Description
Cranberry jello salad sparkles with festive charm, combining tart cranberries and creamy layers. Winter holidays come alive with this classic dessert that guests will savor from first delightful spoonful to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 (3 ounces/85 grams) packages cherry Jell-O
- 20 ounces/567 grams crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can whole cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- ¾ cup cranberry or apple juice
Topping Ingredients:
- 8 ounces/227 grams cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, completely liquefy the Jell-O crystals within boiling liquid, ensuring thorough dissolution through vigorous stirring.
- Integrate crushed pineapple, retaining its natural liquid, alongside whole cranberry preserve into the translucent gelatin mixture. Gently fragment any substantial cranberry clusters using utensil’s reverse side.
- Incorporate approximately three-quarters of prepared pecan fragments and chosen fruit essence, blending components uniformly.
- Transfer the vibrant concoction meticulously into a rectangular glass container, distributing evenly and creating smooth surface.
- Chill the gelatin creation within refrigeration unit until completely solidified, allowing approximately two hours for proper setting.
- Prepare the luxurious topping by whipping softened cream cheese using electric mixer, transforming texture into silky consistency.
- Gradually introduce powdered sweetener and tangy dairy cream, combining ingredients until achieving harmonious, velvety texture.
- Once gelatin has completely set, delicately spread cream cheese mixture across surface, creating elegant, uniform layer.
- Garnish the finished dessert with remaining pecan fragments, strategically dispersing for visual appeal and textural contrast.
- Refrigerate until moment of serving to maintain optimal temperature and structural integrity.
Notes
- Versatile Holiday Delight that combines the tartness of cranberries with creamy smooth cream cheese topping.
- Prepare ahead of time and chill for optimal texture, making it perfect for make-ahead party planning.
- Pecans add delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing both visual appeal and taste profile.
- Combination of pineapple and cranberry creates a balanced sweet-tart flavor that tingles taste buds.
- Cream cheese topping transforms traditional Jell-O salad into an elegant dessert-like side dish.
- Gluten-free option that works beautifully for diverse dietary needs and festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg