7-Up Fruit Mold
A colorful, fruity gelatin mold with creamy cheesecake flavor and citrus notes, perfect for festive gatherings or refreshing summer desserts that please all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the cream cheese, sugar, and the other creamed ingredients until smooth.
- Drain the fruit cocktail, sliced peaches, and mandarin oranges.
- Mix together gelatin with half a cup of tap water.
- Add half a cup of hot water to the gelatin mixture, then add 7-Up, Sprite, or ginger ale.
- Combine the gelatin mixture with the creamed mixture and stir well.
- Grease a mold with mayonnaise and pour the mixture into it.
- Add the drained fruits on top of the gelatin mixture, spreading evenly. You may want to slice peaches into smaller pieces.
- Chill the mold until set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the 7-Up with any lemon-lime soda or use a sugar-free version for fewer calories. If you prefer fresh fruit, feel free to use fresh peaches and oranges instead of canned ones. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the gelatin mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruit mold chilled as a refreshing dessert at gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Feeny's Chocolate Cake for a delightful contrast between flavors. Consider garnishing with mint leaves or serving with whipped cream for added flair. This dish can also complement summer barbecues as a light, sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gelatin may lose its firmness over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you want to serve it later, take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly, making it easier to slice.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 7-Up Fruit Mold contains roughly 255 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of fruit in this mold?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits. Just remember to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the mold. Berries, pineapple, or even bananas can be delicious alternatives. Just ensure that the total volume of fruit remains similar to maintain the right texture.
How long does it take for the fruit mold to set?
Typically, the fruit mold takes about 4-6 hours to fully set in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare it the night before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a firmer texture. If you're short on time, placing it in the freezer for about 1-2 hours can help speed up the process, but be cautious not to freeze it completely.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use agave or maple syrup instead of sugar. Ensure the gelatin is replaced with a vegan gelatin substitute, like agar-agar, which can achieve a similar texture. This way, you can still enjoy this delightful dessert while adhering to a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).