Portofino Mold
A vibrant, layered mold combining raspberry Jell-O, pineapple, cranberry, and port wine, topped with a creamy cheese and sour cream layer—perfect for festive gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry Jell-O in boiling water.
- Stir in the undrained crushed pineapple, cranberry sauce, and port wine.
- Chill until the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour into a 2-quart serving bowl and chill until firm.
- When the mixture is set, soften the cream cheese and gradually beat in the sour cream.
- Spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture over the Jell-O layer and chill until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free raspberry Jell-O and low-fat cream cheese. You can also substitute the Port wine with a non-alcoholic red grape juice for a family-friendly option. Ensure the Jell-O mixture is sufficiently chilled before folding in the pecans to prevent them from sinking. This dish can be made a day ahead for easier serving, making it a great choice for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This Portofino Mold is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham. For a complete experience, consider serving it alongside Raspberry Creme Dessert for a delightful fruity theme. Garnish with fresh mint or extra pecans for added texture and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the cream cheese layer separates slightly, simply give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing. To refresh the dish, you can serve it with a drizzle of additional sour cream on top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portofino Mold contains roughly 752 calories, with 11g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 7g 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 fruit instead of canned pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it to achieve a similar texture. Also, remember that fresh pineapple contains enzymes that may affect the Jell-O setting, so it’s best to use canned for this recipe to ensure it sets properly.
What can I substitute for Port wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute Port wine with a non-alcoholic grape juice or cranberry juice. This will still provide a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content, making it suitable for all ages.
How long does it take for the Jell-O to set?
Typically, the Jell-O layer should set within 4 to 6 hours in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare it the night before serving, allowing ample time for it to firm up completely before adding the cream cheese and sour cream topping.
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).