Description
Meme’s Cherry Coke Jello Salad is a nostalgic and refreshing dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries, pineapple, and the unique fizz of Coca-Cola. This no-bake salad sets into a vibrant, wobbly treat perfect for gatherings or a fun twist on classic fruit salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Liquid Ingredients
- 14.5 ounce can red tart cherries (pitted in water)
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple
Syrup and Gelatin
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 6 ounce box cherry jello powder
Instructions
- Boil Cherry Mixture: Add the cherries, sugar, and water to a medium pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. This step dissolves the sugar and infuses the cherry flavor into the syrup.
- Prepare Jello Powder: Place the cherry jello powder into a large bowl or the serving dish you plan to use. This forms the base of the salad.
- Combine Hot Mixture and Jello: Carefully pour the boiling cherry mixture over the jello powder in the bowl or dish. Stir continuously to ensure the jello powder completely dissolves, creating a smooth mixture.
- Cool Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool on the counter for 15-20 minutes. This prevents the next ingredients from melting the gelatin.
- Add Coca-Cola and Pineapple: Stir in the Coca-Cola and crushed pineapple until everything is well combined, adding fizz and tropical sweetness to the salad.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the mixture in the refrigerator and let it chill for 6-8 hours, allowing the jello salad to fully set into a firm, jiggly dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned cherries pitted in water to avoid extra sugar and maintain tartness.
- Do not add Coca-Cola when the mixture is too hot, or it will lose carbonation.
- For best texture, ensure the jello powder is fully dissolved before adding cold ingredients.
- This salad is perfect for potlucks and can be prepared a day in advance.
- Keep refrigerated until serving to maintain firmness and flavor.
