Introduction

This Coca Cola Trifle is a delightful and nostalgic dessert that combines fruity gelatin with the unique flavor of Coca Cola. Layered with pineapple, cherries, and a creamy topping, it’s a refreshing treat perfect for gatherings or family meals.

Ingredients

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 recommended)
1 cup chopped walnuts
8 ounces thawed whipped topping
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Measure out 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. If needed, add water to the juices to make a total of 2 cups.
Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the combined juices to a low boil. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl.
Step 3: Stir both packages of cherry gelatin into the hot juice until completely dissolved.
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.
Step 5: Remove the plastic wrap, then stir in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until well combined.
Step 6: Spoon the gelatin, fruit, and nut mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or serving bowl. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.
Step 7: Just before serving, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Add the thawed whipped topping and continue mixing until fully combined.
Step 8: Spread the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture over the set gelatin. Garnish with maraschino cherries and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free option, omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
Use fresh cherries when in season for a fresher flavor and texture.
If you prefer a firmer gelatin, chill the mixture longer before adding the fruit.

Storage

Store the trifle covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best served cold, so no reheating is needed. Stir gently before serving if separation occurs.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda instead of Coca Cola?

Yes, you can experiment with different sodas like root beer or ginger ale, but the classic Coca Cola adds a distinctive flavor that complements the cherry gelatin nicely.

How long does it take for the trifle to set?

The trifle needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set firmly, but overnight chilling is ideal for the best texture and flavor.

Coca Cola Trifle Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 82 reviews

This Coca Cola Trifle is a delightful layered dessert combining the sweet tartness of cherries and pineapple with the unique fizzy flavor of Coca Cola. A cherry gelatin base enriched with chopped walnuts is set to a perfect consistency and topped with a creamy whipped topping and maraschino cherries for a visually stunning and delicious treat that’s perfect for gatherings or holidays.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Refrigeration
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Gelatin Layer

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 (preferably glass bottle)
1 cup chopped walnuts

Topping

8 ounces thawed whipped topping
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the juice base: Measure out 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. Add water as needed to make a total of 2 cups of juice.
Heat the juice: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the mixed juices to a low boil. Remove from heat promptly and pour into a heat-safe bowl.
Dissolve gelatin: Stir both packages of cherry gelatin into the hot juice until fully dissolved, ensuring no granules remain.
Add Coca Cola and chill: Slowly stir in the Coca Cola into the gelatin mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool and reach a syrup-like consistency.
Combine fruits and nuts: Remove the plastic wrap from the cooled gelatin base and gently fold in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts.
Set the trifle: Spoon the mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or a suitable serving bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until firmly set.
Prepare the creamy topping: Using an electric hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add the thawed whipped topping and continue mixing until evenly combined and fluffy.
Assemble and garnish: Spoon the cream topping evenly over the set gelatin layer. Decorate with maraschino cherries on top. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Notes

You can use bottled or homemade crushed pineapple and cherries, but ensure to reserve their juices for the gelatin base.
Adding water to the reserved fruit juices ensures the gelatin sets with the right consistency and flavor balance.
Use glass bottle Coca Cola for an authentic flavor if possible as it tastes better in gelatin recipes.
Chill time is crucial for the gelatin to set properly – do not rush this step.
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and within 24 hours for freshness.
Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds depending on preference.
For a more decadent topping, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar when mixing the cream cheese and whipped topping.

Keywords: Coca Cola trifle, cherry gelatin dessert, layered trifle recipe, holiday trifle, fruit and nut dessert, easy no bake dessert