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Christmas traditions were strong in my family growing up. We spent every Christmas Eve with my dad’s family—eating, playing card games, and opening presents—and Christmas Day with my mom’s family—more food, gifts, a heated dice game, and always a wrapping paper fight. Christmas morning was always reserved for waking my parents at an absurdly early hour, waiting excitedly at the top of the staircase, and racing to the basement to stand in awe and delight at the mound of presents that had magically appeared overnight. I still get a twinkle in my eye thinking of those perfect Christmases.
While many of our Christmas traditions have dissolved over the years, one of my favorites that remains is a big bowl of Cherry Coke Jell-O on the dinner table. For decades, without fail, this ruby red, bouncing bowl of Jell-O brought joy to my sugar-addicted self. I love everything about it—the bold cherry flavor, the fizz from the Coca Cola, the maraschino cherries, and the fluffy whipped cream. Yum! It’s a delicious Christmas tradition I’ll continue for years to come.
In three decades, I’ve only met one other person who already knew about this gelatinous gem. So, this Christmas, my gift to you is my beloved Cherry Coke Jell-O recipe. I hope you get as much delight from it as I do.
Ingredients:
- 1 large package of cherry Jell-O mix
- 1-1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1—12oz. can Coca Cola (or Cherry Coca Cola)
- Whipped cream
Directions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Dissolve cherry Jell-O mix in hot water.
- Add sugar and cherry pie filling. Stir until dissolved. (Yes, you will have floating cherries in your Jell-O.)
- Stir in can of Coca Cola.
- Pour into a serving bowl
- Chill overnight.
- Top with Cool Whip before serving.
Interested in more sweet recipes? Check out these dessert bar recipes.
