Description
This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a classic American dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a fruity gelatin base mixed with whole berry cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and optional nuts, it’s topped with a smooth and fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream layer. This no-bake recipe is easy to prepare ahead and offers a balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Jello Layer:
- 1 (6 oz) package raspberry or cranberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (undrained)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or whipped topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Jello Layer: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the Jello powder in 2 cups of boiling water and stir thoroughly until fully dissolved. Add the whole berry cranberry sauce and mix well. Then, fold in the undrained crushed pineapple and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Pour this combined mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or a decorative serving bowl. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or until completely set.
- Make the Cream Cheese Topping: Once the Jello layer is firm, prepare the topping by beating the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining thoroughly while retaining airiness.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the chilled and set Jello layer. Place the salad back in the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes to allow the topping to firm slightly before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance to enhance flavors and ease holiday meal prep.
- For a festive presentation, garnish the top with sugared cranberries or extra chopped nuts just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4-6 hours chilling)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
