Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

If you’ve never tried Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping, then you’re in for a real treat! This vibrant, festive dish combines the tartness of cranberry with the sweetness of Jello and the richness of a creamy cheese topping. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday spread or family gathering, bringing color and flavor to your table. Trust me, the balance of flavors is just right—the creamy topping is dreamy, and the cranberry Jello is refreshing and bold. Once you make this, it’ll quickly become a staple at every event. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

Here’s why this Cranberry Jello Salad is a must-make:

Festive and Vibrant

The bright, tangy cranberry flavor paired with the gorgeous red color of the Jello makes this dish a showstopper. It’s perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, and any celebration that needs a pop of color.

Creamy and Tangy

The cream cheese topping adds a rich, tangy layer that complements the sweet-tart cranberry Jello underneath. The contrast of textures between the creamy layer and the gelatinous Jello is just divine.

Easy to Make

It may look like an impressive dish, but it’s surprisingly simple to whip up! No fancy techniques—just a few ingredients and a little chill time, and you’re good to go.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just having a casual family dinner, this cranberry Jello salad fits right in. It’s a great side dish, dessert, or even a salad!

Ingredients

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping uses just a handful of simple ingredients to create a beautifully layered dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Jello Layer:

• 1 package (6 oz) cranberry-flavored Jello
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s break it down into easy steps to make this beautiful dish!

Step 1: Prepare the Jello

In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the cranberry Jello in 2 cups boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Once dissolved, stir in the cranberry sauce, pineapple, and nuts (if using). Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Set the Jello Layer

Pour the Jello mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or a decorative serving dish. Place it in the fridge and let it chill for about 2-4 hours, or until set. The Jello should be firm and ready to support the cream cheese topping.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

While the Jello is chilling, prepare the cream cheese topping. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the whipped topping and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined. The result should be light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Topping

Once the Jello has set, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Smooth it out with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Be gentle so you don’t disturb the Jello underneath.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Place the dish back in the fridge and chill for an additional 2 hours to allow the topping to set. Once everything is nice and firm, your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is ready to be served!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve as a refreshing side dish or dessert at your next gathering. The creamy topping and the tangy cranberry Jello will definitely be the stars of the show!

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-15 servings
Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours

How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

This cranberry Jello salad is perfect for serving at a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas:

Holiday Meals

It’s a classic side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. The sweet and tart flavors complement the savory dishes beautifully, and it looks so festive on the table!

Potlucks and Gatherings

This dish travels well, so it’s a great option for potlucks or family get-togethers. Everyone will be impressed by how pretty it looks and how delicious it tastes.

As a Refreshing Dessert

Serve it as a light, refreshing dessert after a heavy meal. It’s sweet but not too heavy, making it a perfect way to end any meal.

Additional Tips

• Use Sugar-Free Jello: If you’re looking to make this dish a little lighter, you can swap out the regular Jello for sugar-free cranberry Jello and use a light whipped topping.
• Nuts: While walnuts or pecans are optional, they add a nice crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy Jello. Feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
• Chill Time: Make sure to give the Jello plenty of time to set. If you’re in a hurry, you can put it in the freezer for 30-45 minutes before adding the cream cheese topping to speed up the process.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
A1: Fresh cranberries are a bit tart and will require extra sugar to balance the flavor. You can cook them with sugar and water to create a homemade cranberry sauce if you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this salad a day in advance?
A2: Yes! This dish is even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping?
A3: This dish is best served fresh and refrigerated, but you can freeze the Jello layer on its own without the topping for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and add the cream cheese topping before serving.

Q4: How long will leftovers last?
A4: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. The cream cheese topping may soften over time, but the dish will still taste delicious.

Q5: Can I substitute the whipped topping?
A5: Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream in place of the whipped topping for a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s stiff enough to hold up when you spread it on the Jello.

Q6: Can I make this dish without the nuts?
A6: Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer. The Jello will still be delicious without them.

Q7: Can I add more fruit to the Jello layer?
A7: You can! Some people like to add diced pears, apples, or even grapes to the Jello. Just make sure the fruit is well-drained to avoid excess liquid.

Q8: Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
A8: Yes, you can experiment with other flavors like strawberry or raspberry Jello. However, the cranberry flavor works particularly well with the cream cheese topping.

Q9: What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
A9: You can use a smaller dish, but the layers may be a bit thicker. Just be sure the dish is large enough to hold the full amount of Jello and cream cheese topping.

Q10: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A10: Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese for a plant-based version and use dairy-free whipped topping. Make sure the Jello you’re using is gelatin-free if you’re aiming for a fully vegan version.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a perfect combination of vibrant flavors and creamy textures that will brighten up any occasion. Whether it’s for the holidays, a family dinner, or a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. It’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and beautiful to serve!

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