake flavor contains barley, so it is not suitable for a gluten-free version. If you need this raspberry fluff to be gluten free, use a vanilla instant pudding mix instead, as it gives a similar result with very little change in flavor.
You may also notice ingredients such as lactic acid on some labels. Lactic acid is not always dairy-derived, but anyone with allergies or dietary restrictions should verify the product for themselves. Ingredient lists can change, so the safest approach is to check each box you use.
CAN I ADD MARSHMALLOWS TO THE RECIPE?
Many fluff salad recipes include marshmallows, mini marshmallows, or marshmallow creme. This raspberry fluff is already sweet and creamy, so marshmallows are not necessary. However, if you like the extra sweetness and texture, you can fold in mini marshmallows before chilling. Choose a brand that fits your dietary needs and always check the label.
WHAT TOOLS ARE NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE?
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this dairy free raspberry fluff salad:
- Stand mixer with a whisk attachment, or hand-held electric beaters
- Spatula
- Large mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Airtight container
- Measuring cups and spoons
WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO SERVE THIS SALAD?
This chilled raspberry fluff salad is especially nice from spring through fall, when potlucks, barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings are common. Its soft pink color also makes it a lovely choice for baby showers, bridal showers, Valentine’s Day, Easter meals, and birthday parties.
Because it needs several hours to chill, it is a helpful make-ahead dish. Prepare it earlier in the day or the night before, keep it refrigerated, and give it a gentle stir before serving.
DO I HAVE OTHER DAIRY FREE SUMMER DISHES?
Yes. If you enjoy dairy free potluck recipes, fruit desserts, and summer salads, there are many similar dishes that can work well for warm-weather meals and family gatherings. Look for dairy free versions of chilled pies, pasta salads, potato salads, no-bake desserts, sheet cakes, and picnic-friendly treats.
- Frozen Raspberry Pie
- S’mores Brownie Bars
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Ranch Potato Salad
- Salted Caramel Rice Krispies
- No Bake Strawberry Jello Pie
- Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Asian Pasta and Spinach Salad
- Avocado BLT Pasta Salad
DO I HAVE A VIDEO SHOWING HOW TO MAKE THIS DESSERT?
Yes. A video can be helpful if you like to see the texture of the whipped cream, how gently to fold the ingredients together, and how the finished raspberry fluff should look after chilling. If your page supports video embeds, place the video near the recipe card so readers can follow along while they prepare the dish.
Dairy Free Raspberry Fluff
12
30 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 30 minutes
Dairy Free Raspberry Fluff is a creamy, fluffy raspberry fruit salad that works as a sweet side dish or a light dessert. It is made without dairy and includes a gluten-free option.
Ingredients
- 1 container (24 oz.) vanilla dairy free yogurt, such as So Delicious
- 1 package (3.4 oz.) cheesecake instant pudding mix, dry*
- 1 package (12 oz.) frozen raspberries
- 8 ounces (1 cup) Country Crock Plant Cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Set the frozen raspberries out so they can begin to thaw slightly.
- Place your mixing bowl, beaters, and the carton of Country Crock Plant Cream in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- While those items chill, whisk the vanilla dairy free yogurt and dry cheesecake pudding mix together in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Remove the chilled bowl, beaters, and plant cream from the freezer. Pour 8 ounces, or 1 cup, of plant cream into the chilled bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Beat slowly at first to incorporate the powdered sugar, then increase to high speed and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the raspberries into the yogurt and pudding mixture.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the raspberry mixture until combined. Do not overmix, or the fluff may lose volume.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours before serving. This allows the raspberries to continue thawing, the color to deepen, and the texture to become soft and creamy.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Stir gently before serving and keep refrigerated when not serving.
Notes
*For a gluten-free option, use vanilla instant pudding mix instead of cheesecake flavor if the cheesecake variety contains barley.
*If you cannot use Country Crock Plant Cream, try another dairy free heavy whipping cream alternative that works for your dietary needs.
*Always check every ingredient label before preparing this recipe for someone with food allergies. Product formulas and allergen statements can change.
*If you are cooking for someone with food allergies, ask them to review every brand and ingredient you plan to use. Also discuss how to avoid cross-contact in your kitchen.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 101
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 24mg
Sodium: 49mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 2g
DON’T FORGET TO SAVE THIS DAIRY FREE RASPBERRY FLUFF RECIPE SO YOU CAN MAKE IT AGAIN.
