
This velvety fruit medley with Cool Whip elevates simple fruits into a decadent treat that's ideal for gatherings, family events, or backyard cookouts. The blend of crunchy toasted coconut and pecans provides wonderful texture against the smooth base, while the instant pudding creates a rich coating that wraps around each tasty morsel.
I whipped up this fruit mix for the first time at my kid's graduation celebration, and it was gone before anything else we served. These days, everyone asks me to bring it to our family get-togethers, particularly when it's hot outside and we're looking for something cool and refreshing.
Ingredients
- Mandarin oranges in water: Their liquid mixes with pudding to form the smooth foundation
- Instant vanilla pudding: Makes the dressing thick with no need to cook
- Cool Whip: Gives that airy, soft consistency that folks can't resist
- Green grapes, blueberries, strawberries: These fresh picks add vibrant colors and sweet flavors
- Pineapple tidbits: Bring an island taste and juicy bits throughout
- Coconut flakes: Getting them toasty brings out their flavor and adds crispness
- Pecans: Add a buttery taste and nice contrast to the tender fruits
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toast the Pecans:
- Warm up a clean skillet over medium heat. Toss in the pecans and keep them moving for about 2-5 minutes. Keep your eyes on them as they'll burn fast. They're done when you can smell them and they turn slightly darker. Take them off the hot pan right away to cool down.
- Toast the Coconut:
- With the same pan, heat it up on medium. Throw in your coconut flakes and turn down to medium-low. Keep stirring for 3-4 minutes until they turn light gold. The edges will brown first, so don't stop moving them around. Get them out of the pan quickly once they're done to stop them cooking further.
- Create the Creamy Base:
- In a big bowl, dump the entire can of mandarin oranges WITH their juice. Scatter the dry vanilla pudding powder over them and mix until it's all blended. You'll notice it thickening right away. Carefully fold the Cool Whip in with a flexible spatula, trying not to squash all the air out.
- Add Fruits and Nuts:
- Put in the cut grapes, whole blueberries, sliced strawberries, and drained pineapple chunks. Sprinkle your toasted coconut and pecans on top. Mix everything together gently so you don't smash the soft berries.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover your bowl with some plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors can mingle and the pudding firms up. When you're ready to serve, you might want to top it with extra toasted coconut, pecans, and fresh fruit to make it look prettier.

The trick that makes this so special is how the mandarin juice mixes with vanilla pudding. My grandma showed me this little hack, and I still remember watching from my perch on a kitchen stool, totally amazed as the pudding turned into a smooth sauce without any heat.
Fruit Selection Tips
You don't have to stick with just the fruits in this list – feel free to switch things up based on what's fresh. Summer calls for peaches and nectarines, while fall is perfect for apples and pears. Just make sure you cut firmer fruits into small, easy-to-eat chunks. You can toss in bananas right before serving if you want, but they'll turn brown if they sit in the mix too long.
Make-Ahead Strategies
You can get parts ready separately up to a day early. Get your nuts and coconut toasted and put them in sealed containers. Clean and prep your fruits but keep them apart in the fridge. Mix up the pudding base with Cool Whip and chill it. Then throw everything together 1-2 hours before folks arrive for the best results. If you need to make the whole thing ahead, save some fresh berries to scatter on top right before serving so it looks fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet fruit mix stands on its own as a dessert, but it's also amazing next to some pound cake or angel food cake. For morning gatherings, put it alongside some croissants or muffins. During hot months, I love to scoop it into hollowed watermelon halves for a fun look. Small jars filled with individual portions work great for picnics or outdoor parties too.

Treat yourself to this creamy fruit mix anytime you need something special!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I replace the canned mandarins with fresh ones?
Definitely! Use fresh mandarins, but replace the juice with a small splash of water or orange juice to mix with the pudding.
- → Is there an alternative to Cool Whip?
You can swap it with whipped cream or a dairy-free topping if you prefer.
- → How do I stop the fruit from softening too much?
Drain canned fruits well and gently dry fresh ones with a paper towel before using.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best if eaten the same day, but you can prepare it a few hours early and store it chilled until serving.
- → What are some optional fruits I can toss in?
Consider extras like bananas, kiwi, or raspberries to change things up.
- → Skipping the toasted step for pecans and coconut—okay or not?
You don’t have to toast them, but doing so boosts flavor and adds a crunchy bite to your dish.