Name: Black Cherry Jello Salad
Prep time: 4 h 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can pitted Bing cherries, drained; 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained; 1 (6 oz) box black cherry gelatin; 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened; 1 cup carbonated soda (cola or lemon-lime), chilled; 1 cup chopped pecans

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Black Cherry Jello Salad is a nostalgic and delightful dessert‑salad that instantly transports you back to summer potlucks and family gatherings. This sweet and fruity treat starts with that signature focused keyword, “Black Cherry Jello Salad,” weaving together cherries, pineapple, creamy richness, and fizzy soda into a texture‑rich, flavor‑balanced masterpiece. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a crowd‑pleaser that’s both easy to make and refreshingly indulgent—a perfect harmony of fruity sweetness, creamy tang, and fizzy lightness that’s sure to become a cherished staple at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Black Cherry Jello Salad

This Black Cherry Jello Salad charms with its lively blend of textures and tastes—from the tart pop of Bing cherries and juicy pineapple to the silky smoothness of cream cheese and the surprising sparkle from fizzy soda. Whether served as a throwback side or a refreshing dessert, each bite strikes a perfect harmony between fruity sweetness and creamy indulgence.

Ingredients

Here’s your ingredient checklist—with clear quantities and components to streamline your prep:

1 (15‑oz) can pitted Bing cherries, drained
1 (20‑oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (6‑oz) box black cherry–flavored gelatin (Jell‑O)
1 (8‑oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup carbonated soda—cola or lemon‑lime flavored, chilled
1 cup chopped pecans

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Black Cherry Jello Salad

Transform those ingredients into a deliciously slices‑ready dessert by following these steps:

Drain juices from the canned cherries and crushed pineapple into a large saucepan.
Heat gently over medium‑high until the juices reach a boil.
Stir in the black cherry gelatin powder until fully dissolved.
Take the pan off the heat and promptly mix in the softened cream cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes silky and fully incorporated.
Pour in the chilled carbonated soda, whisking to introduce airiness and lighten the texture.
Gently fold in the cherries, pineapple, and pecans, being careful to keep the mixture light while evenly blending all the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13‑inch dish or a bundt mold for a more dramatic presentation.
Chill in the refrigerator for 4–6 hours until fully set and firm.
Slice and serve cold—optionally, top with whipped cream for an extra creamy flourish.

Helpful Tips

Soften cream cheese ahead: Set it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to ensure it blends smoothly with the warm fruit mixture.
Prevent lumps: Whisk vigorously when adding gelatin to dissolve it completely, and stir until the cream cheese is lump‑free.
Choose your mold thoughtfully: A bundt mold looks fancy, but a 9×13‑inch pan is practical for uniform, easy slices.
Chill fully: Don’t rush the setting process—chilling for the full 4–6 hours ensures clean slices.
Toast pecans for depth: Lightly toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch.

Substitutions And Variations

Flexibility is this salad’s forte:

Jam‑free version: Use fresh cherries and fresh pineapple—just simmer with a little sugar and water to create the juice base.
Gelatin swap: Feel free to use cherry or black raspberry gelatin if black cherry isn’t available.
Nut free: Omit pecans and add toasted coconut flakes or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Dairy variation: Replace cream cheese with a room‑temperature mascarpone or whipped cream cheese for lighter tenderness.
Flavor twist: Swap the cola or lemon‑lime soda with ginger ale or flavored sparkling water for a subtler fizz.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or a lid—store for up to 3–4 days.
Avoid freezer: Don’t freeze, as freezing will alter the texture due to water expansion in the gelatin.
Make‑ahead-friendly: Prepare up to a day in advance—just chill until ready to serve, then garnish as desired.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per 1‑cup serving (serves ~12):

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: ~7 g (mostly from pecans and cream cheese)
Sugars: ~20–25 g (from fruit, gelatin, and soda)
Protein: ~2 g
Fiber: ~1 g

Note: Nutrition varies depending on specific brands, soda choice, and portion sizes. Opting for diet soda or reduced‑sugar gelatin can lower the sugar content, while using low‑fat cream cheese can reduce calories and fat.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans for visual and textural appeal.
Pair with a simple green salad or light fruit salad to balance the richness of the Jello Salad.
Serve alongside coffee or tea as a sweet finish to a casual meal or potluck.
For a retro‑chic platter, layer slices on a decorative serving tray—great for holiday spreads or picnic desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Cherry Jello Salad

1. Can I substitute fresh fruit instead of canned?
Fresh pitted cherries and chopped pineapple are excellent substitutes if you prefer using fresh over canned fruit.

2. What’s the purpose of adding soda?
Adding soda gives the salad a light, airy texture and a subtle effervescence that brightens both the flavor and mouthfeel.

3. Can I substitute with low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely. Low‑fat cream cheese works fine. If you prefer non‑dairy options, try dairy‑free cream cheese alternatives, though texture and setting may vary—just be sure it’s softened well.

4. Can I omit the nuts for allergies?
Yes—simply remove pecans. You can substitute with toasted coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, or leave it nut‑free—it’ll still be delicious.

5. How long does it need to chill?
It needs at least 4 to 6 hours in the refrigerator to fully set. For the cleanest slices, chill overnight.

6. Can I make it ahead for a party?
Yes! It’s a perfect make‑ahead dish. Prepare it a day in advance, keep it chilled, and add any garnishes right before serving to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

Thank you for choosing this Black Cherry Jello Salad—a fun, retro-inspired recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to savor. I absolutely love how the creamy, fruity, and fizzy elements come together to create a refreshing, nostalgic dish that’s simple yet satisfying. The ease of prep combined with vibrant flavor makes it a guaranteed hit—whether you’re feeding family, guests, or just treating yourself. I hope you enjoy every bite, and that this salad brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community—may your kitchen be filled with delicious creations and happy memories!

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