Coca Cola Trifle Recipe

Introduction

This Coca Cola Trifle is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining fruity gelatin with the unique fizz and flavor of Coca Cola. It’s a refreshing, nostalgic treat perfect for gatherings or a special family dessert.

Ingredients

• 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
• 15 ounces pitted dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup, drained (reserve juice)
• 6 ounces cherry flavored gelatin (two 3-ounce packages)
• 8 ounces Coca Cola (glass bottle recommended)
• 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 a total of 2 cups of juice.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the juices to a low boil. Remove from heat and pour the hot juice into a heat-safe bowl.
3. Step 3: Stir in both packages of cherry gelatin until fully dissolved.
4. Step 4: Slowly stir in the Coca Cola. Let the mixture 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 gently stir in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until combined.
6. Step 6: Spoon the gelatin and fruit mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or another serving bowl. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.
7. Step 7: Just before serving, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the thawed whipped topping and continue mixing until well combined.
8. Step 8: Spread the cream cheese topping over the set gelatin and garnish with maraschino cherries. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen cherries in place of canned for a less sweet, more natural flavor.
• For added texture, substitute walnuts with pecans or toasted almonds.
• Ensure the gelatin mixture is cooled properly before refrigerating to achieve a perfect set without being too firm.
• Make it a layered trifle by alternating gelatin mixture and whipped topping.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep it chilled until just before serving. If needed, gently stir the topping before serving as it may separate slightly upon refrigeration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use diet soda instead of regular Coca Cola?

Diet soda is not recommended because it may affect the setting of the gelatin and alter the flavor balance of the dessert.

How far in advance can I make this trifle?

You can prepare the trifle up to 24 hours ahead of serving. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.

Coca Cola Trifle Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

This refreshing Coca Cola Trifle combines the fruity sweetness of crushed pineapple and dark sweet cherries with cherry-flavored gelatin and the unique fizz of Coca Cola. Layered with crunchy walnuts and topped with a creamy whipped topping blended with cream cheese, this dessert is a nostalgic, vibrant, and easy-to-make centerpiece perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any time.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit and Gelatin 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 (glass bottle preferred)
• 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 Mixture: Measure out 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. Add water if needed to make a total of 2 cups of juice.
2. Heat Juices: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the juice mixture to a low boil. Remove from heat and pour the hot juice into a heat-safe bowl.
3. Dissolve Gelatin: Stir both packages of cherry gelatin into the hot juice until completely dissolved.
4. Add Coca Cola: Slowly stir in the Coca Cola to the gelatin mixture. Set aside to cool slightly, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
5. Combine Fruit and Nuts: Remove the plastic wrap and gently fold in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until well combined.
6. Set Gelatin Mixture: Spoon the gelatin-fruit-nut mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or a large serving bowl. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.
7. Prepare Creamy Topping: Using an electric hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the thawed whipped topping and continue mixing until fully combined and creamy.
8. Assemble and Serve: Spread the creamy topping evenly over the set gelatin. Garnish with maraschino cherries and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

• Ensure to refrigerate the gelatin mixture long enough for it to set firmly, or the trifle will not hold its shape.
• Use a glass bottle of Coca Cola for best flavor authenticity, but canned or plastic bottles can work in a pinch.
• Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch, but you can substitute pecans or skip nuts if preferred.
• The whipped topping can be substituted with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
• Best served chilled; store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Keywords: Coca Cola Trifle, Cherry Gelatin Dessert, Fruity Trifle, Pineapple Dessert, Cream Cheese Topping