If you’ve ever wondered how to brighten up your holiday table or family gathering with something both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious, this Cranberry Jello Salad With Cream Cheese Topping Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a festive, flavorful celebration in a dish—combining the tang of cranberries, the sweetness of pineapple and oranges, and the creamy, dreamy topping that makes each bite pure comfort. This salad isn’t just a side; it’s a conversation starter, a memory-maker, and a dish you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients that come together in the most delightful way. Each element is essential to creating the perfect balance of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy that defines this salad’s unique charm.
- Raspberry Jello (6 oz): The bright, fruity base that adds vibrant color and a smooth, jelly texture.
- Boiling Water (1 cup): Needed to dissolve the jello perfectly, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Cold Water (½ cup): Cools down the gelatin mixture before adding the fruit, helping everything set correctly.
- Crushed Pineapple (20 oz can, undrained): Adds tropical sweetness and juicy bits that complement the tart cranberries.
- Mandarin Oranges (15 oz can, drained): These bring a bright citrus pop and soft texture throughout the dish.
- Diced Apple (1 cup): Offers freshness and a slight crunch, balancing the softness of the fruits and jello.
- Whole Cranberry Sauce (14 oz can): The star tart flavor providing the signature cranberry punch.
- Chopped Walnuts (1 cup, divided): For that essential nutty crunch; feel free to swap with pecans if you prefer.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz): The creamy base for the luscious topping that perfectly complements the fruity salad.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese topping smoothly without any grittiness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): Whipped to fluffy perfection to lighten the cream cheese topping.
How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad With Cream Cheese Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Jello
Start by spraying a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a 2-quart casserole dish) with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. Then, in a large mixing bowl, stir the raspberry jello into one cup of boiling water until completely dissolved. This takes about one or two minutes and is crucial for the smooth jelly texture you want. Once done, stir in the cold water to cool the mixture slightly.
Step 2: Mix in the Fruits and Nuts
Next, fold in all your beautiful fruits—the crushed pineapple (with its juice), the drained mandarin oranges, the diced apple, and the whole cranberry sauce. These fruits bring a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. Add all but two tablespoons of the chopped walnuts into the jello mixture for some early crunchy goodness. Give everything a gentle stir so every bite is bursting with color and sweet-tart flavor.
Step 3: Chill Until Set
Pour this lovely fruit and jello mixture into your prepared dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours. The waiting is worth it as the salad sets into a firm, wobbly delight that’s refreshing and ready for the perfect creamy topping.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
When your salad is set, it’s time for the star finish—a cream cheese topping that’s smooth, sweet, and fluffy. Begin by beating the heavy whipping cream until it’s fluffy and light. Gradually add powdered sugar while whipping to create a sweetened whipped cream that’s silky and just right. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and light, then gently fold it into the whipped cream mixture. This blend adds the perfect richness to contrast the zesty jello salad beneath.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Spread the creamy topping evenly over your chilled jello salad. Sprinkle the reserved chopped walnuts on top for a final touch of crunchy nuttiness and an inviting finish. Refrigerate again until you’re ready to serve this irresistible masterpiece.
How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad With Cream Cheese Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Add extra pizzazz by garnishing with a few whole mandarin segments, a light dusting of grated orange zest, or even some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and aroma that complements the salad’s flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham, making it a delightful addition to your holiday feast or any celebratory meal where a sweet, fruity contrast is welcome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cranberry jello salad in individual glass cups or stemmed dessert bowls. Layer a dollop of the cream cheese topping on each portion, then sprinkle with nuts and a small slice of fruit for a show-stopping presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and maintain the perfect set texture of the jello alongside the creamy topping.
Freezing
Because of its creamy and jelly components, freezing is not recommended for this Cranberry Jello Salad With Cream Cheese Topping Recipe, as the texture can become watery and separate upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed chilled and should not be reheated. Serving it cold is exactly what makes its flavors and texture so refreshing and delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raspberry jello with another flavor?
Absolutely! While raspberry provides a beautiful color and flavor, you can experiment with strawberry or cherry jello for a slightly different but equally delicious result.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
The current cream cheese topping contains dairy, but you can try using plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream to achieve a vegan-friendly version that still offers creamy texture.
How long does it take for the jello salad to set properly?
The salad needs at least two hours in the refrigerator to set firmly. For best results, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures it holds together perfectly.
Can I prepare this salad a day ahead for a party?
Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance gives the flavors time to develop even further. Just add the cream cheese topping and nuts right before serving to keep everything fresh.
What can I use instead of walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
If you’re avoiding nuts, toasted coconut flakes or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower can provide a lovely crunch and texture contrast without the allergens.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Jello Salad With Cream Cheese Topping Recipe is a true gem that brings joy to any table with its beautiful blend of flavors, textures, and colors. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or just to brighten up an ordinary day, it’s a heartwarming dish to share with those you love. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort salad!
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Cranberry Jello Salad With Cream Cheese Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a vibrant and refreshing dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Combining tangy raspberry jello with fruity bursts from pineapple, mandarin oranges, apple, and whole cranberry sauce, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Topped with a luscious cream cheese and whipped cream blend, finished with crunchy walnuts, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Jello Salad
- 1 (6 oz) package raspberry jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1 cup diced apple
- 1 (14 oz) can whole cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (divided, or pecans)
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Dissolve the jello: In a large mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of boiling water over the raspberry jello powder. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the jello is completely dissolved. Then, add ½ cup cold water and stir well to combine.
- Add fruits and nuts: Stir in the undrained crushed pineapple, drained mandarin oranges, diced apple, and whole cranberry sauce into the jello mixture. Reserve 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts for garnish, and add the remaining walnuts to the mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Chill the jello: Pour the jello mixture into the prepared dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, until the mixture is fully set and firm.
- Make the whipped cream: When ready to serve, beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream until fluffy using an electric mixer. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar to sweeten and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese until soft and light in texture. Gently fold the beaten cream cheese into the sweetened whipped cream until well blended and smooth.
- Top the salad and garnish: Spread the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture evenly over the set jello salad surface. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts evenly over the top. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
- Use fresh fruit for a fresher taste, but canned fruit works well to keep the salad moist and flavorful.
- The salad can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
- If you prefer a firmer salad, chill it for the full 24 hours before serving.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and whipping cream for a lighter option, but the texture might be less creamy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
