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