If you’re looking for a festive and easy-to-make dish that combines sweetness with a touch of tartness, then this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is just what you need. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season, offering a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The sweet cranberry Jello pairs perfectly with the creamy and tangy cream cheese topping, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday spread or any family gathering!
The beauty of this Cranberry Jello Salad lies in its vibrant colors and layered textures. The cranberry Jello is light and refreshing, while the cream cheese topping adds a rich, velvety smoothness. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a dessert, this jello salad offers something for everyone. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, creamy and refreshing, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
I first made this Cranberry Jello Salad during a holiday get-together with family, and it quickly became the star of the table. Everyone was raving about the perfect combination of sweet and tart, and I was amazed at how simple yet delicious it was. It’s now a holiday tradition in our family, and I make sure to prepare it every year because it’s a dish that everyone looks forward to.
Why This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a Must-Have for Your Next Celebration
- Perfect balance of flavors: The tart cranberries are balanced perfectly with the sweet cream cheese topping.
- Festive and colorful: The vibrant red Jello and creamy topping make this a show-stopping side dish or dessert.
- Simple and easy to make: This no-bake recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort.
- Family favorite: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will be the star of your holiday table.
How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping
- Prepare the Jello: In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the cranberry Jello in the boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add the crushed pineapple and chopped nuts (if using), and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or any serving dish of your choice. Refrigerate for about 2-3 hours, or until the Jello is firm.
- Make the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining until smooth and fluffy.
- Top the Jello Salad: Once the Jello has set, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the Jello layer. Return to the refrigerator and chill for another hour, allowing the layers to firm up and set together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled and set, slice and serve this beautiful, festive Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday table or any special occasion!
Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a small amount of orange zest or a few drops of orange extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- If you don’t like nuts, feel free to leave them out or substitute with chopped fruit like apples or grapes.
- Be sure to let the Jello set completely before adding the cream cheese topping for the best presentation and texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut whipped cream for the topping.
- Different Jello Flavors: While cranberry is traditional, you can use strawberry, raspberry, or any berry-flavored Jello for a different twist.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts entirely or replace them with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added texture.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-Sugar: Use sugar-free Jello and a sugar substitute in the cream cheese mixture to cut down on sugar.
- Lower Fat: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped cream for a lower-fat version.
- Vegan: Use a plant-based cream cheese and whipped coconut cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
And there you have it! Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a delicious, refreshing, and festive addition to any meal. It’s simple to make, beautifully layered, and guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other festive recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of Jello?
This recipe is traditionally made with Jello, but fresh cranberries could be added for an extra burst of tartness. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for making ahead of time and will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I use a different type of nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds can be used in this recipe. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free Jello. - Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream to make this dish dairy-free. - Can I add other fruits to the Jello?
Yes! Feel free to add other fruits such as diced apples, grapes, or oranges to the Jello for more flavor and texture. - How long does this dish need to chill?
The Jello needs about 2-3 hours to set, and the cream cheese topping should chill for at least 1 hour. - Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
Absolutely! While cranberry is traditional, strawberry, raspberry, or lime Jello will work beautifully. - How do I make sure the cream cheese mixture is smooth?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with powdered sugar to get a smooth, lump-free texture. - Can I freeze this dessert?
It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a week if needed. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving. - How can I make this dessert sweeter?
Add more powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture to increase the sweetness if desired. - Can I make this without nuts?
Yes, feel free to skip the nuts entirely or replace them with fruit for a different texture.
Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 1 box cranberry Jello
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 boiling water
1 cup 1 crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup 1/2 chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 1 package cream cheese, softened
1 cup 1 powdered sugar
1 cup 1 heavy whipping cream
1/2 tsp 1/2 vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Jello: In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the cranberry Jello in the boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add the crushed pineapple and chopped nuts (if using), and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or any serving dish of your choice. Refrigerate for about 2-3 hours, or until the Jello is firm.
- Make the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining until smooth and fluffy.
- Top the Jello Salad: Once the Jello has set, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the Jello layer. Return to the refrigerator and chill for another hour, allowing the layers to firm up and set together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled and set, slice and serve this beautiful, festive Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday table or any special occasion!
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