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Desserts Side Dish

The Most Wonderful Cherry Jello You Will Ever Eat in Your Life

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Are you looking for a yummy, jiggly, easy-to-make cherry jello recipe? It is the most wonderful cherry jello you will ever eat in your life! The taste is so rich and packed full of cherries.

You can’t go wrong with cherry jello. It is super easy to make, red-colored, wiggly, sweet, and full of fruit. Everyone will love it!

The Most Wonderful Cherry Jello You Will Ever Eat in Your Life. That's really the name of the recipe and it's the truth. A cherry jello on a plate with cream on top.

Where did the name of the recipe come from?

Do you have recipes in your recipe files that have funny names? There are the names of just a few of mine! Mississippi Sin Dip, Million Dollar Spaghetti and White Trash Bars.

The recipe that I am sharing today is another one of those recipes. “The Most Wonderful Cherry Jello You Will Ever Eat in Your Life”. How can you resist something with a name like that?

Actually, I got this recipe from a friend of mine over 25 years ago. We were at a party where everyone was supposed to bring something, and this is the jello she brought. 

As I was in line getting my plate of food, a man was ahead of me who was on his second round. He turned to me and told me that he wanted to come back to get some more of this cherry jello, and he wanted to know what it was called because it was the most wonderful cherry jello he had ever eaten in his life.

Then, I asked my friend about the name of her recipe. She smiled and told me how it was called. You guessed it. In fact, it was called The Most Wonderful Cherry Jello You Will Ever Eat in Your Life. 

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting any other name. I told her about the man in front of me, and we had a great laugh!

Since then, it became a family staple while my kids were growing up, and to this day, it is still my son’s favorite jello side dish. It calls for cherry pie filling, which almost turns it into a dessert, and the whipped topping isn’t just Cool Whip and adds a decadent creamy topping.

The Most Wonderful Cherry Jello You Will Ever Eat in Your Life. That's really the name of the recipe and it's the truth, a cherry jello on a white plate with cream on top

Why you will love this recipe?

Surely, I have to admit. It is not a recipe for cherry jello you expect. There are some secret ingredients added. It is where the magic happens. And every outstanding dessert has its secret ingredients. Once you try it, you will never want to make it any other way. 

With pineapples, instant vanilla pudding, and cherry pie filling, you just can’t go wrong. It is a spectacular experience for your taste buds!

This recipe is:

  • gluten-free
  • fruity
  • kids-friendly
  • low-calorie
  • with natural sweeteners

Frankly, I had no idea that cherries and pineapples go that well together. But when I tried this jello, it made perfect sense. In my opinion, the instant vanilla pudding gives it a creamy feeling, and the chunks of pineapples add this mouth-watering effect. 

All these natural fruit sweeteners are full of a range of healthy nutrients. In fact, it is a great way to add more vitamins and minerals to your diet.

It is low-calorie, too. How amazing is this! No crust or base that would add more calories. Just fruit, instant vanilla pudding, milk, and cool whip.

If you prefer, add some sweetener. But don’t make it oversweet. The fruit taste is more noticeable when there is a little bit of sourness. At least, this is how I prefer to make my cherry jello.  

That's really the name of the recipe and it's the truth.

The Most Wonderful Cherry Jello You Will Ever Eat in Your Life

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 6 oz pkg cherry jello
  • 1 large can crushed pineapple do not drain
  • 1 can Comstock Red Ruby Cherry pie filling or other Cherry Pie Filling
  • 1 3 oz pkg instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups Cool Whip

Instructions
 

  • Combine cherry gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water. OMIT 2 cups cold
  • water as directed on the package. Add crushed pineapple with juice and cherry pie filling.
  • Pour into 9x13 pan
  • Chill.

Topping

  • Combine pudding with 1 cup milk and beat. Let set for 1-2 minutes until slightly thick.
  • Add Cool Whip and mix well.
  • Spread on top of the chilled cherry jello.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to use The most wonderful jello you will ever have in your life recipe?

This dessert is perfect for any occasion. From family dinners to grandkids’ birthday parties, this recipe is a must! What I love about it is that you can use it for a lot of other desserts. Get creative in the kitchen to make the taste you crave!

What is a party without jello? It is the ultimate party food to make in glasses, served with some whipped cream on top. Or serve it on a plate and make it finger food. 

If you are planning a cookout or a family dinner? It may take a little bit of your time, but it is worth it. 

You can use this cherry jello in:

  • cherry pie
  • no-bake jello pie
  • cobbler
  • crumble
  • pannacotta
  • vegan raw cake
  • tart
  • fruit tartlets
  • layered Christmas jello
  • layered rainbow jello
  • cherry jello cups
  • parfaits

Make the recipe super healthy

With cherries and pineapples added to the recipe, it is already healthy. But you can substitute some of the products to lower the calories even more.

Are you going vegan? In this recipe, you will see some animal products. Surely, you can easily substitute them and make the recipe vegan-friendly. 

Indeed, there are pineapples added to the recipe. It makes it a little bit different and makes the taste much more versatile. I told you, it is not ordinary cherry jello at all. 

Use some whipped coconut cream on top. Make the dessert with plant-based products only to make it healthier and guilt-free. 

If you prefer your dessert sweeter. For example, add some zero-calorie sweetener instead of sugar, such as stevia or erythritol. 

Cook with your grandkids

Are you looking for a recipe to prepare together with your grandkids? After all, it’s always a good idea to use cooking as a time to bond, and spend quality family time. They will want to help you with this one. What is more, it is easy, and there is nothing that can go wrong. Your grandkids will love the process and the result, too! 

First of all, they will be interested to see how to make their jello. I will give you another idea of how to spark curiosity even more! Pick some silicone molds with different animals or other funny characters. Fill them up with the cherry jello and let them eat it after that. Store them in the fridge for a few hours to set. It is going to be a healthy fruity wiggly treat, indeed. 

Bring some Jello to your party

Are you hosting a party? This cherry jello recipe can save the day! And it will make the preparation less stressful, too. 

It appears that a tropical theme party can’t go without jello. For instance, top it with a cocktail cherry and a piece of pineapple for a more summer feeling.

Besides, whether you are going to a Halloween party or a grandkids’ birthday party, jello is a great way to bring some tasty treats to the table. 

It is perfect for:

  • Tropical theme party
  • Christmas party
  • Halloween party
  • Birthday party
  • Family reunion
  • Cookout
  • BBQ backyard party
  • Picnic
  • Cherry theme party

Without a doubt, it is easy to make, affordable, and healthy treat. You can prepare a batch of jello and serve it as a welcome drink if you are hosting the party.

You can easily change the appearance of the jello and decorate it according to the party theme. 

Are you going to a family reunion? Then, make a large batch of the most wonderful jello you will ever have in your life! 

Are you hosting a family Christmas dinner? The red color is traditional for this time of the year. It creates the festive and holiday feeling we all love! Make this cherry jello recipe and sprinkle it with coconut flakes on top to add some snowy mood. 

Or are you planning Valentine’s day party? No problem. Just use a heart-shaped pan and prepare the jello in this shape.

What types of fruit should you use?

In the recipe, we use canned cherries and pineapples. Actually, you can choose frozen if you prefer. 

Feel free to use any other fruit you like. Moreover, it is going to be amazing with strawberries and raspberries. 

However, to make it a different color, you can use peaches, mango, or blueberries. 

Kids-friendly recipe

Clearly, not only the grandkids, but adults love jello, too. It is so much fun. It is that tasty and inexpensive to prepare, that we can’t resist it. Moreover, I make jello for every occasion possible. And everyone enjoys it!

Generally speaking, we know that grandkids love eating food with bright colors and jello is one of them. Especially, cherry jello has an amazing red color! Serve it in small glasses with a decoration of fresh fruit and your grandkids will love it! 

Undoubtedly, you should bring jello to your next party. Surely, not an ordinary one, but the most wonderful jello you will ever have in your life!

How to store The most wonderful cherry jello you will ever eat in your life?

If you have any leftovers, consider yourself lucky, of course. Store the cherry jello in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Avoid freezing the jello. 

How to serve the Cherry jello?

In the recipe, we use whipped cream to top the jello. You can use ice cream of your choice or vegan yogurt. 

Certainly, experiment to find what is the best flavor combo for you!

In conclusion

In short, satisfy your sweet tooth with this guilt-free jello treat. 

It is perfect for any occasion. Cherries and whipped cream come together for the ultimate fruit dessert! Offer this low-calorie delicious treat to your grandkids and make them happy. 

Last but not least, I hope that you try it and that maybe you too will think that it’s the most wonderful cherry jelly you have ever eaten in your life! It is worth every bite.

Did you like this tasty cherry jello recipe? We’d love for you to check out some of our other great recipes like these!

  • Easy Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
  • Cherry Cheesecake Dip With Cinnamon Pie Dippers
  • Cherry Bars
  • 25 Mouth-Watering Campfire Desserts
  • Jello Stars Recipe

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18 Comments

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Comments

  1. Jeannean Hill says

    February 25, 2015 at 5:14 am

    I love all the posts I see. And I try most of them.

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      February 25, 2015 at 2:11 pm

      Hi Jeannean! Thanks so much for your kind words and we are so happy to have you here!!

      Reply
  2. Si says

    February 25, 2015 at 7:27 am

    I never make jello. Except one type. The recipe is identical to this one. My friend Claudine gave me the recipe about 10-15 years ago. My kids love it. And I agree, it is the most wonderful cherry jello ever!

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      February 25, 2015 at 2:11 pm

      Right?!!! It’s an oldie but a goodie!! Thanks so much for stopping by Si!

      Reply
  3. Anne says

    August 6, 2015 at 10:53 am

    Under #1 it says omit 2 cups cold water. Under #2, what does water as directed on pkg mean? I would like to try this recipe.

    Thanks Anne

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      August 6, 2015 at 2:29 pm

      OH, that is supposed to be the end of the sentence above. You want to mix the jello with 2 cups of hot water. But the recipe on the package says to then add 2 cups of cold water and that is what you don’t want to do. Just use the 2 cups of boiling water. Does that make sense? Oh man, this is SOOO good!

      Reply
  4. jeanne says

    November 26, 2015 at 4:51 am

    Hi Debbie, Do you know …. have you ever made this with out the pineapple ? can I add something in place of it ?
    Any suggestions ?
    thanks, Jeanne

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      November 29, 2015 at 2:21 pm

      Hi Jeanne! Honestly I have never made any substitutions with this recipe but in thinking about it, maybe some applesauce instead of pineapple? I’d love to hear how that turns out!

      Reply
  5. krista taylor says

    December 22, 2015 at 7:27 pm

    I’m thinking about dying the topping green for a festive Christmas look. What do you think? 🙂

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      December 22, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      I would definitely go for it! The topping is already a soft yellow because of the pudding but I love this idea!

      Reply
  6. Lori says

    December 23, 2015 at 6:14 pm

    Can it be made the night before or will the pudding mixture soak up the red coloring from the jello?

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      December 24, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      I’ve made it the night before without any problems.

      Reply
  7. Darla says

    June 10, 2016 at 8:07 am

    I used cheesecake pudding instead of the vanilla. Really good!

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      June 10, 2016 at 2:39 pm

      Oooooh! I love this idea!

      Reply
  8. Cindy says

    November 18, 2016 at 10:26 am

    It says one can of creepy pie filling. Is that a big or small can?

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      November 18, 2016 at 12:40 pm

      It’s the larger, fatter can. I usually get the Comstock brand.

      Reply
  9. Denise k says

    November 22, 2016 at 7:01 pm

    My mother in law made this with 2 containers of frozen strawberries in stead of the cherry pie filling . It was the best strawberry jello I ever ate .☺️

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      November 30, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      RIGHT?!!!!!! haha Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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Welcome to TGIF – This Grandma is Fun!

GrandmaDTS
Come join Sherri, Tracy and Debbie as we share fun ideas to do with grandkids! With 12 grandchildren between us (and more to come!) we are loving this time of life and want to share what we are doing to make lasting memories and to uplift and support our families. We hope you come back often!

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