Note: For those of you not in the States, Cool Whip is a non-dairy substitute for whipped cream. It is sold in the freezer section of the grocery store, and you let it thaw before using. Many people prefer it to real whipped cream. It is more stable than whipped cream, so is better suited to this particular cake.
The original recipe called for three packets of Dream Whip, prepared according to package directions. This is a shelf stable powder that you mix with milk and vanilla and whip until it is light and fluffy. It is actually pretty good, especially since you can have it on hand for when you want whipped cream and don't have it.
Mix the gelatin in the cold water to soften. Add the boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add the lemon juice, pineapple, orange sections, and sugar and mix well. Put in refrigerator to chill. When the gelatin mixture is partially set, fold in 4 cups of the Cool Whip until well blended. Using a decorative glass bowl, or a trifle bowl, or a 9 x 13 inch pan, arrange alternating layers of cake and the gelatin and fruit mixture. It looks very nice if you arrange the top in small mounds so that it looks like snowballs when done. Make each snowball the size of one serving. Chill this 6 hours, or overnight. When the cake mixture is thoroughly chilled, spread the top with the remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip. Sprinkle the top evenly with the coconut, then put a maraschino cherry in the top of each snowball (whole or halved). Make sure you drain the fruit really well or your gelatin mixture might not set up as well as it should. This cake was a family favorite. We had a lot of recipe requests for this delicious dessert. You can use flavored gelatin, but I like it best with the plain. It allows the flavors of the fruit to shine.
By Free2B from North Royalton, OH
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This is a great recipe for our hottest weather in years. I started buying the store brand whipped topping when it was on sale and I actually like the taste better and saving money where I can.
Awesome! This is something that we that are diabetic can have! Thanks!
Oh, this sounds just Heavenly. Pineapple has always been a great favorite, and I think I was in my 40's before I knew there was such a thing as Mandarin oranges, but I've been buying and using them ever since. (They are nice as garnishes for salads too).
The finished cake has got to be a spectacular presentation too, so it'll be fun to make and serve, especially during this summer heat when only cold foods look really appetizing. You have another winner here, my friend.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Pookarina
This has to be a very pretty cake when all dressed up in snowy white coconut and red or green cherries. I don't have a trifle bowl, and I think I'm going to hunt one now. It sounds like a delicious dessert.
Thank you for sharing your recipe.
MisMachado
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