If you’re a pina colada lover, do we have the dessert recipe for you! Our pina colada fluff takes cues from the classic cocktail by combining pineapple, coconut and rum into a fluffy, creamy and scoopable confection.

Are you overdue for a trip to the tropics? There’s something about the feeling of the sunshine on your face, the sand between your toes and a fruity rum drink in hand that’s hard to replicate. But if you can’t make a beach vacation happen this year, whipping up this pina colada fluff will make you feel pretty darn close.

Each bite captures the tropical, fruity flavors of the classic pina colada with coconut, pineapple and rum. Instead of a frosty sipper, though, the fluffy concoction is created with layers of airy whipped topping and creamy pudding mix. This surprisingly sweet treat makes a festive dinner party dessert, but the pina colada fluff recipe is easy enough to prep for weeknights too.

Ingredients for Pina Colada Fluff

• Crushed pineapple: Cans of crushed pineapple are always in season. Be sure not to drain the can, because our recipe calls for the juice too. If you pick up any extra fruit, put it to use in another canned pineapple recipe.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: Perfectly creamy, rich vanilla pudding makes a delicious, foolproof dessert base. Baking with instant pudding mix may sound like a cheap shortcut, but don’t overthink it. Pudding adds moisture (yes, even though it’s a dry ingredient). Plus, its consistent texture and flavor make traditionally finicky desserts, like custards, foolproof for home cooks.
• Coconut rum or rum extract: Use coconut rum for a boozy dessert, or pick up rum extract in the baking aisle to get all the tropical flavor without the kick (which is what we love about recipes with rum extract).
• Miniature marshmallows: Chewy, sweet mini marshmallows add texture and flavor to many fluff salad recipes, including this one.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Toasting the shredded coconut brings out the taste and adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the soft, fluffy dessert.
• Pistachios: Toasted, shelled and chopped pistachios are tasty, colorful and crunchy toppers.
• Frozen whipped topping: This recipe’s distinctive fluffy texture is due to whipped topping. Defrost the topping before using it.

Taste of Home