Holiday Melba Dessert
A colorful, fruity layered dessert featuring peaches and raspberries, combined with a creamy gelatin mixture and crunchy nuts, perfect for festive occasions and fruit lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw, crush, and strain the raspberries; reserve the syrup.
- Dice and drain the peaches, adding enough peach syrup to the raspberry syrup to make 1 1/4 cups.
- Sprinkle gelatin over the syrups and heat, constantly stirring until dissolved.
- Beat in the heavy cream and mayonnaise; chill until slightly thickened.
- Fold in the peaches and chopped nuts.
- Turn the mixture into a 3-cup mold and chill until set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract when combining the cream and mayonnaise. If you don't have unflavored gelatin, you can substitute with agar-agar for a vegetarian option. Make sure to strain the raspberries well to achieve a smooth texture. This dessert can also be made with other fruits like strawberries or mixed berries for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Holiday Melba Dessert in individual bowls or glasses for an elegant touch. Garnish with additional fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair. This dessert pairs beautifully with Hidden Valley Ranch Spicy Apple Dip for a savory counterbalance, making it a delightful addition to any holiday spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best served chilled, so you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. If you want to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave at low power, but note that the texture may change slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Melba Dessert contains roughly 217 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% 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 raspberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh raspberries can be used instead of frozen ones. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best flavor. If using fresh, you can skip the thawing step, but you may want to crush them lightly to release their juices.
Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dessert vegan, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Use a vegan mayonnaise substitute and opt for agar-agar instead of gelatin to help the dessert set without animal products.
How long should I chill the dessert before serving?
Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours or until fully set. If you can, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavors and allows the texture to firm up beautifully, making it easier to slice or scoop.
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).