Delightful Cranberry Jello Salad With Creamy Topping Recipe

Cranberry delight jello salad brings vibrant colors and tangy sweetness to your holiday table.

Bright red gelatin converts ordinary desserts into something magical and unexpected.

Festive gatherings deserve spectacular side dishes that spark conversation and delight guests.

creamy toppings add luxurious texture to this classic potluck favorite.

Tangy cranberries mingle with sweet gelatin, creating a perfect balance of flavors that dance across your palate.

These delightful ingredients promise a memorable culinary experience that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Prepare to impress everyone with this simple yet stunning dessert that captures the essence of celebration.

What’s Fun About Creamy Cranberry Jello Salad

• Celebrate Festive Flavor Fusion: Blend sweet cranberry, tangy pineapple, and rich pecans create a holiday-worthy dessert that dances with contrasting tastes and textures.
• Quick and Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master in under 30 minutes of active preparation time.
• Versatile Holiday Showstopper: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and seasonal celebrations, this dessert offers a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and creamy richness that appeals to multiple generations.
• Customizable Comfort Dessert: Easily adaptable with potential nut variations or fruit substitutions, making it a flexible recipe that can suit different dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

What’s in Cranberry Jello Salad Layers

• Jell-O Packets: Provides the primary structure and flavor for the dessert salad, classic red flavor works best.
• Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving the Jell-O powder completely and creating the base.

• Crushed Pineapple, Whole Cranberry Sauce: Adds natural sweetness and texture to the Jello, fresh or canned options work well.
• Cranberry or Apple Juice: Enhances fruity flavor and helps blend ingredients smoothly.

• Pecans: Adds crunch and rich nutty flavor, toasted pecans provide deeper taste.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the topping, room temperature ensures easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the topping and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creamy consistency to the topping, full-fat version recommended.

Make Creamy Cranberry Jello Salad

Step 1: Dissolve Jello Base

Boil water and pour into a large mixing bowl. Add 2 Jell-O packets and stir until completely dissolved.

Step 2: Blend Fruity Elements

• Crushed pineapple (with juice)
• Whole cranberry sauce

Use the back of a spoon to break up any large cranberry chunks.

Step 3: Incorporate Nutty Crunch

Stir in chopped pecans and cranberry or apple juice.

Step 4: Set the Jello

Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or Jello mold. Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.

Step 5: Create Creamy Topping

• Powdered sugar
• Sour cream

Mix until completely blended.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Spread the creamy topping evenly over the set Jello. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top.

Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful dessert that combines sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors with a satisfying nutty crunch!

Tips for Fluffy Toppings and Tart Fruit

• Dissolve Thoroughly: Ensure Jell-O packets are completely dissolved by stirring vigorously and patiently, eliminating any potential granules for a smooth, uniform texture.
• Break Down Chunks: Use the back of a spoon to gently mash cranberry sauce, creating an even distribution throughout the Jell-O mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Chill Completely: Allow sufficient refrigeration time, approximately 2 hours, to guarantee a perfectly set Jell-O base that holds its shape when serving.
• Soften Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free topping that spreads effortlessly.
• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle reserved pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch and add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy, smooth Jell-O salad.

Store This Jello Dish the Smart Way

• Storing and Reheating
• Refrigeration: Store the Cranberry Delight Jello Salad covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing this dessert, as the gelatin and dairy topping will separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed. The pecans might also become soggy and lose their crunch.
• Serving Leftovers: Remove the Jello salad from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly. Use a clean serving spoon and enjoy the dessert cold, as it's meant to be a chilled treat. Do not attempt to reheat, as the gelatin will melt and the creamy topping will break down.

What to Pair with Cranberry Jello Salad

• Crunch and Cream Companions: Pair this cranberry jello salad with a crisp, buttery shortbread cookie that complements the creamy topping and adds delightful texture.
• Wine Wonderland: Choose a chilled Riesling or Moscato with slight sweetness that balances the tangy cranberry and cuts through the rich cream cheese layer.
• Savory Sidekick: Serve alongside a light chicken salad or roasted turkey breast to create a harmonious blend of flavors that enhance the jello's fruity and nutty profile.
• Brunch Beverage Boost: Enjoy with a sparkling mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice to elevate the fruity notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy dessert.

Cranberry Jello Salad Versions to Try

• Holiday Spice Jello: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of orange zest to create a warm, festive version perfect for winter gatherings.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Swap cranberry sauce with mango chunks and replace pecans with toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant, exotic take on the classic recipe.
• Berry Blast Remix: Substitute whole cranberry sauce with a mix of fresh raspberries and blueberries, adding a bright, tangy profile that brings fresh summer vibrancy to the dish.
• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Incorporate chocolate chips into the Jello mixture and use chopped almonds instead of pecans, creating a decadent dessert salad with rich, indulgent undertones.

Cranberry Delight Jello Salad With Creamy Topping Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry Delight Jello Salad offers a festive blend of tart cranberries and smooth cream cheese nestled in a ruby-red gelatin base. Winter holiday tables welcome this delightful dessert that combines classic flavors with elegant presentation for delicious memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 3-ounce packages (56 grams) cherry Jell-O
• 20 ounces (567 grams) crushed pineapple
• 15 ounces (425 grams) whole cranberry sauce
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) boiling water
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) cranberry or apple juice

Topping Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Empty two Jell-O packets into a large mixing bowl and pour boiling water, stirring vigorously until the gelatin completely dissolves into a smooth liquid.
2. Incorporate crushed pineapple with its natural juice into the gelatin, using a spoon to gently break down any dense clusters of whole cranberry sauce for an even texture.
3. Introduce of roughly chopped pecans and either cranberry or apple juice, blending thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Transfer the mixture carefully into a 9 x 13 inches (22.86 x 33.02 centimeters) glass baking dish, ensuring an even surface for proper setting.
5. Refrigerate the gelatin mixture for approximately 2 hours, or until it reaches a firm, wiggle-free consistency.
6. Using an electric mixer, whip softened cream cheese on high speed until achieving a silky, lump-free texture.
7. Gradually fold powdered sugar and sour cream into the cream cheese, mixing until the topping becomes smooth and uniformly combined.
8. Once the gelatin has completely set, generously spread the creamy topping across the surface, creating an even layer.
9. Garnish the top with remaining of finely chopped pecans for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• This festive Cranberry Delight Jello Salad brings together sweet and tangy flavors in a delightful holiday dessert that’s sure to impress guests.
• Packed with chunks of whole cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, the Jello base creates a vibrant and textured foundation.
• Creamy topping made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream adds a luxurious, smooth layer that perfectly complements the fruity Jello.
• Prepare this dish ahead of time, as it requires at least 2 hours of chilling to set completely, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy holiday gatherings.
• Chopped pecans sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the overall texture and taste of the dessert.
• Versatile recipe works wonderfully as a side dish, dessert, or festive potluck contribution that appeals to both adults and children.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg