Creamy Coconut Ambrosia Delight

As an experienced chef who’s perfected many versions of this retro favorite, here’s my delightful twist: Creamy Coconut Ambrosia Delight – an extra-coconutty, ultra-fluffy no-bake fruit salad that’s creamy, tropical, and impossible to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Coconut Ambrosia Delight is a dreamy, cloud-like treat bursting with tropical flavors – rich Cool Whip mixed with extra coconut for intense chew and aroma, juicy pineapple and mandarin oranges, sweet maraschino cherries, and soft mini marshmallows that melt in your mouth.

It’s effortless to whip up with no oven needed, tastes like vacation in a bowl, offers perfect sweet-tangy balance, and brings back happy childhood memories while wowing everyone at picnics, holidays, or family dinners.

Yield: 10 Serves

Creamy Coconut Ambrosia Delight

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Ultra-creamy coconut ambrosia delight with fluffy Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, tropical fruits, cherries, and loads of coconut – pure bliss!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess and tang)
• 1½–2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (plus ¼ cup toasted for garnish, optional)
• 2 cups mini marshmallows (rainbow for colorful fun)
• 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, well drained
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained
• 1 (10-16 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained, rinsed, halved
• Optional: ½–¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, lightly toasted

Instructions

1. Get out your largest, happiest mixing bowl – we're about to create something magical and coconut-packed! Ensure your Cool Whip is nicely thawed for easy folding.
2. Scoop the entire Cool Whip into the bowl. Stir in the sour cream if using – it adds that luxurious, tangy creaminess that makes this extra special.
3. Fold the Cool Whip and sour cream together gently with a big spatula until silky smooth – keep movements light to hold onto all that fluffy airiness.
4. Add a generous 1½ cups of sweetened shredded coconut right away – this is the star for that intense, chewy coconut delight in every bite!
5. Toss in the well-drained mandarin oranges – their juicy, sunny segments bring bright citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with coconut.
6. Mix in the drained crushed pineapple next – it delivers tropical sweetness and moisture without making things too wet (drain well!).
7. Sprinkle those cute mini marshmallows all over – rainbow ones look adorable and add playful sweetness and soft chew.
8. Drop in the halved maraschino cherries for pops of vibrant red color and classic cherry sweetness – they make everything festive!
9. If adding nuts, fold in the toasted pecans or walnuts now – their crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy coconut base.
10. Give everything one last gentle, loving fold to combine without deflating the fluff. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight turns it dreamy). Before serving, top with extra toasted coconut and a cherry – scoop and watch the smiles appear!

Notes

Emphasize coconut by toasting some for garnish. Drain fruits obsessively for perfect texture. Super customizable – taste and tweak sweetness or coconut amount to your liking. Serve chilled for maximum refreshment.

Nutrition Information

Yield

10

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 208Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 7mgSodium 45mgCarbohydrates 47gFiber 1gSugar 35gProtein 1g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

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Recipe Tips and Tricks

Thoroughly drain canned fruits (use a colander and press lightly) to avoid a soggy mess – this keeps the creaminess thick and luxurious. Fold gently with a wide spatula to preserve the airy texture of the Cool Whip.

For maximum coconut flavor and texture, use both shredded and toasted coconut if possible. Chill longer (overnight preferred) so marshmallows soften beautifully and flavors deepen into pure bliss.

Rainbow mini marshmallows add playful color contrast against the white coconut. If it thickens too much in the fridge, a tiny splash of pineapple juice revives it without watering it down. Garnish the top with extra toasted coconut and a cherry for that wow-factor presentation!

Ingredients Notes

Cool Whip delivers stable, light-as-air creaminess that’s foolproof. Extra sweetened shredded coconut (and optional toasted) amps up the coconut theme for richer flavor and chew.

Mini marshmallows bring sweetness and soft texture – rainbow ones make it visually fun. Canned mandarin oranges provide bright, juicy citrus bursts; crushed pineapple adds tropical moisture and tang (drain well!).

Maraschino cherries contribute vibrant color, cherry sweetness, and classic nostalgia – halve for even distribution.

Sour cream (optional) adds subtle tang to balance the sweetness and enhance creaminess. Pecans or walnuts offer optional crunch – toast them for nuttier depth that pairs wonderfully with coconut.

Variations and Substitutions

Boost coconut intensity by using coconut whipped topping instead of Cool Whip or adding coconut extract. For lighter version, substitute part Cool Whip with Greek yogurt or light sour cream.

Dairy-free? Opt for coconut-based whipped topping and skip sour cream. Add fresh fruits like diced mango, kiwi, or banana (add just before serving to prevent browning). Replace pineapple with tropical fruit cocktail or add passion fruit for exotic twist.

Use unsweetened coconut and reduce marshmallows for less sweetness. Stir in chopped macadamia nuts instead of pecans for ultimate tropical vibe. For fun, mix in white chocolate chips or toasted almonds. Try vanilla pudding mix folded in for pudding-like thickness.

Storage Options

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days – it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld and marshmallows tenderize. Give a gentle stir before serving if needed.

Freezing not recommended, as fruit juices and whipped topping separate and become watery upon thawing.

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Until you can read, Cool Whip Ambrosia with Mini Marshmallows