Ambrosia Cream Cheese Mold
Ambrosia Cream Cheese Mold offers a delightful blend of tropical flavors with pineapple, orange, coconut, and pecans, all bound together with a creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, it combines sweet, citrusy, and nutty notes in a visually appealing mold.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the gelatin in cold water and let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pineapple and reserve the juice.
- Add enough water to the pineapple juice to make 1 cup.
- Pour the juice into a saucepan and heat to boiling.
- Add the gelatin mixture to the boiling juice and stir until dissolved.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in sugar, lemon juice, and softened cream cheese, blending with a wire whisk.
- Chill until the gelatin is partially set.
- Fold in pineapple chunks, orange segments, chopped pecans, and coconut.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 1-quart mold.
- Chill until the mold is firm.
- Unmold and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture. For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese. If you're short on time, you may use canned fruit cocktail instead of fresh orange. Ensure the cream cheese is very soft for easier blending. This recipe can also be adapted to other fruits like mandarin oranges or berries.
Serving Suggestions
This Ambrosia Cream Cheese Mold is perfect for festive gatherings or a light dessert after a meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Snacks or fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. Serve chilled for the best texture, and consider garnishing with additional pecans or coconut for an appealing presentation. It can also be a delightful addition to brunch alongside other dishes like Strawberry Salad Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly, but it will still taste delicious. Avoid freezing as it can alter the consistency of the gelatin. When ready to serve again, simply unmold and enjoy straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Cream Cheese Mold contains roughly 234 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).
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 flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
While you can experiment with flavored gelatin, it will alter the overall taste of the Ambrosia Cream Cheese Mold. Unflavored gelatin allows the fruit flavors to shine. If you prefer a fruity flavor, consider adding a bit of fruit juice to enhance the natural taste without overpowering it.
How long should I chill the mold?
Chill the mold for at least 4 hours or until firm. If you're in a hurry, you can chill it for a shorter duration, but the texture may be softer. For best results, prepare it the night before your event to allow ample time for setting.
Can I add different fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add fruits like sliced strawberries, chopped apples, or even grapes. Just make sure to maintain the overall quantity of fruit so the gelatin sets properly. Mixing various fruits can also enhance both the flavor and presentation of the dish.
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).