February 8, 2025
February 2025

food & hospitality

Marshmallow Black Cherry Jell-O Salad

Marshmallow Black Cherry Jell-O Salad

Imagine the velvety embrace of dark cherry gelatin, the creamy clouds of Cool Whip, and the delightful surprise of marshmallows nestled within.

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Are you feeling a bit nostalgic? Let’s take a delicious dive into the world of desserts with a tantalizing twist ā€“ my mom’s signature Marshmallow Black Cherry Jell-O Salad! Imagine the velvety embrace of dark cherry gelatin, the creamy clouds of cool whipped topping, and the delightful surprise of marshmallows nestled within. It’s a harmony of flavors and textures that’ll have your taste buds singing with joy.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or simply craving a sweet treat to brighten your day, this delightful concoction promises to elevate any occasion. So, grab your apron and join me in creating memories, one spoonful at a time. Trust me, this is one culinary adventure you won’t want to miss!

Chilled firm marshmallow cherry jello salad in spoon.

Marshmallow Black Cherry Jell-O Salad

Imagine the velvety embrace of black cherry gelatin, the creamy clouds of Cool Whip, and the delightful surprise of marshmallows nestled within. It’s a harmony of flavors and textures that’ll have your taste buds singing with joy.
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PREP TIME30 minutes
Chill5 hours
TOTAL TIME5 hours 30 minutes
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  Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients
 

  • 15 oz dark sweet cherries (pitted)
  • 1 cup dark sweet cherry juice drained from canned cherries
  • 3 oz black cherry gelatin mix
  • 10 oz marshmallows, miniature (1 small bag)
  • 1 cup cool whip (thawed)

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Instructions

  • Drain Cherries and Prepare Liquid.
    Begin by draining the juice from the15 oz dark sweet cherries into a measuring cup. (Substitute this flavorful liquid for cold water in the recipe if desired.) Add enough water to the cherry juice to equal 1 cup dark sweet cherry juice drained from canned cherries cup.
    15 oz dark sweet cherries
  • Prepare Gelatin. Ā 
    Follow the instructions on the 3 oz black cherry gelatin mix, substituting the cherry juice mixture for cold water. Stir until the gelatinĀ powder is completely dissolved.
    1 cup dark sweet cherry juice drained from canned cherries, 3 oz black cherry gelatin mix
  • Chill. Ā 
    Place the gelatin mixture in the refrigerator and allow it to chill until it begins to set, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Prep the Cherries. Ā 
    Slice each cherry in half.
    15 oz dark sweet cherries
  • Add Cherries. Ā 
    Once the gelatin has partially set, gently fold the sliced cherries into the prepared gelatin mixture.
  • Incorporate Marshmallows. Ā 
    Gently stir the miniature 10 oz marshmallows, into the cherry gelatin mixture, ensuring even distribution.
    10 oz marshmallows, miniature
  • Add Cool Whip. Ā 
    Gently fold the 1 cup cool whip into the chilled mixture. Ensure thorough incorporation.
    1 cup cool whip
  • Final Chill. Ā 
    Return the gelatinĀ salad to the refrigerator and let it chill until completely firm, approximately 4 hours.
  • Serve and Enjoy! Ā Once firm, your Marshmallow Black Cherry Jell-O Salad is ready to be served. Enjoy the delightful blend of cherry flavor, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy whipped toppingĀ  in every spoonful.

Notes

Course dessert, salad, side dish
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian

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Nutrition

Calories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 2gFat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 31g
Nutritional Information Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is based on approximate calculations by various tools and resources. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice. Always consult a dietitian or health professional for specific health or dietary concerns.

ENRICH THE RECIPE

Cherries

Opt for fresh, ripe dark cherries when available. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color will enhance the overall appeal of the salad. If fresh cherries are not in season, and you can’t find canned, you can use high-quality frozen dark cherries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before incorporating them into the salad.

Gelatin

Experiment with different flavors of gelatin to customize the salad to your taste preferences. Raspberry, strawberry, or even pineapple gelatin can add interesting twists to the recipe. For a more natural option, consider using gelatin and fruit juice instead of flavored gelatin. This allows you to control the sweetness and flavor intensity of the salad.

Marshmallows

Use high-quality miniature marshmallows for the best texture and flavor. Look for brands that use natural ingredients and avoid artificial flavors and additives.

Additional Enhancements

Add texture and crunch by incorporating chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the salad. For a hint of citrus flavor, zest some lemon or orange over the salad just before serving. Garnish the salad with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a decorative touch and added freshness.

Add texture and crunch by incorporating chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the salad. For a hint of citrus flavor, zest some lemon or orange over the salad just before serving. Garnish the salad with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a decorative touch and added freshness.

By enhancing the ingredients with these suggestions, you can create a more sophisticated and flavorful dessert that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance of flavors and textures for your palate.

A GUIDED JOURNEY OF HOW TO MAKE

If youā€™re in need of some guidance on creating this delightful recipe, youā€™re in the right place. Below, youā€™ll find comprehensive instructions. Weā€™ve enriched these sections with visuals like photos and videos to aid your cooking experience and ensure a successful culinary adventure.

STEP 1: Drain Cherries and Prepare Liquid.

Start by draining the succulent juice from the cherries into a measuring cup. This luscious liquid will be the base of our flavor journey. Swap out cold water in the recipe with this cherry elixir, ensuring a burst of fruity goodness in every bite. If needed, supplement the cherry juice with water to reach a total of 1 cup, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor and consistency.

STEP 2: Prepare gelatin.

Now, let’s dive into the world of gelatin magic. Follow the instructions on the gelatin box with a twistā€”substitute the plain water with our vibrant cherry juice mixture. Stir diligently until every granule of gelatin powder surrenders, dissolving completely in the sea of cherry-infused liquid.

pouring cherry juice into jello mixture

STEP 3: Chill.

Patience is key as we embark on the chilling phase. Place the gelatin mixture in the cozy embrace of the refrigerator, allowing it to rest until it begins to set. DO NOT allow the mixture to fully set. This typically takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Feel free to peek in and marvel at the transformation!

 jello in stainless bowl ready to chill

STEP 4: Prep the Cherries.

Take each cherry and slice it into halves or quarters, depending on your preference for bite-sized pieces. Using a sharp knife, make clean, even cuts to ensure each piece is uniformly sized. This will not only make the cherries easier to distribute throughout the Jell-O mixture but also enhance the visual appeal and texture of the final dish. Be sure to remove any pits if you’re using fresh cherries.

Sliced Cherries in mound on cutting board

STEP 5: Add Cherries.

Time to introduce the star of the showā€”our sliced cherries! With a gentle hand, fold these ruby gems into the prepared gelatin mixture, ensuring their distribution throughout. Each bite will be a delightful burst of fruity goodness.

STEP 6: Incorporate Marshmallows.

Let’s add a touch of whimsy with miniature marshmallows. Gently incorporate these fluffy clouds into the gelatin mixture, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed. Their soft texture will provide a delightful contrast to the fruity goodness of the cherries.

STEP 7: Add Cool Whip.

As the gelatin begins to take shape, it’s time to introduce a creamy companionā€”Cool Whip! With a gentle hand, fold this velvety goodness into the partially set gelatin mixture, ensuring a harmonious marriage of flavors and textures.

STEP 8: Final Chill.

We’re on the home stretch now. Return the gelatin salad to the refrigerator, allowing it to chill until it reaches its full potentialā€”a firm, delectable delight. This final phase typically takes approximately 4 hours, but the anticipation will make every moment worth it.

Serve and Enjoy! Once fully set, your Black Cherry Marshmallow Jell-O Salad is ready to dazzle taste buds and bring smiles to faces. Serve with pride, knowing you’ve created a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful treat!

DETERMINING THE RIGHT QUANTITY: HOW MUCH TO MAKE

Determining how much Marshmallow Black Cherry Jell-O Salad to make depends on several factors, including the number of servings needed and whether it’s a standalone dessert or part of a larger meal or event. As a side, estimating 1/3 cup per person, 1 recipe is plenty to serve 10 guests. As a standalone dessert, estimating 1 cup person, 1 recipe suffices for 6 guests.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Can I substitute the black cherry gelatin?

Yes, you can substitute the black cherry gelatin. I would suggest red raspberry.

What do I do if I forgot to save the cherry juice?

No worries. Substitute water for the cherry juice.

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