Festive Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

This festive Cranberry Jello Salad with a creamy cheese topping is the perfect mix of tart, sweet, and creamy for any holiday table.

Introduction

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that has become a holiday favorite in many homes. With its vibrant cranberry flavor, sweet fruit mix-ins, and smooth, tangy cream cheese topping, this dish beautifully balances textures and flavors. It’s versatile enough to work as a side dish or dessert and makes an excellent addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. The tartness of the cranberries blends perfectly with the creamy topping, creating a sweet-tart flavor that everyone loves. Not only is it easy to make, but the presentation is also eye-catching, making it a festive must-have for special gatherings.

Ingredients

For the cranberry salad:

• 1 (6-ounce) package cranberry or raspberry Jello mix
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 (14-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped apples
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the cream cheese topping:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Make the cranberry salad: In a large bowl, dissolve the Jello mix in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
2. Add fruit and nuts: Stir in the cranberry sauce, drained pineapple, chopped apples, and nuts if using. Mix well.
3. Chill to set: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or decorative serving bowl. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello is fully set.
4. Prepare the cream cheese topping: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Top and serve: Once the Jello is set, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Prepare

To prepare this Cranberry Jello Salad, start by mixing the Jello and boiling water until dissolved, then add the fruit and nuts for a deliciously chunky texture. Once the Jello is set, create a smooth cream cheese topping that adds richness and balances the tart cranberries. This dish is best served cold, so chill thoroughly for the flavors to meld together.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 4 hours (or overnight for best results)
• Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves about 10-12 people.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes! This Jello salad is great for making a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different fruit?
   Absolutely. Try swapping apples with pears or adding mandarin oranges for a citrusy twist.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I use a different type of Jello?
   While cranberry or raspberry flavors are best for this dish, cherry or strawberry work well too.
5. Is it possible to skip the cream cheese topping?
   Yes, but the creamy topping adds a nice balance to the tartness of the cranberry salad.

Conclusion

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a beloved classic for good reason. It combines the sweet-tart flavors of cranberry with the creamy, tangy richness of the topping, creating a unique dish that’s ideal for holiday gatherings. Easy to make and always a hit, it brings both flavor and color to the table. Try it this season, and watch how quickly it disappears!