Description
Meme’s Cherry Coke Jello Salad is a nostalgic, sweet, and fruity dessert that combines the tangy flavor of tart cherries with the fizzy sweetness of Coca-Cola. This chilled, colorful salad uses cherry jello, crushed pineapple, and a cherry syrup base, making it a perfect refreshing treat for gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Base
- 14.5 ounce can red tart cherries (pitted in water)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
Jello Mix
- 6 ounce box cherry jello powder
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple
Instructions
- Make Cherry Syrup: Add the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water to a medium pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and extract the cherry flavors.
- Prepare Jello Base: In a large bowl or serving dish, place the cherry jello powder ready to be combined with the hot cherry syrup.
- Dissolve Jello Powder: Pour the boiling cherry syrup mixture over the jello powder in the bowl. Stir thoroughly until all the jello powder is fully dissolved, creating a smooth cherry mixture.
- Cool Mixture: Allow the cherry-jello mixture to cool on the counter for 15-20 minutes so it’s no longer hot but still liquid.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the Coca-Cola and crushed pineapple to the cooled cherry mixture. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Chill to Set: Place the combined mixture into the refrigerator and allow it to set for 6-8 hours until firm and jiggly.
Notes
- Be sure to let the warm jello mixture cool slightly before adding the Coca-Cola to preserve its carbonation for a bit of fizz.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can adjust the amount of sugar to taste when boiling the cherry syrup.
- For best results, chill the salad overnight to achieve full firmness and enhanced flavor melding.
- You can garnish with fresh cherries or a dollop of whipped cream if desired when serving.
