Black Cherry Jello Salad

This Black Cherry Jello Salad is a vintage-inspired “cloud” dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of dark cherries with the silky richness of sweetened condensed milk. By folding a partially set gelatin into a whipped cream cheese base, you achieve a beautiful marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes. It is the ideal make-ahead dish for potlucks, holidays, or a nostalgic Sunday dinner.

Black Cherry Jello Salad

Ingredients:

How To Make Black Cherry Jello Salad:

Step 1: Dissolve and Partial-Set: In a heat-safe bowl, pour the 1 cup of boiling water over the Jell-O mix. Stir for 2 minutes until the granules are completely dissolved. Stir in the 1/2 cup of cold water. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15/20 minutes. You want it to reach a syrupy consistency—thickened but not firm.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cloud: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and airy. Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, beating until the mixture is completely lump-free. Use a spatula to gently fold in the 1 cup of whipped topping until the base is fluffy.

Step 3: The Marbling Effect: Pour the syrupy Jell-O mixture into the cream cheese bowl. Fold gently with a spatula.

Pro Tip: For a “signature marbled look,” stop folding before the colors are fully blended so you can still see streaks of deep red and white.

Step 4: Add Fruit and Chill: Gently stir in your drained peaches or oranges. Transfer the mixture into a 9×9 pan, a glass trifle bowl, or a decorative mold. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (though overnight is best) to allow the gelatin to fully bond with the dairy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve: Serve the salad chilled. Garnish each portion with a dollop of extra whipped cream, a cherry, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a bit of crunch.