
Description:
This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a holiday favorite that combines tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and crunchy nuts with a smooth, creamy topping. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a delicious side dish or dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. The layers of fruit-infused Jello and luscious cream cheese topping make this dish not only tasty but also visually stunning on your holiday table.
Ingredients:
For the Cranberry Jello Layer:
- 2 boxes (3 oz each) cranberry or raspberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 apple, finely diced
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or Cool Whip for convenience)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Jello Layer:
- Dissolve the Jello: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the cranberry (or raspberry) Jello in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Add the Cranberry Sauce: Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce until well combined.
- Mix in the Fruits & Nuts: Add the drained pineapple, diced apple, and chopped walnuts or pecans, mixing thoroughly.
- Refrigerate Until Set: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping:
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gradually fold in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Combine & Spread: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy. Spread evenly over the chilled Jello layer.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set.
Nutrition (per serving, makes 12 servings):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Sugar: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips for Best Results:
- Chill Time Matters: Make sure to let the Jello fully set before adding the cream cheese topping to prevent mixing.
- Make Ahead: This is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
- Fruit Variations: You can swap the crushed pineapple for mandarin oranges or even add chopped strawberries for a fruity twist!
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