If you’re looking for a festive, vibrant dish that combines tangy fruitiness with creamy richness and a satisfying crunch, then this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a nostalgic classic that manages to be both refreshing and indulgent, with the perfect balance of tart cranberry, sweet pineapple, velvety cream cheese, and toasted pecans. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday gathering or simply craving a delightful treat, this salad has a way of stealing the spotlight and winning hearts with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that make this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe so irresistible. From the vibrant Jell-O to the tangy cranberry sauce, each component brings its own magic to the table.
- 2 (3-ounce) packages cherry Jell-O: Choose cherry for a classic touch, but raspberry or cranberry works beautifully too for slight variations in flavor.
- 1 ½ cups boiling water: Crucial for dissolving the Jell-O properly to get that silky base.
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds natural sweetness and a juicy texture that complements the tartness of cranberries.
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce: Provides that iconic cranberry flavor and a delightful burst of cranberry chunks.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (divided): Half go into the salad for texture, the rest add a crunchy, nutty topping.
- ¾ cup cranberry or apple juice: Enhances the fruity flavor profile and adds a little liquid to keep the salad moist.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a luscious, creamy topping that perfectly offsets the fruity salad beneath.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese topping with a smooth finish.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and lightness to the cream cheese layer, balancing richness with a slight bite.
How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Dissolve the Jell-O
Start by dissolving both packages of cherry Jell-O in 1 ½ cups of boiling water. Make sure to stir thoroughly until every bit of Jell-O powder has melted into the water, creating a smooth, vibrant liquid base. This step is key to the perfect texture in your salad.
Step 2: Combine the Fruit and Nuts
Next, stir in the crushed pineapple along with its juice and the whole cranberry sauce. Use the back of a spoon to gently break up chunks of the cranberry sauce so they spread evenly. Then add ¾ cup of the chopped pecans and the cranberry or apple juice. Mix everything until it’s beautifully blended, ready to set into that stunning jelly form.
Step 3: Set the Salad
Pour your bright and fruity mixture carefully into a 9×13-inch glass dish or a Jello mold of your choice. Refrigerate it for about two hours until the Jell-O is completely firm. Patience here pays off with a perfect, sliceable salad that’s both colorful and inviting.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
While the Jell-O sets, grab a separate bowl and beat the softened cream cheese on high with an electric mixer until it’s silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and sour cream, blending until the topping reaches a creamy, luscious consistency that’s easy to spread.
Step 5: Assemble the Final Layers
Once the Jell-O mixture is fully set, gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. This creates a dreamy, creamy layer that contrasts perfectly with the fruity base beneath. Then sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans over the cream cheese layer to add a crunchy texture and an inviting finish.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Allow the salad to chill a little more if needed, then serve your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe cold. The blend of flavors—from sweet and tart to creamy and nutty—will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few fresh cranberries or chopped pecans on top for an eye-catching garnish, or sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar to give it that festive sparkle. The bright red and white layers naturally make the salad a centerpiece-worthy dish, but these little touches elevate its charm even more.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a refreshing side on its own but pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, baked ham, or even grilled chicken. It balances savory mains beautifully with its sweet and tangy notes, making it a holiday staple or a charming accompaniment for any Sunday dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in clear glass cups to showcase those vibrant layers. Alternatively, use festive molds for a holiday theme or even spoon it into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or cranberries to wow your guests with a playful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the cream cheese topping and Jell-O texture can change, becoming watery or grainy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and perfect consistency.
Reheating
No reheating is needed here! This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold, and warming it up would only disrupt the delicate balance of creamy and fruity textures that make it so wonderful.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
Absolutely! While cherry is traditional and offers the best cranberry flavor pairing, raspberry or cranberry Jell-O are excellent substitutes that still complement the ingredients beautifully.
Is it okay to use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce adds a wonderfully fresh, tangy flavor that can elevate the salad. Just use roughly 2 cups to match the quantity called for in the recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Modifying this recipe for vegan or dairy-free diets is a bit tricky because of the cream cheese and sour cream topping. However, there are vegan cream cheese and sour cream alternatives that could work with some experimenting.
How long does the salad need to set in the fridge?
The salad generally needs about 2 hours to fully set, but if your refrigerator is particularly cold or you’re using a larger mold, giving it up to 3 hours ensures it’s firm and sliceable.
Can I prepare this dish a day in advance?
Absolutely! Making this salad a day ahead allows the flavors to meld even more beautifully, making your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe even more delicious the next day.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about sharing a classic Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe with loved ones. It’s a dish that delivers on nostalgia and flavor, with its festive colors and irresistible combination of tangy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover a new favorite that becomes a cherished tradition in your kitchen too!
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Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (for chilling and setting)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Jello Salad is a delightful and festive dessert combining fruity gelatin with a creamy, tangy cream cheese topping and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this salad offers a refreshing blend of cranberry, pineapple, and nutty flavors with a smooth, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Jello Base
- 2 (3-ounce) packages cherry Jell-O (or raspberry or cranberry)
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce (or 2 cups homemade cranberry sauce)
- ¾ cup cranberry or apple juice
- ¾ cup chopped pecans (divided)
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
Instructions
- Dissolve Jell-O: In a large bowl, dissolve both packets of Jell-O in the boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved to create a smooth gelatin base.
- Mix Fruits and Nuts: Add the crushed pineapple (with its juice) and the whole cranberry sauce to the Jell-O mixture. Break up any chunks of cranberry sauce with the back of a spoon. Stir in ¾ cup of the chopped pecans and the cranberry or apple juice, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Set Jell-O: Carefully pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or a Jello mold. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until the gelatin is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and sour cream, then blend until fully combined and fluffy.
- Top Salad: Once the Jell-O is set, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the gelatin layer. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans on top for a crunchy garnish.
- Serve: Serve this Cranberry Jello Salad chilled. Enjoy the delightful blend of fruity, creamy, and nutty flavors in every refreshing bite.
Notes
- Use chilled pineapple juice and cranberry or apple juice for best flavor integration.
- For a more tart flavor, substitute raspberry Jell-O instead of cherry or cranberry.
- This salad can be made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld even better.
- Chilling time is essential to ensure the Jell-O sets properly before topping.
- Use freshly chopped pecans for better texture and flavor.
