Festive Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe

Tangy cranberries dance with silky cream cheese in this classic holiday jello salad that brings vibrant color and zesty flavor to any festive table.

Cold and creamy, this nostalgic dish combines sweet and tart elements in a delightful culinary symphony.

Generations have cherished this simple yet elegant side that brightens up winter gatherings.

Layers of ruby-red gelatin peek through a cloud-like cream cheese topping, creating a visual feast that promises deliciousness.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will transport you to cherished memories.

The recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients and maximum impact.

Get ready to become the star of your next potluck with this crowd-pleasing cranberry jello salad that everyone will adore.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 9

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping: Ingredients

• Jell-O: Cranberry or cherry flavor provides vibrant color and fruity foundation, choose sugar-free if desired for lighter version.
• Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving Jell-O powder completely and creating smooth texture.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and helps break up gelatin's uniform consistency.
• Whole Cranberry Sauce: Introduces tart burst of flavor and chunky texture, select high-quality jarred sauce.
• Cranberry or Apple Juice: Enhances fruity profile and adds subtle depth to the base.
• Pecans: Provides delightful crunch and nutty undertone, select fresh, crisp nuts for best flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates rich, smooth layer with tangy undertone, ensure room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens topping and helps achieve silky consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess and lightens overall texture of topping.

• Pecans: Delivers final crispy texture and visual appeal, toast briefly for enhanced nuttiness.

Tools for Making Cranberry Jello Salad

• Electric mixer: Essential for creating smooth cream cheese topping quickly and efficiently.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for dissolving Jell-O and combining all liquid ingredients.
• 9×13-inch glass dish: Ideal for setting and presenting the entire Jello salad.
• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring pecans, sugar, and juices.
• Spoon: Useful for stirring ingredients and breaking up cranberry sauce chunks.
• Spatula: Great for spreading cream cheese topping evenly across the surface.

Instructions for Jello Salad with Cream Cheese

• Jello Mixture Preparation

Combine red Jell-O with boiling water, stirring until smooth. Gently fold in whole cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple, breaking down any large cranberry pieces with a spoon.

• Nutty Enhancement

Incorporate chopped pecans and a splash of cranberry juice into the Jello mixture, creating a rich and textured base.

• Chilling Process

Transfer the vibrant mixture into a glass dish, allowing it to set completely in the refrigerator for a couple of hours until firm and glossy.

• Creamy Cloud Topping

Whip softened cream cheese until silky and light. Blend in powdered sugar and sour cream to create a luxurious, velvety layer.

• Final Assembly

Carefully spread the cream cheese topping across the chilled Jello surface. Garnish with remaining pecan pieces for a delightful crunch and elegant presentation.

Tips for Cranberry Jello with Topping

• Control the texture by mashing cranberry sauce more or less before mixing, creating a chunkier or smoother jello base.
• Replace pecans with toasted almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different flavor profiles and added crunch.
• Experiment with mixed berry sauces or add fresh raspberries for a more vibrant and layered fruit experience.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories and add a tangy protein boost to the cream cheese layer.
• Use individual serving glasses or a decorative mold to transform this classic dish into an elegant party dessert.

How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad

• Holiday Party Centerpiece: Arrange this vibrant jello salad as a stunning focal point on your festive table, surrounded by fresh evergreen sprigs and twinkling candles.
• Dessert Companion: Serve chilled slices alongside traditional holiday pies like pumpkin or pecan for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
• Brunch Showstopper: Perfect alongside quiche, scrambled eggs, or breakfast casseroles as a refreshing and colorful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness.
• Potluck Favorite: Transport in a sealed container and watch it become the most talked-about dish at family gatherings or community events, with its eye-catching layers and creamy topping.

Storage Advice for Cream Cheese Topped Jello

• Cool Combo Planner: Perfect side dish for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners during autumn and winter seasons.
• Chilling Strategy: Store covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, maintaining its fresh texture and vibrant flavors.
• Smart Serving Tip: Best enjoyed within 2-3 days of preparation for maximum taste and optimal gelatin consistency.
• Freezing Warning: Not recommended due to cream cheese topping, which may separate and lose smooth texture when thawed.

Tangy Cranberry Jello Salad

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Festive Cranberry Jello Salad offers a classic holiday side dish with tangy cranberry gelatin and creamy cream cheese layers. Guests will savor this nostalgic Midwestern classic that balances sweet and tart flavors in each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 packages (3 oz/85 g) cherry jell-o
• 20 oz/567 g crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) whole cranberry sauce
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• ¾ cup cranberry or apple juice
• 8 oz/227 g cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Dissolve Jell-O: Whisk Jell-O crystals into boiling water until completely melted, ensuring no granules remain.
2. Fruit Integration: Fold in crushed pineapple with its juice and whole cranberry preserve, gently breaking down larger cranberry chunks using the back of a spoon.
3. Nut and Flavor Blend: Mix most of the pecans and desired fruit essence into the translucent gelatin mixture, distributing ingredients evenly.
4. Setting the Base: Pour the crimson mixture into a rectangular dish, creating a smooth, level surface, then refrigerate until fully solidified (approximately 2 hours).
5. Cream Cheese Topping: Whip softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and sour cream to create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
6. Finishing Touch: Once gelatin has set, spread the cream cheese mixture uniformly across the surface, then sprinkle remaining pecans on top for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
7. Final Chill: Return the dessert to the refrigerator until ready to serve, maintaining its pristine texture and temperature.

Notes

• Dissolve Thoroughly: Ensure Jell-O crystals completely melt in boiling water by stirring vigorously to prevent any undissolved granules.
• Fruit Consistency Matters: Gently break down large cranberry clusters using utensil’s back to create uniform texture throughout the salad.
• Chilling is Crucial: Allow full two hours of refrigeration to guarantee complete gelatin setting and optimal flavor melding.
• Topping Technique: Whip cream cheese at room temperature for smoothest, lump-free cream cheese layer that spreads effortlessly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg