Name: Coca Cola Trifle Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups reserved pineapple and cherry juices (made by combining 1 cup pineapple juice and 1 cup cherry juice, diluted with water if needed); 6 ounces cherry flavored gelatin (two 3-ounce packages); 8 ounces Coca Cola (preferably from a glass bottle); 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained but juice reserved; 15 ounces pitted dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup, drained but juice reserved; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 8 ounces thawed whipped topping; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Coca Cola Trifle is a nostalgic, refreshing dessert that combines fruity flavors with a fizzy twist. Layers of cherry gelatin, pineapple, walnuts, and a creamy topping make it a delightful treat for any occasion.

A clear glass trifle bowl shows a two-layer dessert: the bottom layer is a dark red, jiggly mixture with visible cherry pieces and seeds, giving a textured look, while the top layer is a thick, fluffy white whipped cream spread evenly across and topped with a cluster of shiny, bright red maraschino cherries in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and two Coca-Cola bottles with red caps are faintly visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Measure out 1 cup each of the reserved pineapple and cherry juices. If needed, add water to the juice to make a total of 2 cups of liquid.
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 fully dissolved.
Step 4: Slowly stir in the Coca Cola. Cover the liquid and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing it to cool to a thin syrup-like consistency.
Step 5: Remove the plastic wrap, then fold in the crushed pineapple, cherries, and chopped walnuts until evenly combined.
Step 6: Spoon the gelatin and fruit mixture into a 3-quart footed trifle bowl or a serving bowl. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Step 7: Just before serving, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add the thawed whipped topping and mix until well combined.
Step 8: Spread the creamy topping over the set trifle and garnish with maraschino cherries. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
Use fresh cherries if available, but adjust the sweetness accordingly since fresh fruit may lack syrup.
Make sure the gelatin mixture isn’t too hot when adding Coca Cola to preserve its fizziness as much as possible.
Serving in individual parfait glasses can make for charming, single-serve presentations.

Storage

Store the assembled trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gelatin and fruit mixture will keep well, but the topping is best fresh. To rehydrate if it loses some moisture, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

A piece of berry dessert on a white plate with three layers is shown: the bottom layer is a dark red berry filling with a thick, jam-like texture; the middle layer is a chunky mix of bright red berries, and the top layer is a fluffy white whipped cream covering the dessert. Two bright red cherries with stems sit on top of the whipped cream. A spoon on the plate holds some of the berry mix with a bit of whipped cream. In the background, two glass bottles of Coca-Cola and stacked white plates with forks are visible on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use diet cola instead of regular Coca Cola?

Yes, you can substitute diet cola, but note that it may slightly alter the sweetness and texture of the gelatin layer.

What if I don’t have a trifle bowl?

You can use any deep, clear serving bowl or even a large glass dish. Layering is easier and looks nicer with transparent sides, but it’s not essential.