Description
Black Cherry Jello Salad is a nostalgic, easy-to-make dessert featuring black cherry gelatin, Bing cherries, crushed pineapple, cream cheese, fizzy soda, and chopped pecans. It’s creamy, fruity, and fun to serve at any potluck, picnic, or family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
For best results, toast pecans for extra flavor. Use diet soda or low-fat cream cheese to lighten it up. This salad sets best when chilled overnight and is not freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 2g