Nanny's Fizzy Fruit Gelatin Delight
This delightful recipe, lovingly passed down from my grandmother's kitchen, combines the sweetness of fruit with the effervescence of cola in a unique and refreshing salad. Nanny made this for family gatherings, bringing smiles with its vibrant colors and bursts of flavor. The key ingredients—tropical pineapple and juicy bing cherries—blend seamlessly with cherry Jell-O and creamy cheese, creating a texture that's both fluffy and satisfying. It's a nostalgic treat that evokes memories of summers spent together. I record her recipes with the hope that future generations will enjoy the joy and love she infused into every dish. Enjoy this nostalgic salad that promises to be a cherished addition to your family table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pineapple chunks (in juice)
20 ounces (drained, juice reserved)
Bing cherries (in juice)
20 ounces (drained, juice reserved)
Cherry Jell-O
2 (8 ounce) packages (none)
Cream cheese
3 (8 ounce) packages (softened)
Pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
Cola
1 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the pineapple and bing cherries, reserving all the juice for later use.
2
In a saucepan, heat 1.5 cups of the reserved juice, ensuring that a majority is pineapple juice with only a splash of cherry juice.
3
Once the juice is heated, remove it from the heat and stir in the two packages of cherry Jell-O until fully dissolved.
4
Next, add the softened cream cheese to the mixture. Using an electric mixer, whip the combination until smooth and well-integrated.
5
Gently fold in the reserved pineapple chunks, bing cherries, and chopped pecans. Be careful not to break the fruit pieces.
6
Finally, pour in the cola and stir gently until thoroughly combined.
7
Transfer the mixture into a large bowl or serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours or until firm.
8
Once set, slice and serve this festive salad chilled, and watch it bring joy to your family just like it did in Nanny's kitchen.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nanny's Fizzy Fruit Gelatin Delight?
It is a nostalgic family recipe that combines fruit, cherry Jell-O, cream cheese, pecans, and cola for a refreshing and unique dessert salad.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The key ingredients are pineapple chunks, bing cherries, cherry Jell-O, cream cheese, pecans, and cola.
How should I prepare the pineapple and cherries?
Both the pineapple chunks and the bing cherries should be drained, and you must reserve the juice for later use in the recipe.
How much juice do I need to heat up for the Jell-O?
You need to heat 1.5 cups of the reserved juice from the canned fruit.
What is the specific ratio for the reserved juice?
The 1.5 cups should be mostly pineapple juice with only a splash of cherry juice added to it.
How do I dissolve the cherry Jell-O?
Once the juice is heated, remove it from the heat and stir in the two packages of cherry Jell-O until they are fully dissolved.
When should the cream cheese be added?
Add the cream cheese to the juice and Jell-O mixture after the Jell-O has dissolved but while the mixture is still warm.
Does the cream cheese need to be a specific temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened before being added to ensure it blends smoothly.
What tool should I use to mix the cream cheese?
An electric mixer is recommended to whip the combination until it is smooth and well-integrated.
When do I add the fruit and nuts to the mixture?
The reserved pineapple chunks, bing cherries, and chopped pecans are gently folded in after the cream cheese has been whipped in.
Why must I fold the fruit in gently?
You must be careful not to break the delicate fruit pieces while incorporating them into the gelatin mixture.
How is the cola incorporated into the salad?
Pour the cola in last and stir gently until it is thoroughly combined with the rest of the ingredients.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
How long does the gelatin need to set?
The mixture should be refrigerated for several hours or until it is completely firm.
How should the finished dish be served?
Once set, the salad should be sliced and served chilled.
What flavor of Jell-O is required?
The recipe calls for two 8-ounce packages of cherry Jell-O.
How much cream cheese is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires three 8-ounce packages of cream cheese.
What size cans of fruit are used?
You will need a 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks and a 20-ounce can of bing cherries.
How much cola is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of cola to provide the fizzy texture.
Is this dish considered a dessert or a salad?
It is described as a refreshing salad, though its sweetness makes it suitable as a dessert.
What is the texture of Nanny's Fizzy Fruit Gelatin Delight?
The texture is described as both fluffy and satisfying thanks to the combination of whipped cream cheese and gelatin.
Can I use a different type of cherry?
The recipe specifically recommends juicy bing cherries for the best flavor and color.
Who created this recipe?
This recipe was passed down from the author's grandmother, affectionately known as Nanny.
What type of container should I use for chilling?
A large bowl or a serving dish is appropriate for letting the mixture set in the refrigerator.
Should the dish be covered while refrigerating?
Yes, you should cover the serving dish with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
Is this a good recipe for large gatherings?
Yes, Nanny traditionally made this for family gatherings and celebrations.
Does the recipe use fresh or canned pineapple?
It uses canned pineapple chunks in juice, as the juice is a vital part of the recipe.
What provides the 'fizzy' element in the title?
The effervescence of the cola mixed into the gelatin provides the signature fizzy burst of flavor.
How many packages of Jell-O are used?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce packages of cherry Jell-O.
Are the pecans chopped or whole?
The pecans should be chopped before being folded into the mixture.