Coconut Cranberry Alaska

Name: Coconut Cranberry Alaska
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12-16 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package (9 ounces) white or yellow cake mix; 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin; 1/2 cup sugar, divided; 1-1/2 cups cranberry juice; 1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce; 3 cups heavy whipping cream, divided; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

"This impressive treat is my favorite company dessert, it's perfect for a holiday gathering!" writes Joan Hallford of North Richland Hills, Texas. "The recipe is easy to prepare in advance and makes such a beautiful presentation. I always receive raves when I serve it and predict that you will, too."

Ingredients

1 package (9 ounces) white or yellow cake mix
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup sugar, divided
1-1/2 cups cranberry juice
1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
3 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Directions

Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using a greased 9-in. round baking pan. Cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, combine gelatin and 1/4 cup sugar. Bring cranberry juice to a boil; stir into gelatin mixture until dissolved. Stir in cranberry sauce. Refrigerate until partially set.
In a small bowl, beat 1 cup of cream until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream and pecans into gelatin mixture. Pour into a 2-qt. bowl with a 9-in. diameter top coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate until set.
Place cake over gelatin mixture; trim if necessary. Invert dessert onto a serving plate. In a large bowl, beat remaining cream until it begins to thicken. Add remaining sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over gelatin mixture and cake. Sprinkle with coconut.

Originally published as Coconut Cranberry Alaska in Taste of Home December/January 2003