Sparkling Summer Berry Delight
Brighten up your spring and summer gatherings with this delightful sparkling berry Jello salad. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing dessert, this vibrant dish combines the tartness of cranberry juice with fresh, juicy berries for a burst of flavor in every bite. Set in a beautiful mold, it showcases an array of ripe raspberries or strawberries at the center, making it not only delicious but also a stunning centerpiece for any table. The effervescent club soda adds a unique fizz, while the optional crème de cassis elevates the experience for adult gatherings. Your guests will be impressed by both the taste and presentation of this easy-to-make treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberry juice cocktail
2 cups (Heat until boiling)
Red Jell-O (black cherry or raspberry)
1 (6 ounce) package (Add to boiling juice to dissolve)
Club soda
1 1/2 cups (Add to Jell-O mixture)
Crème de cassis
1/4 cup (Optional liqueur)
Fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon (Squeeze juice from a fresh lemon)
Fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries
3 cups (Wash and prepare for mixing)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of cranberry juice cocktail over medium heat until it reaches a boil.
2
Once boiling, remove from heat and gradually stir in the red Jell-O powder, mixing for at least 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
3
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of club soda, the optional crème de cassis, and the fresh lemon juice to create a light and bubbly texture.
4
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and place this bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice water. Refrigerate for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens to the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.
5
Once thickened, gently fold in 2 cups of your chosen fresh berries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6
Carefully spoon the berry mixture into a 5-cup mold, smoothing the top.
7
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the salad is firm to the touch.
8
To serve, run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds to loosen, then invert the mold onto a serving platter.
9
Decorate the center with the remaining 1 cup of fresh berries to create a beautiful and inviting presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sparkling Summer Berry Delight?
It is a refreshing, vibrant sparkling berry Jello salad made with cranberry juice, fresh berries, and club soda, often served as a dessert or side dish at gatherings.
What flavor of Jell-O should I use?
The recipe recommends a 6-ounce package of red Jell-O, specifically black cherry or raspberry flavors to complement the berries.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes, the cr me de cassis is an optional ingredient. You can simply omit it or replace it with a bit more cranberry juice or club soda.
What is the purpose of the club soda?
The club soda adds a unique fizz and an effervescent texture to the Jello salad, making it lighter and more refreshing.
How long does it take for the Jello to set completely?
After molding, the salad needs to refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it is firm to the touch.
What size mold do I need for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to fit perfectly into a 5-cup decorative mold.
What is the trick to thickening the Jello before adding berries?
Place the bowl of Jello mixture inside a larger bowl filled with ice water and refrigerate for about 1.5 hours until it reaches the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.
Why do I need to wait for the mixture to thicken before adding berries?
Thickening the mixture to an 'egg white' consistency ensures the berries stay evenly distributed throughout the mold rather than sinking to the bottom or floating to the top.
How do I successfully unmold the Jello salad?
Briefly run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds to loosen the edges, then carefully invert it onto a serving platter.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Fresh berries are recommended for the best texture and presentation, but if using frozen, ensure they are thawed and very well-drained to avoid excess liquid thinning the Jello.
What are the best occasions to serve this dish?
It is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, such as picnics, barbecues, bridal showers, or family reunions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Generally, Jell-O and the listed ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the specific labels on your cranberry juice and liqueur to be certain.
Can I use a different type of juice?
Yes, while cranberry juice cocktail provides a nice tartness, you could experiment with pomegranate or cherry juice for different flavor profiles.
What is cr me de cassis?
Cr me de cassis is a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants that adds a deep berry flavor to the dish.
How many cups of berries do I need in total?
You will need 3 cups total: 2 cups to fold into the mixture and 1 cup to decorate the center after unmolding.
Can I use sugar-free Jell-O?
Yes, sugar-free red Jell-O can be substituted, though the setting time and final texture may vary slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator. Note that the club soda may lose its 'fizz' over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Can I make this in individual servings instead of a large mold?
Absolutely! You can spoon the thickened mixture into individual ramekins or glass dessert cups for a personalized presentation.
Do I need to grease the mold?
You do not need to grease it; the warm water dip method is usually sufficient to release the gelatin from the mold.
What if I can't find cranberry juice cocktail?
You can use 100% cranberry juice, but you may want to add a tablespoon of sugar since 100% juice is significantly tarter than the cocktail version.
How do I prepare the berries?
Wash them gently and pat them dry. If using strawberries, slice them into bite-sized pieces; raspberries can be left whole.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
The teaspoon of fresh lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the Jell-O and juice, providing a brighter overall flavor.
Can I add other fruits like pineapple?
You can, but avoid fresh pineapple, kiwi, or papaya, as they contain enzymes that prevent gelatin from setting. Canned versions of these fruits are fine.
How far in advance can I make this?
You can make it up to 24 hours in advance for the best texture. Beyond two days, the fresh berries may begin to release more juice and soften.
Does the club soda make the Jello watery?
No, because the amount of liquid is calculated to work with the 6-ounce package of Jell-O, it will set firmly.
What if I don't have a decorative mold?
You can use a glass bowl or a Bundt pan as an alternative to a traditional gelatin mold.
How long should I boil the cranberry juice?
Just until it reaches a rolling boil, then remove it from the heat immediately to stir in the powder.
Can I freeze this dessert to make it set faster?
Freezing is not recommended as it can ruin the texture of the gelatin and cause it to become syrupy when thawed.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Standard Jell-O contains gelatin derived from animal products, so it is not vegetarian. You would need to use a plant-based gelatin substitute.
What is the best way to stir the Jell-O powder?
Stir it gradually into the hot liquid for at least 2 minutes to ensure every granule is completely dissolved for a smooth texture.