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
Scale
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.
