Description

A nostalgic gelatin dessert filled with colorful fruit, perfect for retro-themed parties or family gatherings. This classic Jell-O mold was a staple of 1950s dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

For the Jell-O base:
2 packages (3 oz each) flavored gelatin (such as strawberry, lime, or lemon)
2 cups boiling water
1 cup cold water
For the fruit filling:
1 cup canned fruit cocktail, drained
1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved
1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
1/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved
Optional garnish:
Whipped cream or mayonnaise (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl, stirring until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes).
2. Stir in cold water and refrigerate for about 45 minutes, or until slightly thickened (consistency of egg whites).
3. While gelatin chills, prepare a 6-cup mold by lightly greasing with vegetable oil or spraying with non-stick spray.
4. Fold all prepared fruits gently into the partially set gelatin.
5. Pour mixture into prepared mold and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
6. To unmold: Dip mold briefly in warm water (do not submerge), then place serving plate on top and invert with confidence.
7. Serve with dollops of whipped cream or mayonnaise for authentic 1950s presentation.

Notes

For clearer layers, you can alternate fruit types between gelatin layers. Mid-century cooks often used canned fruits exclusively. For modern tastes, fresh pineapple (not canned) and berries work well too. The mayonnaise topping was considered elegant in the 1950s!