Festive Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe

Memories of grandma’s holiday cranberry jello salad always spark joy at our family gatherings.

Tart berries dancing through translucent gelatin create a festive centerpiece that looks stunning on any table.

Smooth cream cheese adds luxurious richness to this classic dish.

Unexpected textures blend perfectly in each vibrant spoonful.

Chilled and refreshing, this dessert brings nostalgic comfort with every bite.

Guests will marvel at the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors.

We promise this recipe will become your new favorite seasonal treat.

Tips for Perfecting the Cream Cheese Layer on Cranberry Jello Salad

• Prep Ahead for Perfect Texture: Dissolve Jello completely in boiling water to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, consistent base for your salad.
• Customize Nut Selection: Choose between pecans or walnuts based on personal preference or dietary needs, adding a delightful crunch to the dessert.
• Whip Cream Cheese Carefully: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until ultra-smooth to create a luxurious, lump-free topping.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to let flavors meld and gelatin set properly, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish.
• Serve Chilled for Best Experience: Keep the salad refrigerated until serving to maintain its firm structure and refreshing quality.

How to Store and Chill Leftover Cranberry Jello Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors. Keep the Cranberry Jello Salad in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Always use plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to protect the cream cheese topping from drying out and creating a skin.
• Avoid reheating this dessert, as the Jello will melt and lose its firm texture. Enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and consistency.
• Do not freeze this dessert, as the cream cheese topping and Jello will separate and become watery upon thawing, compromising the overall quality and presentation.

What to Serve with Cranberry Jello Salad for a Holiday Spread

• Select a chilled, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the sweet-tart cranberry flavors and cuts through the rich cream cheese topping.
• Serve alongside traditional roasted turkey during holiday meals, allowing the cranberry Jello salad to enhance the savory meat with its bright, sweet profile.
• Add a buttery vanilla shortbread cookie on the side to provide a delicate, crumbly texture that balances the smooth Jello and creamy topping.
• Sprinkle additional toasted, spiced pecans over the cream cheese layer to introduce a warm, nutty crunch that elevates the dessert's complexity.

Tasty Ways to Customize Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese

• Holiday Fruit Fusion: Replace cranberry sauce with mixed berry compote for a vibrant, festive flavor profile that adds more complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Gluten-Free Classic: Use certified gluten-free Jello and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the original recipe's delightful taste.
• Low-Sugar Wellness: Substitute regular Jello with sugar-free version and use stevia-based powdered sugar alternative to create a diabetic-friendly dessert without compromising texture.
• Vegan Creamy Adaptation: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipping cream, and select plant-based gelatin to craft a completely dairy-free version that honors the original recipe's essence.

Why Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Always Delivers Holiday Joy

• Combine sweet cranberry Jello with a luxurious cream cheese topping that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Create a festive dessert that shines during thanksgiving, christmas, or any special occasion, bringing a touch of elegance to your holiday table with minimal effort.
• Prepare this dessert in advance and refrigerate, allowing you to focus on other meal preparations while having a delicious dessert ready to impress your guests.

Ingredients for Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

• Cranberry Jello: A vibrant, fruity foundation for the salad with a classic red color.
• Cold Water: Helps to dilute and set the Jello mixture properly.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds extra tartness and depth to the Jello base.
• Pecans, Walnuts: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, smooth base for the topping, best when softened at room temperature.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds lightness and helps create a fluffy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the topping and helps stabilize the cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the cream cheese mixture.

Steps to Assemble Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

Step 1: Create Vibrant Jello Base

• Chopped pecans
• Chopped walnuts

Transfer mixture into a 9×13 inch dish or serving container. Refrigerate for several hours until fully set.

Step 2: Whip Luxurious Cream Cheese Topping

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend ingredients until achieving a fluffy, soft peak consistency.

Step 3: Layer and Chill

Carefully spread cream cheese mixture over the set Jello layer. Return dish to refrigerator and allow topping to firm for additional 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Remove from refrigerator and slice into beautiful servings. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet Jello and rich cream cheese topping. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a special family dessert.

Cranberry Jello Salad With Cream Cheese Topping Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry jello salad brings festive holiday cheer to winter gatherings with its tangy-sweet layers and luscious cream cheese frosting. Guests will savor each delightful spoonful of this classic comfort dessert that perfectly balances fruity brightness and rich smoothness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 packages (3 ounces / 85 grams each) raspberry or cherry-flavored gelatin

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• ¾ cup cranberry or apple juice

Garnish and Toppings:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant cranberry Jello foundation by dissolving the gelatin powder in simmering water, ensuring complete integration with a vigorous stirring motion.
2. Incorporate cold water and cranberry sauce into the liquid mixture, creating a harmonious blend that captures the essence of tart and sweet flavors.
3. Enhance the texture by gently folding chopped pecans throughout the mixture, distributing them evenly for a delightful crunch.
4. Transfer the glistening Jello mixture into a rectangular serving vessel, spreading it smoothly to create an even surface.
5. Refrigerate the Jello layer for approximately four hours, allowing it to transform into a firm, jewel-toned canvas.
6. Prepare the luxurious cream cheese topping by whipping softened cream cheese until silky and uniform in consistency.
7. Gradually introduce heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, whisking with precision until the mixture develops soft, billowy peaks.
8. Once the Jello has solidified completely, carefully spread the cream cheese topping across the surface, creating a seamless, elegant layer.
9. Return the dessert to the refrigerator for an additional one to two hours, allowing the topping to set and flavors to meld together.
10. When ready to serve, slice the chilled dessert and present a vibrant, creamy masterpiece that balances tangy and sweet notes.

Notes

• Swap cranberry sauce with homemade or sugar-free versions to control sweetness and reduce calories for health-conscious individuals.
• Replace heavy whipping cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for lighter, protein-rich alternatives that maintain a creamy texture.
• Toast pecans or walnuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Use gelatin-free agar agar for a vegetarian-friendly option that sets similarly and maintains the dish’s signature wobble and appearance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg