Cranberry Jello Salad

Introduction

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping brings a nostalgic twist to your holiday table, offering a colorful, fruity, and creamy delight that balances tart and sweet flavors. It’s a dish my family looks forward to every year; the combination of cranberries, pineapple, and creamy topping keeps everyone coming back for seconds. The crunchy pecans give it that perfect texture, making it as fun to eat as it is tasty. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—a perfect fit for holiday gatherings or potlucks!

---

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Jello:

• 2 (3-ounce) packages cherry Jell-O (or raspberry or cranberry)
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• 20 ounces crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce (or 2 cups homemade cranberry sauce)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (divided)
• ¾ cup cranberry or apple juice

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup sour cream

---

Instructions

Prepare the Jello Base

1. In a large bowl, dissolve both packets of Jell-O in the boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.

Add Fruit and Nuts

2. Add the crushed pineapple (including its juice) and the whole cranberry sauce to the Jell-O mixture. Break up any chunks of cranberry sauce with the back of a spoon.
3. Stir in ¾ cup of chopped pecans and the cranberry or apple juice, mixing well.

Set the Jello

4. Carefully pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or a Jello mold. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until fully set.

Make the Cream Cheese Topping

5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on high speed until smooth.
6. Add the powdered sugar and sour cream, blending until fully combined.

Assemble the Salad

7. Once the Jell-O is set, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans on top for garnish.

Serve and Enjoy

9. Serve this Cranberry Jello Salad chilled, and enjoy the blend of fruity, creamy, and nutty flavors in every bite.

---

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories

---

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (including chilling)

---

How to Serve

• Serve chilled in a 9×13-inch dish, cutting into squares for easy serving.
• Place on a holiday platter with garnished edges.
• Use small dessert glasses for individual servings for an elegant presentation.
• Top each serving with a sprig of fresh mint.
• Pair with other holiday desserts for a festive dessert spread.

---

Additional Tips

1. Ensure Jell-O Dissolves Completely: Stir the Jell-O until fully dissolved in boiling water to avoid any grainy texture.
2. Choose Your Favorite Juice: Either cranberry or apple juice works well, but apple adds a sweeter taste.
3. Soft Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly without lumps.
4. Fresh Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce adds a more natural texture and flavor.
5. Chill Fully: Allow the Jell-O mixture to set completely in the fridge before adding the topping.

---

Recipe Variations

• Swap Pecans for Walnuts: Walnuts add a milder crunch and are just as festive.
• Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter topping.
• Add Mini Marshmallows: For added sweetness, fold in mini marshmallows with the fruit and nuts.
• Go Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free Jell-O and powdered sugar alternatives.
• Citrus Zest: Add a hint of orange or lemon zest to brighten up the flavors.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with savory holiday dishes like roasted turkey or ham.
• Add to a potluck spread as a unique dessert-salad option.
• Serve as part of a brunch buffet with fruit and pastries.
• Pair with warm drinks like hot cider or coffee for a cozy balance.
• Serve alongside whipped cream for an extra creamy option.

---

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Avoid freezing as the Jell-O and cream cheese topping may separate and lose texture when thawed.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pre-Making: You can make the Jello base a day ahead, but add the cream cheese topping on the day you plan to serve for optimal freshness.

---

FAQ

Q1: Can I use different types of Jell-O flavors?
A: Yes, cherry, raspberry, or cranberry Jell-O works great in this recipe.

Q2: Is it okay to leave out the nuts?
A: Absolutely, you can omit the pecans if there are nut allergies or preferences for a smoother texture.

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Substitute the Jell-O with a vegan gelatin alternative, and use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream.

Q4: What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch dish?
A: You can use any similar-sized dish or even a decorative mold for a unique shape.

Q5: How can I make homemade cranberry sauce?
A: Simply cook fresh cranberries with sugar and a bit of water until they break down and thicken.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, it’s gluten-free as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Q7: Can I make the topping sweeter?
A: Add a bit more powdered sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter topping.

Q8: Can I use whipped cream instead of sour cream in the topping?
A: You can, but it will result in a lighter, fluffier topping with a different texture.

Q9: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to add some pineapple juice to maintain the liquid balance.

Q10: How can I prevent the topping from melting?
A: Ensure the Jello base is completely set and chilled before adding the topping.

---

Conclusion

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a festive, versatile dessert-salad that combines traditional holiday flavors with a creamy twist. Easy to make and perfect for a range of dietary needs, this dish will be a hit on any holiday table.

Print