Coca Cola Trifle Recipe

Introduction

This Coca Cola Trifle is a nostalgic dessert that combines fruity gelatin, nuts, and a creamy topping for a delightful treat. Its unique blend of pineapple, cherries, and the fizzy flavor of Coke creates layers of sweet and tangy goodness that’s perfect for gatherings or holiday meals.

A clear glass trifle bowl shows two main layers: the bottom layer is a deep red jelly with bits of fruit or nuts creating a textured look, filling about half the bowl; above it is a thick, fluffy white whipped cream layer covering the jelly completely, topped with bright red maraschino cherries in the center. The bowl sits on a tall, clear pedestal against a white marbled surface, with two glass Coca-Cola bottles on either side in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained but juice reserved
  • 15 ounces pitted dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup, drained but juice reserved
  • 6 ounces cherry flavored gelatin (two 3-ounce packages)
  • 8 ounces Coca Cola (preferably glass bottle)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 8 ounces thawed whipped topping
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Measure out 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. Add water if needed to make 2 cups of juice total.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the juice mixture to a low boil. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl.
  3. Step 3: Stir in both packages of cherry gelatin until fully dissolved in the hot juice.
  4. Step 4: Slowly mix in the Coca Cola. Let the liquid cool for a few minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes until it reaches a syrup-like consistency.
  5. Step 5: Remove the plastic wrap and stir in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until well combined.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the gelatin mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or a large serving bowl. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
  7. Step 7: Just before serving, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the thawed whipped topping and mix until fully incorporated.
  8. Step 8: Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the set gelatin. Garnish with maraschino cherries and keep refrigerated until serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with chopped pecans or sliced almonds.
  • You can replace Coca Cola with another cola or a similar soda for different flavor nuances.
  • Use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping for a fresher taste.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until serving. If needed, gently stir the topping before serving to refresh its texture. Avoid freezing as it may affect the gelatin consistency.

How to Serve

A close-up of a spoon holding a layered dessert showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a chunky, dark red and bright red mixed fruit layer with visible pieces of fruit, the middle layer is a dollop of soft, white whipped cream, and the top layer is a shiny, smooth bright red cherry placed slightly off-center. In the background, there is a blurred white marbled surface with a white dish topped with whipped cream and cherries, and a blurred dark bottle with a red label. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the trifle a day ahead?

Yes, this dessert actually benefits from chilling overnight as it allows the gelatin to fully set and flavors to meld.

What can I use if I don’t have cherry gelatin?

You can substitute with another flavor of gelatin, like strawberry or raspberry, but this will slightly change the taste of the dessert.

Print

Coca Cola Trifle Recipe

Coca Cola Trifle is a refreshing and unique gelatin dessert combining the sweetness of cherry-flavored gelatin, Coca Cola, crushed pineapple, and cherries, topped with a creamy whipped topping and cream cheese mixture. This easy no-bake trifle is perfect for gatherings or a cool treat on a warm day.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Gelatin and Liquid Mixture

  • 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained but juice reserved
  • 15 ounces pitted dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup, drained but juice reserved
  • 6 ounces cherry flavored gelatin (two 3-ounce packages)
  • 8 ounces Coca Cola (preferably glass bottle)

Add-ins

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Topping

  • 8 ounces thawed whipped topping
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Juice Base: Measure out 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. Add water if needed to ensure you have a total of 2 cups of juice.
  2. 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.
  3. Dissolve Gelatin: Stir both packages of cherry gelatin into the hot juice mixture until completely dissolved.
  4. Add Coca Cola and Chill: Slowly stir in the Coca Cola into the gelatin mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool and thicken to a syrup-like consistency.
  5. Mix in Fruit and Nuts: Remove plastic wrap, then gently stir in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until well combined.
  6. Set the Gelatin: Spoon the mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or serving bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.
  7. Prepare Topping: Just before serving, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Add the thawed whipped topping and continue mixing until well combined.
  8. Assemble and Serve: Spread the topping mixture evenly over the set gelatin. Garnish with maraschino cherries. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Ensure juices are measured accurately for proper gelatin set.
  • Using glass bottle Coca Cola enhances flavor but regular Coca Cola works fine.
  • For best results, let the gelatin set overnight.
  • Be gentle when stirring in fruit and nuts to avoid breaking the gelatin texture.
  • Keep refrigerated until serving to maintain firmness.

Keywords: Coca Cola trifle, cherry gelatin dessert, pineapple cherry trifle, no bake dessert, gelatin fruit dessert, creamy gelatin topping

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