Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping – A Festive and Delicious Side

Looking for a unique, vibrant dish that combines fruity sweetness with creamy indulgence? This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is the perfect addition to your holiday table or any festive gathering. With layers of cherry-flavored Jell-O, tangy cranberries, and a creamy, rich topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jello Salad

This Jello salad blends fruity flavors and textures that are both refreshing and comforting. The cranberry sauce and pineapple add a sweet and slightly tart profile, while the pecans bring a nice crunch. Topped with a tangy cream cheese layer, it creates the perfect balance of flavors and looks elegant on any holiday spread.

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Jello Base
   In a large bowl, dissolve both packets of Jell-O in the boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. Add Fruit and Nuts
   Add the crushed pineapple (including its juice) and the whole cranberry sauce to the Jell-O mixture. Use the back of the spoon to break up any chunks of cranberry sauce. Stir in ¾ cup of the chopped pecans and the cranberry or apple juice, mixing well.
3. Set the Jello
   Carefully pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or a Jello mold. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until fully set.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Topping
   In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on high speed until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and sour cream, blending until fully combined.
5. Assemble the Salad
   Once the Jell-O is set, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans on top for garnish.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve this Cranberry Jello Salad chilled and enjoy the blend of fruity, creamy, and nutty flavors in every bite.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Calories: 240 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12 servings

Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Jello Salad

• Choose the Right Mold: A 9×13-inch glass dish allows for easy slicing, but for a classic presentation, a decorative Jello mold also works well.
• Ensure a Smooth Cream Cheese Layer: Beating the cream cheese well ensures a smooth topping that spreads easily over the Jell-O.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try swapping out the cherry Jell-O with raspberry or cranberry for a different fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Jello Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Serve as a Side Dish: It’s perfect as a sweet side for roasted meats, especially turkey.
• Offer as a Dessert: The creamy topping makes it decadent enough to be enjoyed as a light dessert.
• Garnish with Fresh Cranberries: For extra flair, garnish with fresh cranberries or a sprig of mint before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Jello salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly over time, but the flavors remain delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a nostalgic, festive dish that brings vibrant color and flavors to your holiday table. With its tangy fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy topping, it’s a treat everyone will enjoy. Whether served as a side dish or dessert, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite.

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is the perfect holiday dish, combining fruity sweetness with a creamy, tangy topping. The vibrant red of the jello, paired with the smooth cream cheese layer and crunchy pecans, makes for an impressive presentation on any festive table. This dish brings a delightful balance of textures, from the soft and jiggly jello to the velvety topping and crunchy pecans.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

In a large bowl, dissolve both Jell-O packets in the boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
Add the crushed pineapple (with its juice) and the whole cranberry sauce to the Jell-O. Use the back of the spoon to break up any chunks of cranberry sauce.
Stir in ¾ cup of the chopped pecans and the cranberry or apple juice, mixing well.
Carefully pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or jello mold. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until fully set.
For the topping, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on high speed until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and sour cream, blending until fully combined.
Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the set Jell-O.
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans on top before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 240