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Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping – Festive & Refreshing Dessert

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  • Author: Inas Recipes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a festive, creamy holiday favorite made with cranberry sauce, pineapple, crunchy pecans, and fluffy sweet cream cheese topping. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert or side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packages (3 oz each / 170g total) cherry or raspberry gelatin powder
  • 2 cups (480ml) boiling water
  • 1 can (14 oz / 395g) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 can (20 oz / 565g) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
  • 1 cup (115g) pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 block (8 oz / 225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar or powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream or 8 oz whipped topping
  • Sugared fresh cranberries, mint leaves, or orange zest, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry or raspberry gelatin powder and boiling water.
  2. Whisk for 2 minutes until the gelatin crystals are completely dissolved and clear.
  3. Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce and undrained crushed pineapple until fully incorporated.
  4. Refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes until the mixture thickens to a soft, egg-white consistency.
  5. Fold the chopped pecans or walnuts into the semi-set gelatin.
  6. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or gelatin mold.
  7. Return to the refrigerator for 2 hours until firm to the touch.
  8. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  9. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, or use whipped topping.
  10. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
  11. Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the chilled cranberry gelatin layer.
  12. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
  13. Garnish with sugared fresh cranberries, mint leaves, or orange zest before slicing and serving.

Notes

For the cleanest slices, make sure the gelatin layer is fully firm before adding the cream cheese topping. Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve, and garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Refrigerator
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 125mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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Find it online: https://inasrecipes.com/cranberry-jello-salad-with-cream-cheese-topping/