Vanilla Caramel Cheesecake Fluff is a creamy, dreamy dessert salad made with soft cream cheese, fluffy whipped topping, swirls of golden caramel, and a hint of vanilla.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (unprepared)
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, for sweet-salty contrast)
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👨🍳 Directions:
Step 1: Beat the base
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the dry vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Beat for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Fold in the fluff
1. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and creamy.
2. Swirl in the caramel sauce using a spatula — don’t fully mix, you want ribbons of caramel throughout.
3. Fold in mini marshmallows and crushed vanilla wafers, if using.
Step 3: Chill & serve
1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let it set and flavors meld.
2. Before serving, drizzle with more caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed wafers or a pinch of sea salt.
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💡Tips:
- Make it extra indulgent by topping with toffee bits or chopped pecans.
- Use salted caramel sauce for a flavor contrast that enhances the sweetness.
- For a fun twist, layer it in parfait cups with more crushed cookies or graham cracker crumbs.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This also works beautifully as a filling for a no-bake pie crust!