Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

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A festive, layered holiday classic with tart cranberry gelatin and creamy cheesecake-like topping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Jello Salad is a vintage holiday staple that balances sweet-tart cranberry gelatin with a fluffy cream cheese layer. Studded with pineapple and optional nuts, it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s equally at home on Thanksgiving tables or Christmas buffets. The make-ahead convenience and vibrant color make it a holiday essential!

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Layer

  • 1 (6 oz) package cranberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 (12 oz) can whole cranberry sauce

For the Cream Cheese Topping

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

(Serves 10–12)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberry Gelatin Layer

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve cranberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes.
  2. Stir in cold water and cranberry sauce until smooth (some cranberry chunks are fine).
  3. Pour into a 9×13-inch dish or serving bowl. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until set.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Topping

  1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  2. Fold in whipped topping, then gently stir in pineapple and nuts (if using).

3. Assemble & Chill

  1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the set gelatin.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

4. Serve

  • Cut into squares or scoop into bowls. Garnish with extra nuts or cranberries if desired.

Tips for Success

✔ For smoother gelatin, strain cranberry sauce before mixing.
✔ Room-temperature cream cheese blends more easily.
✔ Make ahead: Assemble up to 2 days in advance.
✔ Variation: Use orange gelatin for a citrus twist.

Serving Suggestions

  • Alongside roast turkey or ham
  • As part of a holiday potluck spread
  • With buttery dinner rolls for contrast

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Jello Salad is a nostalgic, refreshing counterpoint to rich holiday meals. The creamy topping tempers the tartness of the cranberry layer, while pineapple adds a tropical touch.

A must-make for tradition-loving families!

Variation: Layer with mandarin oranges instead of pineapple.

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