The holidays are a time for tradition, warmth, and recipes that bring the whole family together. And what could be more nostalgic than a Jello salad with a twist? This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a delightful mix of tangy, sweet, and creamy, perfect as a side dish or even a light dessert for your holiday table. It’s colorful, bursting with festive flavors, and incredibly easy to make.
This recipe has been a staple in my family for years, showing up on the table every Thanksgiving and Christmas. I still remember my grandma setting it out as a centerpiece, and the way it sparkled under the dining room lights made it almost too pretty to eat. Almost! Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a perennial favorite.
Ingredients
For the Jello Layer:
- 1 package (6 oz) raspberry Jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup diced apple
- 1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans), divided
For the Cream Cheese Topping Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jello Layer
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine boiling water and raspberry Jello. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the Jello is completely dissolved. Then, mix in the cold water.
- Add the crushed pineapple (with juice), mandarin oranges, diced apple, and cranberry sauce to the bowl. Stir to combine.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts for garnish and mix the rest into the Jello mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) until fully set.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
- Beat the heavy whipping cream in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the whipped cream is sweetened and holds its shape.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and soft.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble and Garnish
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled Jello layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved chopped nuts on top.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Details And Nutritional Information
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of the dish)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Helpful Tips
- Dissolve Completely: Ensure the Jello is fully dissolved in boiling water before adding other ingredients to avoid clumps.
- Chill Time: For the best texture, let the Jello layer chill for at least 2 hours, though overnight chilling works great for prepping ahead.
- Cream Cheese Softening Tip: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before beating to prevent lumps in your topping.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Fruit Swaps: Try using fresh orange segments or pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of freshness.
- Lighter Option: Replace the heavy cream with a store-bought whipped topping for a quicker alternative.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Jello layer can be prepared up to a day in advance, and the cream cheese topping can be added the morning of your event.
What if I don’t like cranberries?
No problem! Substitute with cherry pie filling or even a mix of fresh berries for a less traditional twist.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Look for plant-based gelatin alternatives to replace the Jello.
Storage Instructions
Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will remain delicious.
More Holiday Favorites
If you love this Cranberry Jello Salad, here are some other festive recipes to try:
This Cranberry Jello Salad is the perfect mix of nostalgia and modern flavors, and I’m so excited for you to try it. Whether it becomes a tradition at your family gatherings or simply a recipe you whip up to brighten your day, I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Enjoy every tangy, sweet, creamy bite!