Cola-Cola Bing Cherry Dessert
A vibrant cherry and cola jelly dessert layered with whipped cream and nuts, perfect for summer gatherings or holiday celebrations with a sweet, tangy flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the black cherries and crushed pineapple, reserving the juice.
- Measure 2 cups of the fruit juice and heat to boiling in a saucepan.
- Dissolve the black cherry Jello into the boiling juice.
- Combine the remaining juice with Coca-Cola to make 2 cups total.
- Pour the Coca-Cola mixture into the Jello and stir well.
- Allow the mixture to cool until it becomes syrupy.
- Once the gelatin has begun to set, cut the pitted black cherries into pieces and add to the gelatin.
- Stir in the drained fruit and chopped pecans.
- Mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold the cream cheese mixture into whipped Cool Whip.
- Spread the creamy mixture over the set gelatin and refrigerate until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using cherry cola instead of regular Coca-Cola for an extra cherry flavor. If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Make sure the gelatin is completely cooled and slightly thickened before adding the fruits to prevent them from sinking. This refreshing dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful treat alongside American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Cola-Cola Bing Cherry Dessert is best served chilled. Garnish with additional chopped pecans or a sprig of mint for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with Baby Pecan Pies as a delightful dessert duo. For a fun presentation, consider serving it in individual cups or bowls, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change. When ready to serve, you can cut portions straight from the dish, ensuring the creamy layer stays intact. If the dessert has been in the fridge for a while, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cola-Cola Bing Cherry Dessert contains roughly 543 calories, with 4g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh pitted black cherries instead of canned ones. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best flavor. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fresh cherries.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as-is, but if you want to ensure it's suitable for strict vegetarians, check that the gelatin used in the Jello is plant-based. There are several brands that offer vegetarian gelatin alternatives.
How can I make this dessert more festive for a holiday gathering?
To make this dessert more festive, consider adding seasonal fruits like cranberries or using colored sprinkles on top. You could also layer it in a clear trifle dish to showcase the beautiful colors and textures, making it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
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).