Description
This Coca Cola Trifle is a nostalgic and refreshing dessert that layers cherry-flavored gelatin made with Coca Cola, crushed pineapple, sweet cherries, and walnuts, topped with a creamy cream cheese and whipped topping blend. Perfectly chilled and set, it offers a delightful balance of fruity sweetness, slight fizziness from cola, and creamy textures, ideal for festive occasions or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Gelatin Mixture
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained (juice reserved)
- 15 ounces pitted dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup (juice reserved)
- 6 ounces cherry flavored gelatin (two 3-ounce packages)
- 8 ounces Coca Cola (glass bottle recommended)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Topping
- 8 ounces thawed whipped topping
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (for garnish)
Instructions
- Measure Juices: Measure 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. If needed, add water to the juice to ensure a total of 2 cups of liquid.
- Heat Juices: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the combined juices to a low boil. Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Stir both packages of cherry gelatin into the hot juice until completely dissolved for a smooth mixture.
- Add Coca Cola: Slowly stir in the Coca Cola into the gelatin mixture. Let it cool for a few minutes, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes until it reaches a thin syrup-like consistency.
- Combine Fruit and Nuts: Remove plastic wrap and fold in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until evenly combined.
- Set Trifle: Spoon the gelatin, fruit, and nut mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or serving bowl. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.
- Prepare Topping: Just before serving, beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Add the thawed whipped topping and mix until well combined.
- Assemble: Spoon the cream cheese topping over the set gelatin mixture and garnish with maraschino cherries. Keep refrigerated until serving.
Notes
- Use a glass bottle of Coca Cola for best flavor authenticity.
- Ensure gelatin fully dissolves to avoid grainy texture in the trifle.
- The trifle benefits from chilling overnight for a firmer set and enhanced flavors.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for allergies.
- Serve chilled for the best refreshing experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Coca Cola dessert, cherry gelatin trifle, pineapple trifle, Americana dessert, fruity gelatin dessert
