Coca Cola Trifle Recipe
A refreshing and nostalgic Coca Cola trifle featuring layers of cherry-flavored gelatin mixed with pineapple, cherries, walnuts, and a creamy whipped topping, perfect for a delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Gelatin Mixture
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained (juice reserved)
- 15 ounces pitted dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup, drained (juice reserved)
- 6 ounces cherry flavored gelatin (two 3-ounce packages)
- 8 ounces Coca Cola (glass bottle recommended)
- Juice from reserved pineapple and cherries, adjusted with water to total 2 cups
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Topping
- 8 ounces thawed whipped topping
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (for garnish)
- Prepare the Juice Base: Measure out 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. If needed, add water to reach a total of 2 cups of liquid. This will be the liquid base for the gelatin.
- Heat the Juices: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the juice mixture to a low boil. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot juice into a heat-safe bowl.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: Stir both packages of cherry gelatin into the hot juice until fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Add Coca Cola and Chill: Slowly stir in the Coca Cola to the gelatin mixture. Allow the liquid to cool for a few minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, so it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
- Combine Fruits and Nuts: Remove the plastic wrap and gently stir in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the gelatin mixture.
- Set the Trifle: Spoon the gelatin, fruit, and nut mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or any large serving bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the gelatin is firmly set.
- Prepare the Creamy Topping: Just before serving, use an electric hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until completely smooth. Gradually add the thawed whipped topping and continue mixing until well combined and fluffy.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the creamy topping evenly over the set gelatin mixture. Garnish the top with maraschino cherries. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best flavor, use glass-bottle Coca Cola.
- Ensure the gelatin mixture is cooled and thickened before adding the fruit to prevent sinking.
- Can be prepared a day ahead to allow ample time for setting and flavor melding.
- Walnuts can be substituted with other nuts or omitted for a nut-free version.
- Keep refrigerated after assembly and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
Keywords: Coca Cola trifle, cherry gelatin dessert, pineapple and cherry trifle, easy trifle recipe, nostalgic dessert, no bake dessert