Crisco salad is the old-school sweet treat that's so much more than just a salad or a dessert. If you're familiar with Jell-O salads, you know that the word "salad" can be interpreted in many different ways. This legendary Southern recipe is the amazing combo of graham crackers, cool whip, pineapple, and of course Crisco!
Crisco Salad
Crisco is an American brand of vegetable shortening, made completely of vegetable oil. Similar to ambrosia salad, ice cream salad or Jell-O salad, Crisco salad is only a salad in name. However, it does involve pineapples and nuts, so it's not all bad for you! Crisco salad starts off with a graham cracker crust, as you might use for a cheesecake. This is made with graham crackers, sugar and butter. For an easier route, you can always pick up a pre-made one from the store. If you need a gluten-free option, some yummy alternatives are Schär, Pamela's, and Kinnikinnick.
This Crisco and fruit salad recipe is as quick and easy as they come, and the hardest part is waiting for it to chill. If you prefer fresh fruit to canned, you can always use fresh pineapple. No matter which you opt for, make sure to drain the pineapple juice to avoid sogginess. As for the nuts, these can be almonds, peanuts, or pecans- just choose your favorite. This retro and delicious salad is ideal as an appetizer at brunch or a summery dessert.
Crisco salad is so legendary that it was featured on #recipetest! Here's a video where Emmymade shows how it's done.
How to Make Crisco Salad
To make Crisco salad, start off by lining a pan with a graham cracker crust. We recommend using a 9 x 13-inch pan, and for the crust, combine 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2/3 cup of melted butter. Mix together until fully combined, and then press into the pan.
Then, mix your 1 cup of Crisco and sugar in a large bowl and beat until creamy, either by hand or with an electric mixer. Add in your eggs, one at a time, until fully mixed. Fold in the nuts and pineapple.
Then, pour the filling into the crust, patting until even across the pan. Place into the fridge for now.
Make two boxes of cherry Jell-O, allowing it to set. Then, pour your partly set Jell-O on top of the filling.
Cover with aluminum foil and store in the fridge until Jell-O has set. When you're ready to serve, top with cool whip, spreading whip out evenly to cover the surface. Enjoy!
Watch: Ambrosia Salad
Crisco Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup Crisco
- 2 eggs
- 1 15 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup Graham crackers
- 2/3 cup melted butter
- Cool Whip
- 2 boxes cherry Jell-O
Instructions
- To make Crisco salad, start off by lining a pan with a graham cracker crust. We recommend using a 9 x 13 inch pan, and for the crust, combine 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2/3 cup of melted butter. Mix together until fully combined, and then press into the pan.
- Then, mix your 1 cup of Crisco and sugar in a large bowl and beat until creamy, either by hand or with an electric mixer. Add in your eggs, one at a time, until fully mixed. Fold in the nuts and pineapple.
- Then, pour the filling into the crust, patting until even across the pan. Place into the fridge for now.
- Make two boxes of cherry Jell-O, allowing it to set. Then, pour your partly set Jell-O on top of the filling.
- Cover with aluminum foil and store in the fridge until Jell-O has set. When you're ready to serve, top with cool whip, spreading whip out evenly to cover the surface. Enjoy!
