Pineapple fluff is usually made from canned pineapple.
Pineapple fluff is a traditional American dessert or side dish that is usually made with canned pineapple and whipped cream, whipped cream cheese, or a commercial whipped topping. There are dozens of variations on this dish, many varying by region or family recipe. As it is usually an easy and simple dish to prepare, especially in large quantities, pineapple fluff can be found on the buffet table at large gatherings. Although it can be consumed alone, in some cases it is also used as a filling for cakes.
Pineapple fluff is sometimes served on an all-you-can-eat salad bar.
While fresh pineapple can certainly be used in the preparation of this dish, most cooks prefer the convenience and sweetness of canned pineapple. The recipe usually calls for crushed pineapple, which can be more easily mixed into the cream base. After the cook drains the crushed pineapple, it is mixed with the creamy base ingredients. The nature of these basic ingredients can vary significantly depending on the desired consistency and flavor of the finished dish, and are normally matched to the recipe depending on the degree of sweetness imparted to the dish.
Cooks who prefer a lean version of pineapple made with less sweetness can use fresh pineapple.
If pineapple fluff is served as a garnish, the base ingredients may include items that are more savory or pungent than those that add additional sweetness. For example, you can include cream cheese, cottage cheese, or even mayonnaise. Whether served as a salad or a side dish, pineapple cake can be presented on a bed of lettuce or on its own in a bowl so people can help themselves. In some areas, pineapple fluff is a common and popular addition to salad bars and buffet lines.
When pineapple fluff is consumed as a dessert, cooks often experiment with different types of cream bases and may even mix more than one. In its simplest form, the dessert can be mixed with a commercially prepared whipped cream and served. Other variations may add additional ingredients, such as nuts or marshmallows, to the mix. More complicated mixes can use cream cheese or even various types of flavored and sweetened pudding. While vanilla is usually a good, neutral option, a popular version of pineapple fluff incorporates pistachio pudding, made from a commercial mix of freshly shelled pistachios, plus drained and crushed pineapple. Diet versions of the dish may incorporate low-fat whipped toppings along with commercial unsweetened gelatin to add flavor and color.