Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe
If you’re searching for that one classic holiday dish that never fails to make everyone smile, Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping truly checks every box—bright, tangy, creamy, nostalgic, and make-ahead easy! Imagine juicy bites of cranberry and pineapple suspended in a jewel-red jello, topped with a fluffy, luscious cream cheese layer that’s just the right amount of sweet. It’s the perfect balance of festive flair and homestyle comfort, a side dish that always disappears first at family gatherings. Whether it’s part of your Thanksgiving table or a refreshing addition to a summer barbecue, this beloved recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping lies in how a handful of pantry staples come together to create vibrant color, bold fruity flavor, and irresistible richness. Each ingredient has a job—some provide tang, others contribute crunch, while the topping ties it all together for that signature taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Raspberry or Cherry Jello (1 package, 6 oz): This forms the bright, colorful base and brings loads of berry flavor—raspberry works best, but cherry is delicious too.
- Boiling Water (2 cups): Makes sure your Jello dissolves perfectly, locking in those vibrant fruit flavors.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (1 can, 14 oz): Adds delightful tanginess, pops of real cranberry, and the oh-so-crucial festive red hue.
- Crushed Pineapple, undrained (1 can, 8 oz): Pineapple and its juice give the salad juicy bursts of sweetness and keep the texture lively.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Nuts are optional, but their gentle crunch adds wonderful texture that complements the smooth Jello and creamy topping.
- Cream Cheese, softened (1 package, 8 oz): This is the star of the topping, giving it a decadent, velvety-smooth base.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Cuts the richness and creates a tangy, fluffy topping that pairs perfectly with the sweet Jello.
- Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and dissolves without leaving any grainy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a subtle, warm aroma.
How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping
Step 1: Dissolve the Jello
Start by pouring the raspberry or cherry Jello powder into a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of boiling water and stir thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This ensures your base stays smooth and free of any gritty bits—a key to getting the perfect set later on.
Step 2: Mix in the Cranberry Sauce
Next, gently stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce. Don’t worry if there are chunky bits of cranberry, that’s exactly what you want! It turns the plain Jello into a fruity, festive salad with real cranberry flecks in every slice.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Nuts
Pour in the crushed pineapple, juice and all. The extra liquid from the pineapple will intensify the fruitiness and keep your salad tender and bright. If you’re a fan of a little crunch, fold in those chopped walnuts or pecans—totally optional but always welcome in my house.
Step 4: Chill Until Set
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or a pretty glass serving bowl for full effect. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours until it’s solid and bouncy to the touch. Patience is key here—the magic happens while you wait!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
Once your Jello layer has set, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until it’s smooth and lump-free. Add the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully creamy and spreadable—this will be your irresistible cloud-like topping.
Step 6: Finish & Chill Again
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled Jello layer. Don’t rush—smooth it carefully for that classic, bakery-case look. Pop it back into the fridge for about 30 minutes so the topping firms up and melds perfectly with the fruity base. There you have it: Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping, ready for your next feast!
How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping
Garnishes
The top of your salad is a blank canvas! I love scattering a few extra chopped nuts, orange zest, or even fresh cranberries for an extra pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted coconut also works wonders.
Side Dishes
This salad plays beautifully with hearty mains. It’s fantastic alongside roast turkey, baked ham, or even grilled chicken, since its fruity-tangy notes complement savory dishes so well. For a vegetarian table, pair with lentil loaf, wild rice, or green bean casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping in the classic casserole style, but why not try individual parfait glasses, cut-out shapes with cookie cutters, or layered in a trifle bowl? The bright layers look stunning in clear serving dishes or as festive squares on a dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly over time, but the flavors only get better as they mingle together. Store in an airtight container to prevent the salad from picking up fridge odors.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping (the texture of both the Jello and the topping can become watery and grainy after thawing), you can freeze the Jello base on its own, then add the cream cheese layer after thawing for best results.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. If you’ve prepped it in advance, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take off the chill before serving for maximum creamy enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
Yes! Raspberry or cherry are classic, but orange Jello gives a fun citrus kick and pairs beautifully with the cranberry and pineapple. Just choose whatever fruit flavors make you happy.
Is it possible to make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping ahead of time?
Absolutely. This recipe is designed for convenience—assemble the night before, add the topping in the morning, and chill until ready to serve. It’s a terrific make-ahead addition for holiday dinners!
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer to skip them, try sunflower seeds for crunch or simply omit them. The salad is still deliciously satisfying without any add-ins.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
You sure can! If you have leftover homemade cranberry sauce from another meal, just be sure to use a whole-berry variety and adjust for sweetness as needed.
How do I prevent the cream cheese topping from becoming runny?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and blended with the sour cream and sugar for a thick, cohesive mixture. Also, be certain the Jello layer is completely set and chilled before spreading on the topping.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping enough—it’s easy, eye-catching, and so much yummier than you’d ever expect a “retro” dish to be. Give it a try at your next gathering and watch it become a brand new family favorite!
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Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and colorful Cranberry Jello Salad topped with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese. This retro-style dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and adds a festive touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Jello Salad:
- 1 package (6 oz) raspberry or cherry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Jello Salad: In a large bowl, dissolve the Jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir in cranberry sauce, add crushed pineapple and nuts (optional). Pour into dish, chill.
- Cream Cheese Topping: Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Spread over set Jello and chill before serving.
Notes
- You can use orange Jello or add mandarin oranges for variation
- Can be made a day ahead, perfect for holidays
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
