Black Raspberry Jello Dessert Salad
A creamy and fruity dessert layered with crushed graham crackers, featuring the tartness of black raspberry jello and sweet pineapple, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the black raspberry jello with hot water in a bowl until dissolved.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and a little sugar in a separate bowl to make the crust mixture.
- Whip the chilled evaporated milk until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the jello mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Add drained pineapple (and nuts if desired) to the mixture and fold gently.
- Fold in the whipped evaporated milk until smooth.
- Press most of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a pan to form the crust.
- Pour the filling over the crust layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs on top of the filling.
- Chill the dessert until set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you're out of black raspberry jello, you can substitute it with another berry flavor like raspberry or blueberry. Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans when folding in the pineapple for extra crunch. For a lighter twist, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This Black Raspberry Jello Dessert Salad is perfect for summer gatherings and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a fresh salad. Serve it alongside Cream Cheese Tea Bars for a delightful dessert spread. Garnish with fresh raspberries or mint leaves for an elegant touch. It's also great as a light finish to a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing as the texture may change. To serve chilled, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing, which makes it easier to cut and enhances the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Raspberry Jello Dessert Salad contains roughly 441 calories, with 7g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% 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 fresh black raspberries instead of jello?
Using fresh black raspberries is possible, but you'll need to adjust the recipe. Cook the berries with some sugar and water to create a syrup before adding them to the cream cheese mixture. This will provide a natural flavor but won't have the same set consistency as jello.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk adds creaminess and helps achieve the light, fluffy texture in this dessert. If you need a substitute, you could use whipped cream or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream, but the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
How long should I chill the dessert before serving?
Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow it to set properly. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together. Just be sure to cover it to prevent any absorption of other odors in the refrigerator.
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).