Cherry Cream
A light, refreshing cherry-flavored dessert with creamy yogurt and fruity gelatin, perfect for hot days or casual gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-cup glass mixing bowl, combine the cherry gelatin and water.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave oven until the water is hot enough to dissolve the gelatin, about 3 or 4 minutes.
- Add 5 or 6 ice cubes and stir the mixture with a wire whip until the ice is melted and the mixture is cooled.
- Add the plain nonfat yogurt and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Add water or cherries to fill the bowl.
- Chill until firm, about 3 hours.
- Serve with more cherries, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting the plain nonfat yogurt with Greek yogurt. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can use less gelatin or opt for a sugar-free version. To speed up the chilling process, pour the mixture into smaller bowls or cups. Experiment with adding fresh or frozen cherries into the mix for extra flavor, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Cream can be served as a refreshing dessert after a meal or as a light snack. For added texture and flavor, top with whipped cream or additional cherries. It pairs beautifully with Bill Bailey Corn Bread for a delightful contrast in flavors. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or fruit platter to create a balanced spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert may lose some firmness over time, but it will still be delicious. Avoid freezing as the texture can change significantly. If you prefer to enjoy it cold, simply serve it straight from the fridge without reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cream contains roughly 12 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 cherries instead of gelatin?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries to make a more natural version of this dessert, though you will need to adjust the sweetness and acidity. Puree the cherries and strain them to remove skins, then mix with yogurt. You may also need to add a thickening agent, like agar-agar, to achieve a similar texture to the gelatin.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of Cherry Cream, substitute nonfat yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, such as almond or coconut yogurt. Use agar-agar instead of gelatin as a thickening agent. Ensure any additional ingredients, like sweeteners, are also vegan-friendly.
What can I do if the mixture doesn’t set properly?
If the mixture doesn’t set properly, it may be due to insufficient gelatin or not enough cooling time. Ensure you dissolve the gelatin completely and allow enough time for it to chill in the refrigerator. If the issue persists, you can blend in more dissolved gelatin and refrigerate again until firm.
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).