Festive Cranberry Delight Jello Salad with Creamy Topping Recipe

Vibrant cranberry delight jello salad brings a burst of festive flavor to any holiday table.

Tart berries dance with sweet gelatin in this classic crowd-pleaser.

The creamy topping adds a luxurious layer of indulgence to every spoonful.

Generations have cherished this nostalgic dessert for its perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Bright red hues make this dish a stunning centerpiece at potlucks and gatherings.

Whip up this simple yet impressive recipe that guarantees smiles and second helpings.

Dive into a delightful culinary experience that celebrates the best of comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 204 kcal

Servings: 9

Cranberry Jello Salad with Creamy Topping Ingredients

• Jell-O Cherry Flavor: Vibrant base that sets the festive mood, choose name-brand for reliable texture and bold color.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and moisture, select ripe, golden chunks for maximum flavor.
• Whole Cranberry Sauce: Provides tart complexity and chunky texture, opt for whole berry style for authentic taste.
• Cranberry or Apple Juice: Enhances fruity depth, pick fresh, preservative-free options for cleaner taste.

• Pecans: Delivers rich, buttery crunch, select fresh, crisp nuts without any rancid smell.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy foundation, use room temperature for easy blending.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes topping, sift to prevent lumps.
• Sour Cream: Adds luxurious tang and silky texture, choose full-fat version for richness.

Tools for Whipping Up Cranberry Jello Salad

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing Jello, pineapple, cranberry sauce, and nuts.
• Electric Mixer: Perfect for beating cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• 9×13-inch Glass Dish: Ideal for setting and serving the Jello salad.
• Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurately measuring pecans, juice, and sugar.
• Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and breaking up cranberry sauce chunks.
• Medium Bowl: Needed for preparing the creamy topping mixture.

How to Layer Cranberry Jello Salad

• Jello Base

Boil water and dissolve gelatin packets completely in a large mixing bowl. The hot liquid helps break down the powder quickly.

• Fruity Mixture

Fold in crushed pineapple and whole cranberry sauce, gently mashing any large fruit clusters to create a smooth texture.

• Nutty Enhancement

Incorporate chopped pecans and a splash of cranberry or apple juice for added depth and crunch.

• Chilling Phase

Transfer the vibrant mixture into a glass container and let it set in the refrigerator until firm and wiggly.

• Creamy Topping

Whip softened cream cheese until silky, then blend in powdered sugar and sour cream to create a luscious, tangy layer.

• Final Touch

Spread the creamy mixture over the set gelatin and garnish with remaining pecan pieces for a delightful textural contrast.

Topping Tips for Jello Salad

• Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch and unique flavor profile.
• Replace full-fat cream cheese and sour cream with low-fat versions to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
• Incorporate diced fresh oranges or mandarin segments into the Jello mixture for extra burst of citrusy freshness.
• Enhance the festive feel by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the topping or mixing in some orange zest for a warm, seasonal touch.

Ways to Serve Cranberry Jello with Style

• Serve as Holiday Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings by placing the vibrant Cranberry Delight Jello Salad in a clear glass dish to showcase its beautiful layers.
• Pair with Festive Sides: Complement the sweet and tangy salad with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a fresh green salad for a balanced holiday meal.
• Add Elegant Garnish: Sprinkle additional whole pecans or fresh cranberries on top for extra texture and a professional presentation that wows your guests.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the Jello salad sit in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes after adding the topping to ensure a perfectly set and refreshing dessert.

Storage Tips for Keeping Jello Salad Creamy

• Portion and Prep: Slice the Cranberry Delight Jello Salad into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dessert options during busy weekdays.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the jello salad covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the creamy topping fresh and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Caution: Avoid freezing this dessert, as the cream cheese topping and jello texture will separate and lose their smooth, delightful consistency when thawed.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the jello base and topping separately up to 2 days in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and prevent soggy layers.

Luscious Cranberry Delight Jello Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cranberry delight jello salad brings festive cheer to holiday tables with its delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors. Guests will savor this nostalgic midcentury classic that combines fruity gelatin, fresh cranberries, and a luscious cream cheese topping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) boiling water
• 0.75 cup (180 ml) cranberry or apple juice
• 2 3-oz packages (56 g) cherry jell-o
• 20 oz (567 g) crushed pineapple
• 15 oz (425 g) whole cranberry sauce
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Gelatin Preparation: Dissolve Jell-O packets in boiling water, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Fruit Integration: Blend crushed pineapple and cranberry sauce into the liquid gelatin, ensuring even distribution and breaking down any dense clusters.
3. Nut and Liquid Addition: Fold in chopped pecans and juice, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform consistency.
4. Setting Process: Pour mixture into a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish and refrigerate for 2 hours until completely firm.
5. Creamy Topping Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky, then gently incorporate powdered sugar and sour cream, mixing until perfectly smooth and creamy.
6. Final Assembly: Once gelatin is set, spread the creamy topping evenly across the surface and sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans for a delightful textural finish.

Notes

• Gelatin Setting Tip: Ensure precise 2-hour chilling time for perfect jelly consistency, avoiding over or under-setting.
• Texture Enhancement: Gently break down cranberry sauce clusters to create a smoother, more uniform mixture that blends seamlessly.
• Cream Cheese Technique: Whip cream cheese at high speed until silky smooth, eliminating any potential lumps for a creamy topping.
• Pecan Placement: Sprinkle chopped pecans strategically for a delightful crunch and professional-looking presentation that elevates the entire dessert.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 204
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 33 mg