Introduction

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the nostalgic flavors of a classic banana split while following a low-carb lifestyle, this Easy Keto Banana Split Fluff Salad is about to become one of your favorite desserts. It has everything I love about an old-fashioned banana split—the creamy texture, juicy berries, crunchy nuts, fluffy whipped cream, and sweet vanilla flavor—but without the sugar overload that usually comes with it.

Growing up, fluffy dessert salads always made an appearance at family gatherings. Whether it was a summer barbecue, holiday dinner, birthday party, or neighborhood potluck, someone would always arrive carrying a giant bowl filled with a creamy, colorful dessert salad. I remember sneaking back for a second helping before dinner even started because they were simply irresistible.

Once I switched to a keto lifestyle, I thought those nostalgic desserts were a thing of the past. Traditional fluff salads rely on marshmallows, pudding mixes, canned fruit, and sugary whipped toppings—ingredients that are far from keto-friendly. After plenty of experimenting in my own kitchen, I discovered that recreating those familiar flavors wasn’t nearly as difficult as I expected.

The result is this incredibly creamy, refreshing, and satisfying Easy Keto Banana Split Fluff Salad. Every spoonful delivers sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, crunchy pecans, rich cream cheese, fluffy whipped cream, and a hint of banana flavor without loading you up with sugar or unnecessary carbs.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how effortless it is. There is no baking, no cooking, and no complicated techniques involved. Everything comes together in one bowl, making it perfect for busy weekdays, last-minute guests, meal prep, or holiday celebrations.

Because it’s served chilled, it’s especially refreshing during warmer months. I often prepare it in the morning and let it chill until dinner. By dessert time, the flavors have blended beautifully, creating a rich and creamy salad that tastes like it came from a bakery.

Even family members who don’t follow keto usually have no idea it’s sugar-free. They simply see a beautiful bowl filled with colorful berries and creamy goodness and happily help themselves to seconds.

Whether you’re looking for an easy keto dessert, a summer party favorite, a holiday treat, or simply something sweet without the guilt, this recipe checks every box.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this dessert has become one of my favorite no-bake keto recipes.

• 🍓 Tastes just like a classic banana split without all the sugar.
• 🥣 Only one mixing bowl needed, making cleanup incredibly easy.
• ❄️ No baking required, perfect for hot summer days.
• 🥄 Rich, creamy, and fluffy with an irresistible texture.
• 🥜 Crunchy pecans add amazing contrast to every bite.
• 🍇 Fresh berries provide natural sweetness while staying keto-friendly.
• ⏰ Ready in about 15 minutes before chilling.
• 💚 Low in net carbs compared to traditional fluff salads.
• 🎉 Perfect for birthdays, BBQs, family dinners, holidays, baby showers, and potlucks.
• 📦 Great for meal prep since it tastes even better after chilling.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Loved by both keto and non-keto eaters.
• 🍨 Rich enough to satisfy dessert cravings without feeling overly heavy.
• ✨ Easily customizable with different berries, nuts, and flavorings.
• 🧁 Looks beautiful enough for entertaining guests.
• ❤️ A wonderful make-ahead dessert that saves time on busy days.

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My Personal Experience

I’ll admit that I wasn’t convinced my first attempt would work.

I had tried making keto dessert salads before, but they usually ended up too dense, too sweet, or lacking the light, fluffy texture that makes traditional fluff salads so enjoyable.

The turning point came when I realized the secret wasn’t adding more sweetener—it was getting the balance between whipped cream and cream cheese just right. Once I folded the whipped cream gently instead of mixing aggressively, everything transformed. The mixture became airy, silky, and incredibly smooth.

The first time I served it at a family gathering, I didn’t tell anyone it was keto.

Everyone assumed it was a regular dessert salad.

Several people asked for the recipe before I finally admitted it was completely sugar-free.

Watching everyone’s surprised reactions was honestly one of the best compliments I’ve received in the kitchen.

Now it’s one of those desserts I make almost automatically whenever we’re hosting friends or celebrating something special. Since it only takes a few minutes to prepare, I never feel stressed making it.

Sometimes I even portion it into individual dessert cups for easy grab-and-go treats throughout the week. After a long workday, having a chilled cup waiting in the refrigerator feels like the perfect reward without knocking me out of ketosis.

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Required Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl

A spacious mixing bowl gives you plenty of room to gently fold everything together without crushing the berries or knocking the air out of the whipped cream. The extra space also helps prevent spills while mixing.

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Electric Hand Mixer

A hand mixer makes whipping the heavy cream and blending the cream cheese much quicker. It creates a smooth, fluffy texture that would take much longer to achieve by hand.

If you’re using pre-whipped sugar-free topping, you’ll still want the mixer to soften and blend the cream cheese until completely smooth.

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Rubber Spatula

A flexible spatula is perfect for folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Folding instead of stirring helps keep the dessert light and airy.

It also makes scraping every last bit of the mixture from the bowl much easier.

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Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons

Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and texture every time.

Even small differences in sweetener or vanilla can noticeably affect the final flavor.

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Knife

A sharp knife makes slicing strawberries cleanly and evenly.

Uniform pieces help every serving contain the perfect balance of fruit.

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Cutting Board

A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for preparing your berries and chopping pecans.

Choose one large enough to keep everything organized while prepping.

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Serving Bowl

Since this recipe is naturally colorful, serving it in a clear glass bowl lets all those beautiful layers show through.

If serving guests, garnish just before bringing it to the table for the freshest appearance.

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Measuring Scale (Optional)

If you like precise nutrition tracking, a kitchen scale can be useful for weighing berries and cream cheese.

This is especially helpful if you’re carefully monitoring your daily macros.

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Ingredients & Substitutions

Cream Cheese – 8 ounces, softened

Cream cheese forms the rich, creamy base of the salad.

Allow it to soften completely before mixing to avoid lumps.

Substitutions:

• Mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor.
• Neufchâtel cheese for slightly fewer calories.

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Heavy Whipping Cream – 1½ cups

Whipped heavy cream gives the dessert its signature fluffy texture.

Freshly whipped cream always creates the best consistency.

Substitutions:

• Sugar-free whipped topping.
• Coconut cream for a dairy-free version (the flavor will change slightly).

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Powdered Keto Sweetener – ½ cup

Powdered sweetener blends smoothly without leaving a gritty texture.

Choose a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol, monk fruit blend, or allulose.

Substitutions:

• Allulose creates an extra creamy texture.
• Monk fruit sweetener provides a cleaner sweetness.

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Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons

Vanilla adds warmth and enhances every other flavor.

Use pure vanilla extract whenever possible.

Substitutions:

• Vanilla bean paste.
• Clear vanilla extract.

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Banana Extract – 1 teaspoon

This is the secret ingredient.

Since bananas are too high in carbohydrates for keto, banana extract recreates that classic banana split flavor without adding sugar.

Start with a smaller amount if you’ve never used it before.

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Fresh Strawberries – 1 cup, chopped

Strawberries provide sweetness, freshness, and vibrant color.

Try to dice them into bite-sized pieces.

Substitutions:

• Frozen strawberries (thawed and drained very well).
• Raspberries for a tangier flavor.

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Fresh Blueberries – ½ cup

Blueberries add little bursts of sweetness throughout the salad.

Because they’re naturally smaller, they require almost no prep work.

Substitutions:

• Blackberries (halved).
• Additional strawberries.

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Pecans – ½ cup, chopped

Pecans provide a buttery crunch that complements the creamy filling beautifully.

Toast them for 5 minutes if you’d like even more flavor.

Substitutions:

• Walnuts.
• Sliced almonds.
• Macadamia nuts.

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Unsweetened Shredded Coconut – ¼ cup (Optional)

This adds extra texture and a tropical note.

It’s completely optional but highly recommended if you enjoy coconut.

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Sugar-Free Mini Chocolate Chips – ¼ cup

Chocolate chips recreate the chocolate drizzle found on classic banana splits.

Choose a good-quality sugar-free variety.

Substitutions:

• Chopped sugar-free dark chocolate.
• Leave them out for even fewer carbs.

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Sugar-Free Maraschino Cherries – 6 to 8, chopped (Optional)

These add a nostalgic finishing touch.

If you can find sugar-free cherries, they’re a wonderful addition.

If not, simply garnish with fresh strawberries instead.

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How to Make Easy Keto Banana Split Fluff Salad

Step 1 – Soften the Cream Cheese

Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 to 45 minutes before starting.

Soft cream cheese blends much more smoothly and prevents unwanted lumps.

If you’re short on time, cut it into cubes so it softens faster.

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Step 2 – Whip the Heavy Cream

Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a clean mixing bowl.

Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form.

Continue mixing until medium-stiff peaks develop.

Be careful not to overmix or the cream may begin turning into butter.

Set aside in the refrigerator.

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Step 3 – Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth.

Add the powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and banana extract.

Continue mixing until silky and creamy.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

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Step 4 – Fold in the Whipped Cream

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

Avoid vigorous stirring.

Instead, scoop from the bottom and fold over the top until no streaks remain.

Don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly smooth immediately. Gentle folding creates the lightest texture.

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Step 5 – Prepare the Fruit

Wash the strawberries thoroughly and pat them completely dry.

Excess moisture can thin the salad.

Dice the strawberries into evenly sized pieces.

Rinse and dry the blueberries as well.

Dry fruit helps the salad stay fluffy instead of watery.

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Step 6 – Add the Mix-Ins

Fold the strawberries, blueberries, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped sugar-free cherries into the fluffy mixture.

Mix just until evenly distributed.

Try not to crush the berries while stirring.

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Step 7 – Taste and Adjust

Take a small spoonful and taste.

If you’d like a sweeter dessert, add another tablespoon of powdered sweetener.

Want a stronger banana flavor?

Add just a drop or two more banana extract.

Remember that the flavors become more balanced after chilling.

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Step 8 – Chill Before Serving

Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.

Cover tightly.

Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Two to four hours produces the best flavor and texture because everything has time to blend together.

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Step 9 – Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle additional chopped pecans, chocolate chips, strawberries, and a few sugar-free cherries over the top.

Serve chilled.

Every spoonful should be creamy, fruity, fluffy, and packed with classic banana split flavor.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Cold Cream Cheese

Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend smoothly and often leaves small lumps throughout the dessert.

Fix: Always allow it to soften before mixing.

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Overmixing the Whipped Cream

Too much mixing can make the cream grainy or buttery.

Fix: Stop mixing once medium peaks form.

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Stirring Instead of Folding

Aggressive mixing removes the air that makes fluff salads light.

Fix: Fold gently with a spatula.

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Using Wet Fruit

Moist berries release water into the mixture.

Fix: Dry fruit thoroughly after washing.

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Adding Too Much Banana Extract

Banana extract is concentrated.

Fix: Add gradually and taste before adding more.

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Serving Immediately

The flavors need time to develop.

Fix: Chill for at least one hour before serving.

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Skipping the Taste Test

Different sweeteners vary in sweetness.

Fix: Taste before refrigerating and adjust if needed.

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Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture.
• Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the cream.
• Fold gently to keep the dessert extra fluffy.
• Toast the pecans for deeper flavor.
• Use fresh berries whenever possible.
• Refrigerate overnight for even better flavor.
• Add chocolate chips just before serving if you prefer extra crunch.
• Garnish with additional whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.
• Serve in individual dessert glasses for parties.
• Keep leftovers refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

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Keto Benefits of Berries

Although many fruits are naturally high in sugar, berries are one of the most keto-friendly options available when enjoyed in moderation.

Strawberries and blueberries contain fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and important plant compounds while contributing fewer net carbohydrates than tropical fruits like bananas, grapes, or mangoes.

Strawberries are particularly rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that support overall health, while blueberries provide beneficial compounds known as anthocyanins, which give them their deep blue color.

Using banana extract instead of real bananas is another smart keto trick. It delivers the nostalgic banana split flavor you expect without the high carbohydrate content of fresh bananas. This simple swap allows you to enjoy the classic dessert experience while keeping your macros in check.

Combined with healthy fats from cream cheese, heavy cream, and pecans, the berries create a satisfying dessert that fits beautifully into a well-planned ketogenic lifestyle.

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Variations You Can Try

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few delicious ideas to keep things interesting.

Chocolate Lover’s Version

Add an extra ¼ cup of sugar-free chocolate chips and drizzle melted sugar-free dark chocolate over the top before serving.

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Cheesecake Fluff

Mix in one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a little extra vanilla extract for a cheesecake-inspired flavor.

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Tropical Banana Split

Add unsweetened toasted coconut, chopped macadamia nuts, and a splash of coconut extract for a tropical twist.

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Peanut Butter Banana Split

Fold in 2 tablespoons of natural sugar-free peanut butter or almond butter for a rich, nutty flavor.

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Mixed Berry Fluff

Replace the blueberries with raspberries and blackberries for a colorful berry medley.

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Extra Crunchy Version

Stir in chopped toasted walnuts, almonds, and pecans for even more texture.

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Holiday Version

Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive dessert that’s perfect during the holidays.

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Individual Dessert Cups

Divide the mixture into small serving glasses before chilling for an elegant presentation that’s perfect for parties or meal prep.

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Dairy-Free Option

Use whipped coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different, but the dessert will still be delicious and satisfyingly creamy.

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Tips for This Recipe

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, but a few simple tricks can make the difference between a good dessert and one that everyone asks you to make again.

• Always start with fully softened cream cheese. It blends much more easily and creates a silky-smooth base.
• Chill the mixing bowl before whipping the heavy cream if your kitchen is warm. Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape longer.
• Dry your berries thoroughly after washing. Even a little extra water can make the fluff salad thinner than you’d like.
• Fold the whipped cream in gently rather than stirring vigorously. This keeps the mixture light, airy, and fluffy.
• Taste before chilling. Some keto sweeteners are sweeter than others, so adjust the sweetness while everything is still easy to mix.
• Let the salad chill for at least one hour, but if you have time, two to four hours is even better. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests.
• Garnish just before serving so the toppings stay fresh and crunchy.
• If serving outdoors on a warm day, keep the bowl over ice or return it to the refrigerator between servings.
• For the prettiest presentation, reserve a handful of berries, pecans, and chocolate chips to sprinkle over the top right before serving.

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Optional Additions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Here are some delicious additions that work beautifully while staying keto-friendly.

• Sugar-free whipped cream for topping
• Toasted sliced almonds
• Chopped macadamia nuts
• Extra chopped pecans
• Unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
• Sugar-free chocolate syrup drizzle
• Sugar-free caramel sauce
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Lemon zest for brightness
• Lime zest for a fresh twist
• Chia seeds for added fiber
• Hemp hearts for extra protein
• Vanilla bean seeds
• A few fresh mint leaves for garnish

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Serving Ideas

This Easy Keto Banana Split Fluff Salad is much more versatile than most people expect.

I love serving it in a large glass bowl for family dinners because all the colorful berries show through the sides. It immediately catches everyone’s attention on the dessert table.

For parties, individual dessert cups are my favorite option. They’re easy to serve, look elegant, and make portion sizes simple.

Here are some other delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Serve after a summer barbecue.
• Bring it to a holiday gathering.
• Add it to a keto dessert buffet.
• Enjoy as an afternoon sweet snack.
• Serve with keto brownies for an extra-special dessert plate.
• Pair with keto vanilla cupcakes.
• Spoon into parfait glasses with layers of whipped cream.
• Top with extra chopped pecans for more crunch.
• Add a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream before serving.
• Enjoy as a light dessert after grilled chicken or steak dinners.
• Pack individual portions for meal prep.
• Serve during birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Christmas celebrations.

Because it isn’t overly heavy, it’s also a wonderful dessert after rich keto dinners.

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Storage Recommendations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it stores surprisingly well.

Refrigerator

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The flavor actually improves after several hours because everything has time to blend together.

If a little liquid separates after sitting, simply stir gently before serving.

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Freezer

Although you can freeze it, I don’t usually recommend doing so.

Cream cheese and whipped cream tend to change texture once thawed, becoming slightly grainy.

If you do freeze it:

• Store in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Stir gently before serving.

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Reheating

No reheating is needed.

This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely.

In fact, it’s even better when prepared several hours in advance because the flavors have time to develop.

I often make it the night before serving.

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Is this really keto-friendly?

Yes.

Unlike traditional banana split fluff salads, this version uses keto-approved sweeteners and banana extract instead of real bananas, dramatically lowering the carbohydrate content.

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Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, but thaw them completely and drain away any excess liquid first.

Too much moisture can make the salad watery.

Fresh berries always provide the best texture.

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What can I use instead of banana extract?

If you don’t have banana extract, simply leave it out.

The dessert will still be delicious, although it will taste more like a berry cheesecake fluff than a banana split.

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Which keto sweetener works best?

Powdered allulose and powdered monk fruit blends are my favorites because they dissolve smoothly and don’t leave a gritty texture.

Powdered erythritol also works well.

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Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes.

Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream.

The flavor will change slightly, but the dessert will still be creamy and delicious.

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Why did my fluff salad become runny?

Usually one of three things caused it:

• The berries weren’t dried well.
• The whipped cream was under-whipped.
• The ingredients were overmixed.

Following the instructions carefully should prevent this problem.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on 8 servings.

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 27g
• Total Carbohydrates: 9g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Net Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugar: 3g (naturally occurring from berries)
• Sodium: 155mg

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and sweeteners used.

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Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Chill Time	1 hour
Total Time	1 hour 15 minutes
Course	Dessert
Cuisine	American
Servings	8 servings
Calories	285 per serving