Sweet Cherry Mold
A vibrant cherry gelatin mold layered with sweet fruit and creamy topping, perfect for festive occasions or light desserts that delight with tart and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the cherry Jell-O in boiling water; then add cold water and juice from drained cherries and pineapple.
- Drain cherries and pineapple; place fruit in the bottom of a ring mold.
- Pour half of the slightly thickened gelatin over the fruit in the mold.
- Chill until set.
- Whip the heavy cream; add the cream cheese and whip until blended.
- Add the remaining gelatin to the whipped cream mixture and mix well.
- Pour the cream mixture over the chilled gelatin and fruit in the mold.
- Chill overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the gelatin mixture is slightly thickened before pouring it over the fruit. You can substitute low-calorie cream cheese with regular cream cheese if desired, but this will alter the overall calorie count. If fresh cherries are in season, feel free to use them instead of canned for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Cherry Mold is a delightful dessert on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Consider serving alongside a light salad or the refreshing Garden Frittata for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change once thawed. When ready to serve, simply slice portions directly from the mold and enjoy cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Cherry Mold contains roughly 287 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Just ensure it is well-covered to avoid any absorption of odors from the fridge.
What if I don't have Bing cherries?
You can use any variety of canned cherries or even fresh cherries if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly, as different cherries can have varying levels of tartness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin. However, ensure that all ingredients, especially the Jell-O, are certified vegetarian if that is a concern.
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).