Fruit And Nut Ring
A colorful fruit and nut gelatin ring filled with pineapple, fruit cocktail, and chopped pecans, perfect for festive gatherings or light, refreshing salads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve lime gelatin in boiling water.
- Cut up cream cheese and add to the gelatin, stirring until smooth.
- Add half and half (milk and cream) and pour the mixture into a ring mold.
- Chill in the refrigerator until the gelatin is firm.
- Unmold the gelatin ring onto a serving dish.
- Mix drained fruit cocktail, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans together.
- Place the fruit and nut mixture in the center of the jelled ring.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the lime gelatin with lemon or orange gelatin for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider adding a bit of sugar to the fruit mixture. This dish can also be made with non-dairy alternatives for a vegan version, using coconut cream instead of half and half.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fruit and Nut Ring as a refreshing dessert at summer gatherings or family picnics. It pairs beautifully with a light whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light salad like the Strawberry - Cottage Cheese Fruit Salad(Easy) for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve again, simply cut slices from the jelled ring. If you find it difficult to unmold, run warm water around the outside of the mold for a few seconds to loosen it before inverting it onto a plate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Nut Ring contains roughly 299 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (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 fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit in this recipe. Just ensure that the fruit is cut into small, manageable pieces and is well-drained to prevent excess moisture from affecting the gelatin's texture.
How long does it take for the gelatin to set?
The gelatin typically takes about 4-6 hours to set completely in the refrigerator. For best results, it’s recommended to prepare it a day in advance to ensure it is firm enough for unmolding.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The Fruit and Nut Ring can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and keep it covered to maintain freshness until you're ready to serve.
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).