Ultimate Berry Banana Bliss Jell-O Salad
Indulge in the Ultimate Berry Banana Bliss Jell-O Salad, a vibrant and delightful treat that has graced family gatherings and holidays for over four decades! This beloved recipe, lovingly passed down from my mother's cousin Antoinette, beautifully combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tartness of maraschino cherries, all enveloped in rich strawberry Jell-O. It's not just a dessert; it's a nostalgic journey that brings back memories of sunny summer afternoons and festive celebrations. While the original recipe calls for freshly whipped cream for an authentic touch of creaminess, feel free to use Cool Whip if you're in a pinch. With its colorful presentation, this salad will surely brighten up any dessert table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Strawberry Jell-O
2 packages (3-ounce each, prepared in advance)
Bananas
4 (chopped, very ripe)
Maraschino cherries
1 jar (6-ounce, chopped)
Heavy cream
1/2 pint (whipped)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the strawberry Jell-O according to the instructions on the package. Whisk together the gelatin and hot water in a large bowl until fully dissolved, then stir in cold water. Allow the mixture to cool before placing it in the refrigerator overnight to set.
2
Once the Jell-O has completely set, retrieve it from the refrigerator and gently whisk it to break it up.
3
In another bowl, chop the very ripe bananas and maraschino cherries using a food processor for even pieces.
4
Carefully fold the chopped bananas and cherries into the whisked Jell-O until evenly distributed.
5
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form and gently fold the whipped cream into the Jell-O mixture. Take care not to deflate the cream for a light and airy texture.
6
Transfer the combined salad to a large serving bowl or individual cups.
7
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve. Enjoy this refreshing and colorful salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Berry Banana Bliss Jell-O Salad?
It is a vibrant fruit salad dessert that combines strawberry Jell-O, ripe bananas, maraschino cherries, and freshly whipped cream.
Who originally created this recipe?
This recipe was passed down from the creator's mother's cousin, Antoinette.
How long has this recipe been used in family gatherings?
The recipe has been a staple at family gatherings and holidays for over four decades.
What flavor of Jell-O is required?
The recipe calls for strawberry-flavored Jell-O.
How many packages of Jell-O do I need?
You will need two 3-ounce packages of strawberry Jell-O.
What kind of bananas work best for this recipe?
Very ripe bananas are recommended for the best flavor and sweetness.
How many bananas are needed?
The recipe requires four chopped, very ripe bananas.
What size jar of maraschino cherries should I buy?
A 6-ounce jar of maraschino cherries is the appropriate size.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pint of heavy cream, which should be whipped.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else?
Yes, you can use Cool Whip if you are in a pinch, though freshly whipped cream provides a more authentic touch.
How long does the Jell-O need to set?
The Jell-O mixture should be placed in the refrigerator overnight to set completely.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by whisking the gelatin and hot water until dissolved, then stir in cold water and refrigerate.
What do I do with the Jell-O once it has set?
After the Jell-O has set, retrieve it from the refrigerator and gently whisk it to break it up.
How should I chop the fruit for this salad?
It is recommended to use a food processor to chop the bananas and cherries into even pieces.
How do I incorporate the fruit into the Jell-O?
Carefully fold the chopped bananas and cherries into the whisked Jell-O until they are evenly distributed.
How do I prepare the whipped cream?
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
How do I combine the whipped cream with the Jell-O?
Gently fold the whipped cream into the Jell-O and fruit mixture, taking care not to deflate the cream.
What is the recommended serving container?
You can transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or divide it into individual cups.
How long should the final mixture refrigerate before serving?
Refrigerate the combined salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Specific nutritional information such as calories is not provided for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: strawberry Jell-O, bananas, maraschino cherries, and heavy cream.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful treat for festive celebrations and holidays.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include jell-o salad, fruit salad, strawberry dessert, summer recipe, and retro recipe.
What texture should the final salad have?
The texture should be light and airy, which is achieved by gently folding in the whipped cream.
Does the recipe use hot or cold water?
Both; hot water is used to dissolve the gelatin, and cold water is stirred in afterward.
Can I make this the same day I want to serve it?
It is best to start the day before, as the Jell-O base needs to set in the refrigerator overnight.
Is the salad colorful?
Yes, it features a vibrant red color from the strawberry Jell-O and maraschino cherries.
What makes this a 'nostalgic' recipe?
Its long family history and retro style bring back memories of summer afternoons and celebrations.
What is the total count of ingredients listed in the metadata?
The metadata lists an ingredient count of 4.
What preparation is needed for the cherries?
The cherries should be drained if necessary and chopped, ideally in a food processor.