Red, White And Blue Layer Dessert
A vibrant layered dessert featuring cherry, lemon, and raspberry gelatin, complemented by fruit and creamy sour cream, perfect for festive occasions and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve cherry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Cool.
- Add crushed pineapple to the cherry gelatin mixture.
- Pour the cherry and pineapple mixture into the bottom of a mold.
- Chill until the layer is firm but slightly sticky to the touch.
- Dissolve lemon gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Cool.
- Pour the lemon gelatin over the first layer in the mold.
- Chill until set.
- Dissolve raspberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Cool.
- Mix sour cream with 1/2 pint of sour cream.
- Fold the raspberry gelatin into the sour cream mixture.
- Pour this over the lemon layer in the mold.
- Chill until the top layer is firm.
- Garnish with blueberries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor profile, consider substituting fresh fruits like strawberries or blackberries for the canned blueberries. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat sour cream. Be sure to cool each layer sufficiently before adding the next to prevent mixing. For a fun twist, try adding a splash of coconut milk to the gelatin mixtures for a tropical flair. This dessert pairs beautifully with Easy Summer Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant dessert chilled, garnished with fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint for an extra touch. It makes a delightful centerpiece for summer gatherings or barbecues, and can be paired with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It also complements light meals, making it a perfect finish after dishes like Sweet Potato Pie Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, allow the dessert to come to room temperature before serving, as the gelatin layers do not freeze well. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can affect the texture and consistency of the layers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red, White And Blue Layer Dessert contains roughly 280 calories, with 5g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (13% 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 different flavors of gelatin?
Yes, feel free to mix and match your favorite gelatin flavors! Just ensure that the colors create a visually appealing dessert. Using contrasting flavors like orange or lime can add an exciting twist that pairs well with the fruity layers.
How long does it take for each layer to set?
Typically, each layer should chill for about 1-2 hours, or until firm. However, this can vary depending on your refrigerator. It's essential to check that each layer is slightly sticky before adding the next to ensure proper adhesion between them.
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this dessert is vegetarian-friendly as it uses gelatin, which is derived from animal products. However, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar or pectin for a vegan alternative. Just follow the instructions on the package for the correct ratios.
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).