Coca Cola Trifle Recipe

Introduction

Coca Cola Trifle is a nostalgic dessert that combines fruity gelatin, nuts, and a creamy topping for a unique taste experience. It’s refreshingly sweet, slightly fizzy, and makes a delightful treat for gatherings or simple family dinners.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Measure out 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. If needed, add water to the juice to ensure you have a total of 2 cups.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the juices to a low boil. Remove from heat and pour the hot juice into a heat-safe bowl.
3. Step 3: Stir both packages of cherry gelatin into the hot juice until fully dissolved.
4. Step 4: Slowly stir in the Coca Cola. Let the liquid cool for a few minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes until it reaches a syrup-like consistency.
5. Step 5: Remove the plastic wrap, then gently stir in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until combined.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or serving bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.
7. Step 7: Just before serving, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Add the thawed whipped topping and mix until well combined.
8. Step 8: Spoon the cream cheese topping over the set gelatin mixture and garnish with maraschino cherries. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute chopped walnuts with extra fruit or skip altogether.
• Use fresh pineapple and cherries if available, but adjust the juice quantity accordingly.
• Try adding a splash of lemon juice to brighten the gelatin mixture.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gelatin will firm up nicely and the flavors will meld. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use diet soda instead of regular Coca Cola?

Diet soda can be used, but it may affect the sweetness and texture slightly. Regular Coca Cola provides the classic flavor and carbonation that works best in this recipe.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the trifle overnight?

While 4 hours is sufficient to set the gelatin, refrigerating overnight improves the flavor and texture, making the dessert easier to slice and serve.

Coca Cola Trifle Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

This refreshing Coca Cola Trifle is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of cherry-flavored gelatin mixed with crushed pineapple, sweet cherries, walnuts, and a creamy whipped topping with cream cheese. Perfectly chilled and set, the trifle combines sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with a fizzy twist from Coca Cola, creating a unique and festive treat for any occasion.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gelatin Mixture

• 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained (juice reserved)
• 15 ounces pitted dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup, drained (juice reserved)
• 6 ounces cherry flavored gelatin (two 3-ounce packages)
• 8 ounces Coca Cola (preferably from glass bottle)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Creamy Topping

• 8 ounces thawed whipped topping
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Garnish

• Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

Instructions

1. Prepare Juice Mixture: Measure out 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. If necessary, add water to the juices to make a total of 2 cups.
2. Heat Juices: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the combined juice mixture to a low boil. Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl.
3. Dissolve Gelatin: Stir both packages of cherry gelatin into the hot juice until completely dissolved.
4. Add Coca Cola: Slowly stir in the 8 ounces of Coca Cola. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
5. Combine Fruits and Nuts: Remove plastic wrap from the cooled gelatin mixture and stir in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until well combined.
6. Set the Trifle: Spoon the gelatin, fruit, and nut mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or serving bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.
7. Prepare Creamy Topping: Just before serving, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the thawed whipped topping and mix until fully combined.
8. Assemble and Garnish: Spoon the creamy topping over the set gelatin base. Decorate with drained maraschino cherries on top. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

• The juice from the pineapple and cherries is essential to infuse the gelatin with the fruity flavor.
• Use Coca Cola directly from a glass bottle for the best authentic flavor.
• For a firmer set, refrigerate overnight.
• The creamy topping can be altered by using homemade whipped cream instead of thawed whipped topping for a fresher taste.
• Chopped walnuts offer a pleasant crunch, but you can substitute with pecans or almonds if preferred.
• This no-bake dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Coca Cola Trifle, Cherry Gelatin Dessert, No-Bake Dessert, Fruit Trifle, Pineapple Dessert, Holiday Dessert