Best Jell-O

Think Jell-O is just kid stuff? Think again.

This throwback gelatin mold swaps plain water for bubbly cola, stirring in cubes of tangy cream cheese and plump dark sweet cherries for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and surprisingly sophisticated.

Five minutes of hands-on work, a few hours in the fridge, and you’ve got a wobbly, jewel-toned centerpiece that slides right out of the mold.

Pro Tips

• Use cold cola straight from the fridge so it sets faster and keeps more fizz in the final texture.
• Cut cream cheese into small cubes and drop them into the warm (not hot) gelatin so they soften without fully melting, creating pockets of creaminess.
• Rinse your mold with cold water before pouring in the mixture for a clean, easy release.
• Cherry cola works beautifully here if you want to double down on that cherry flavor.