Cherry Cola Dessert
A vibrant cherry cola dessert featuring cherries, pineapple, and angel food cake, layered with nuts and flavored with Coke and orange juice for a sweet, nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Choose your favorite fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cantaloupe, peaches, nectarines, or blackberries, totaling three for variety and color.
- Drain the Bing cherries and crushed pineapple, set aside.
- Prepare the black cherry Jell-O according to the can instructions, using the Coke instead of water, and let it set partially.
- Brush the angel food cake chunks with orange juice to keep them moist.
- Layer the angel food cake chunks in a serving dish, then top with cherries, pineapple, nuts, and partially set Jell-O.
- Repeat layering as desired, ending with a layer of Jell-O and toppings.
- Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, consider substituting the Bing cherries with fresh or frozen cherries, or even using raspberries for a tart contrast. If you can't find black cherry Jell-O, regular cherry flavor works well too. Ensure you allow the Jell-O to set but not completely to achieve a delightful texture when layered. For crunch, slivered almonds can be replaced with chopped walnuts or pecans.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is best served chilled, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad or fresh fruit platter, and complement with beverages like sweet tea or lemonade.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Cola Dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the cake from becoming soggy, consider storing the cake and fruit mixture separately if possible. Serve chilled, as the flavors improve after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cola Dessert contains roughly 450 calories, with 9g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 862mg per serving (37% 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 fruits instead of canned?
Yes, fresh fruits can be used! Just ensure they are ripe and sweet. You can mix and match your favorites, but make sure to use fruits that hold up well, like cherries and pineapples. Fresh fruit may offer a bright flavor and texture compared to canned options.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make the Cherry Cola Dessert gluten-free, simply ensure that the angel food cake is made with gluten-free flour or find a gluten-free angel food cake option. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for those with dietary restrictions.
What can I do if I don't have Coke?
If you don't have Coke, you can substitute it with a different soda that has a similar flavor profile, such as cherry soda or even root beer for a unique twist. Alternatively, use a mixture of cola-flavored syrup with sparkling water for a homemade version.
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).