Red, White, and Blue Dessert Recipe

Now that summer is just around the corner it is time to pull out my favorite summertime recipes including this Red, White, and Blue Dessert recipe. It is one of my favorite dessert recipes to make when celebrating Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day with family and friends.

However, I also like to take this dessert to any backyard barbecue or picnic. It is a light and fluffy dessert that is refreshing to serve on a hot summer day.

Best of all it is easy to prepare. With just 7 ingredients and no cooking required this dessert recipe comes together in no time.

And it all starts with what is called ‘the fluff’. This term is used to describe the light and airy mixture that binds the dessert together.

Although it can be made with various ingredients this recipe uses cheesecake pudding mix, cool whipped topping and strawberry flavored yogurt. Then for a touch of added flavor a little vanilla extract is added to the mix.

Then right before serving you add the iconic red, white and blue colors. The red color is represented by sliced strawberries.

The blue comes from whole blueberries. Finally mini marshmallows are added to represent the white color of the American flag.

What you end up with is a delicious dessert that is also fun and festive.

Ingredients Required

1. Pudding Mix

Cheesecake flavored pudding mix is used to add both texture and a creamy flavor to this dessert. However, be sure to use instant and not the cook variety of pudding.

If you are having difficulty finding cheesecake pudding mix your best substitute is to use white chocolate. This will help retain the neutral color that you are looking for in the fluff mixture.

Once you start to make the red, white and blue dessert, don’t follow the instructions on the back of the package to actually make the pudding. Instead of using milk the dry pudding mix will be combined with the other ingredients in this recipe to become thick and creamy.

2. Whipped Topping

Prepared whipped topping is used and is what makes this dessert so light and airy. I use a tub of Cool Whip, however you can use whatever brand that you prefer.

In addition you can use regular, reduced fat, or fat free topping. Although the texture will be slightly different between all three varieties each one will work just fine in this recipe.

Just be sure to use the whipped topping that you find in the freezer section of the grocery store. You don’t want to use the refrigerator cans that spray out of the top.

Then when it is time to mix the ingredients together be sure that the whipped topping is completely thawed. Otherwise you will have frozen lumps that doesn’t mix well with the other ingredients.

3. Yogurt

To add another layer of creaminess and a little tartness to help balance out the sweetness of the cheesecake pudding and whipped topping, strawberry flavored yogurt is added. Standard yogurt works best in this recipe.

However, you can also choose to use Greek yogurt instead. Although if you do so the fluff will become thicker and not as fluffy.

It can still work, but the texture will be more dense.

4. Pure Vanilla Extract

Just like with many recipes, pure vanilla extract is added to the dessert to enhance the other flavors. Simply mix it in at the same time that you are mixing the pudding, whipped topping and yogurt together.

5. Fruit

Now comes the festive part of adding the fruit for color and texture. Both strawberries and blueberries are used to represent the red and blue in the American flag.

I prefer to use strawberries instead of raspberries because they are firmer and hold their shape better. In addition, raspberries break down more when mixed which causes the fluff to turn more red in color.

However, because strawberries are larger in size you will need to slice them before adding them to the red, white and blue dessert. You can cut them into thin slices with a paring knife, or use a Strawberry Slicer to make easy work of slicing the strawberries.

I use the slicer when I make my Strawberry Pretzel Dessert and also for cutting hard boiled eggs for Potato Salad. It is a huge time saver to get the ingredients sliced in a fraction of the time.

As for the blueberries, all you have to do is add them whole. However, it is extremely important to follow two important tips that I have shared below in regards to adding the fruit.

6. Mini Marshmallows

Finally, the last ingredient that you will need are mini marshmallows. The marshmallows not only represent the white color of the American flag but it also adds another light and airy texture to the dessert.

However, instead of mixing them with the fluff at the beginning of the recipe, mix them in with the fruit right before serving. This will help them keep a firm texture.

Add Fruit Right Before Serving

It is important to add the fruit to the red, white, and blue salad at the last minute to prevent the dessert from becoming too soggy. The high water content in fruit can cause them to release their juices over time, which can make the mixture too watery or mushy.

In addition, it is just as important to completely dry the fruit after rinsing. You don’t want any excess moisture getting into the whipped topping mixture.

By adding the dry fruit to the fluff dessert just before serving, you can help ensure that it retains its fresh, vibrant appearance. Then you will have the perfect burst of flavor and texture to each bite, rather than a mushy mixture with soggy pieces of fruit scattered throughout.

Red, White, and Blue Dessert Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 box 3.4 oz. instant cheesecake pudding mix
• 12 oz cool whipped topping, thawed
• 18 oz. strawberry flavored yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 lb. strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl add the cool whipped topping, cheesecake pudding mix, vanilla extract, and yogurt and whisk until smooth.

Cover the mixture and then refrigerate until for at least one hour or until ready to serve.

Right before serving wash and dry and the strawberries. Then slice them into thin pieces. Add them to the bowl with the cheesecake pudding mixture.

Wash and pat the blueberries dry. Add the blueberries to the cheesecake mixture.

Add the miniature marshmallows and stir gently until everything is combined.

Serve immediately.

Enjoy! Mary

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