Delicious Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping : The Perfect Holiday Dessert

Looking for a festive and easy dessert to make for your holiday celebrations? This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a showstopper! Bursting with the tart and sweet flavors of cranberries, complemented by a rich and creamy topping, this salad is a refreshing addition to your dinner table. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering, this dessert is simple to prepare, yet so impressive. Plus, it’s versatile enough to satisfy everyone from kids to adults.

If you’re a fan of traditional holiday salads, you’ll love this variation. It’s as easy as it is delicious, and once you try it, you may never go back to the classic cranberry sauce. Looking for another festive treat? Check out Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for a sweet indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love Cranberry Jello Salad

Here’s why this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is bound to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings:

• Tart and Sweet Flavor: The cranberry jello has just the right balance of tartness, while the cream cheese topping adds a rich, sweet contrast.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red color of the cranberries and jello, combined with the creamy topping, makes this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
• Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients, this dessert comes together quickly and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or dessert, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. For a savory side, try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers or Crispy Cauliflower Nuggets.

Who This Recipe Is For

This Cranberry Jello Salad is ideal for:

• Holiday Hosts: If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this dish is a simple yet stunning addition to your spread.
• Jello Lovers: For those who adore all things jello, this recipe is an upgrade to the classic with the addition of cranberries and a creamy topping.
• Families: Kids will love the sweetness of the jello and cream cheese, while adults will appreciate the tart cranberry flavors.
• Cranberry Fans: If you’re looking for something beyond cranberry sauce, this salad offers a delicious and unique twist on the classic berry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 package cranberry jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 can whole cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Cranberry Jello: If you prefer a slightly less tart version, you can swap out the cranberry jello for cherry jello for a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
• Pecans: The pecans in this recipe add a nice crunch and depth of flavor, but you can also use walnuts or leave them out if you prefer.
• Topping: The cream cheese and sour cream topping is a delicious combination, but you can add a little whipped cream for extra fluffiness or try using Greek yogurt for a tangier version.

For more fun jello recipes, check out Yummy Jello Recipes.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls: For preparing both the jello mixture and the cream cheese topping.
• Electric mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for whipping the cream cheese and sour cream topping to perfection.
• 9×13 inch baking dish or glass bowl: This is the perfect size for making this salad.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy when measuring out the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad

Here’s how you can easily prepare this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping:

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Jello

Start by dissolving the cranberry jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the jello is fully dissolved. Then, mix in the can of whole cranberry sauce and chopped pecans. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or a glass bowl, and refrigerate for about 4 hours, or until set.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping

While the jello is setting, prepare the cream cheese topping. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Once the jello has set, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cranberry jello. You can garnish with additional chopped pecans for a nice crunch. Place the salad back in the refrigerator for another hour to chill before serving.

Looking for another perfect pairing for your holiday spread? Check out Cottage Cheese Flatbread for a savory addition.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Jello Salad

• Allow the Jello to Set Fully: Make sure the cranberry jello sets completely before adding the cream cheese topping. If it’s not fully set, the topping may not adhere properly.
• Use Fresh Cranberries: If you prefer fresh over canned cranberries, feel free to use them. Just cook them with a little sugar and water to make a homemade cranberry sauce.
• Chill Longer for Better Texture: The longer you chill the jello salad, the better the flavor and texture will be, so don’t rush the process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Topping: Be careful not to overbeat the cream cheese and sour cream topping, as it can become too runny.
• Not Using Enough Boiling Water: Ensure that the jello fully dissolves by using the correct amount of hot water, or the texture may not be right.
• Serving Too Soon: This salad needs time to set in the fridge to achieve the right consistency, so make sure to plan ahead and allow enough chilling time.

For another jello dessert with a twist, check out Cherry Cranberry Salad.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Jello Salad is best served chilled, and it makes a great addition to any holiday meal. Serve it as a sweet side dish alongside your main courses, or offer it as a dessert at the end of the meal. You can also try serving it in individual cups for a more refined presentation.

For another great salad to pair with this one, check out Cucumber Dill Salad or Vegetarian Pasta Primavera for a fresh and light option.

Creative Presentation Ideas

For a creative twist, try making Mini Cranberry Jello Salads in individual cups for a fun, festive presentation. You can also garnish with extra whipped cream and fresh cranberries for an extra touch of elegance.

If you’re looking for other holiday dessert ideas, consider making Apple Nachos or Pecan Pie Bites.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Citrus Twist: Add a little orange zest or orange juice to the jello mixture for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Topping Add-Ins: For a more indulgent topping, mix in mini marshmallows, coconut flakes, or a bit of crushed graham crackers for extra texture.
• Nut-Free Version: If you’re serving guests with nut allergies, simply omit the pecans and consider using coconut flakes or a sprinkle of granola as a topping instead.

How to Store and Reheat

Store any leftover Cranberry Jello Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Since this salad is meant to be served cold, there’s no need to reheat it.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Make the Jello the Day Before: This salad needs several hours to set, so making it the day before your gathering will ensure it’s ready to serve.
• Prepare the Topping Ahead: You can make the cream cheese topping a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.

If you’re looking for more make-ahead breakfast options, try Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls for a simple and satisfying option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad with other types of Jello?
Yes! While cranberry jello is the classic choice, you can easily substitute it with other flavors like cherry or raspberry for a fun variation.

Can I use a different topping?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can use whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even mascarpone cheese for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts: Why Cranberry Jello Salad Is a Keeper

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is the perfect holiday dessert — easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with the sweet-tart flavors of cranberries. It’s a deliciously refreshing dish that pairs wonderfully with both savory and sweet holiday meals.

For more festive recipes, don’t miss out on Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew or Crescent Roll Mummy Hot Dogs.

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