Get ready to fall in love with Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping—a colorful, vintage-inspired treat that absolutely steals the spotlight at any holiday table. This vibrant salad layers sweet-tart fruit gelatin with a luxe, tangy cream cheese topping that just melts in your mouth. The pairing of jewel-red cranberry, juicy pineapple, and a luscious blanket of creaminess makes every bite a riot of flavor and texture. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or simply craving nostalgia, this dish is a classic that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a genuine magic in how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients can transform into something so crave-worthy. Each component in Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping brings its own unique character—think sweet fruitiness, a delicate nutty crunch, and that irresistible richness on top.

Raspberry or cranberry gelatin (1 box, 6 ounces): This is the base that gives the salad its vibrant color and fruity backbone.
Boiling water (2 cups): Essential for dissolving the gelatin—don’t skimp on the full boil for best results!
Whole berry cranberry sauce (1 can, 14 ounces): Adds a burst of real fruit texture and intensifies the cranberry flavor.
Crushed pineapple, undrained (1 can, 8 ounces): Provides juiciness and tropical sweetness, plus lovely flecks throughout.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup, optional): For a satisfying crunch and a subtly toasty depth—totally okay to skip if nuts aren’t your thing.
Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): The creamy foundation for that dreamy topping; makes all the difference once spread cold over the salad.
Sour cream (½ cup): Blends in tanginess and a lush, smooth texture. Greek yogurt is a great swap if you want a twist.
Powdered sugar (¼ cup): Gives just the right amount of sweetness and dissolves like a charm into the topping.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, tying together all the creamy topping flavors.

How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

Step 1: Dissolve the Gelatin

In a large mixing bowl, pour the boiling water over the raspberry or cranberry gelatin powder. Stir enthusiastically for about two minutes, making sure the gelatin is completely dissolved. This step sets the tone for a dessert that’s glossy, even in texture, and simply irresistible.

Step 2: Add the Cranberry Sauce

Plop in the whole berry cranberry sauce and keep stirring until it’s nicely blended and mostly smooth. You’ll see the mixture turn a gorgeous jewel-tone as the real fruit bits scatter throughout. This layer is sweet, a little tangy, and full of holiday spirit.

Step 3: Mix in Pineapple and Nuts

Add the undrained crushed pineapple and, if you’re using them, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Give it all a gentle stir—those pops of fruit and crunch are what make this salad a timeless classic. The pineapple juice blends with the gelatin for maximum juiciness.

Step 4: Chill to Set

Pour your vibrant cranberry mixture into a 9×9-inch dish or a clear glass bowl for a dramatic effect. Smooth it out and pop it in the fridge, letting it chill for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you can wait. This is when it turns from liquid to jelly, packed with fruity bursts.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

While the salad sets, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla. Once it’s smooth, blend in the sour cream until you have a creamy concoction. This topping will be a dreamy, fluffy blanket over your cranberry base.

Step 6: Layer and Chill Again

Once the Jello layer is fully set, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over it. Return the whole thing to the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The creamy top chills up beautifully and complements the fruity layer beneath.

How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

Garnishes

Add a festive flourish by sprinkling a handful of extra chopped nuts or dotting on a few glistening fresh cranberries. Even a little zest of orange will instantly elevate the look and flavor, making each square extra enticing at your dinner spread.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a fantastic side alongside roasted turkey, ham, or even pork loin. It brings a sweet-tangy brightness that balances those rich, savory main dishes, but is gentle enough to pair with any classic holiday fare.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour the mixture into individual ramekins or use a fancy mold for an elegant centerpiece. You can layer it in clear glasses for single servings, or make a showstopping trifle by alternating Jello and cream cheese layers—your guests will absolutely swoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping keeps best tightly covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. Use plastic wrap or an airtight dish to stop it from picking up fridge odors, and you can sneak a square whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad, as both gelatin and dairy tend to change texture when thawed. The fruity layer can become watery and the cream cheese topping might separate, so for best results enjoy it freshly chilled from the fridge.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping—this is a dish that’s meant to be served icy cold. If the topping softens after sitting out, just return it to the fridge for a quick chill and it’ll firm up nicely again.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Absolutely! While raspberry or cranberry gelatin highlights the fruit flavors, cherry or strawberry work wonderfully and will still look beautiful layered under the cream cheese topping.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you check that your brand of gelatin and cranberry sauce are gluten-free, this salad is naturally free from gluten—perfect for a wide range of guests.

Can I make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, preparing it a day ahead actually helps all the flavors meld together. Just wait to add any fresh garnishes until right before serving for the best appearance.

What’s the best way to get clean slices when serving?

Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for neat, tidy squares. Serving with a spatula will help keep the pretty layers intact.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Definitely! The nuts add texture but are 100% optional. Leaving them out doesn’t affect the setting or the delicious flavor of Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a side that feels like a treat and brings pure joy to every holiday table, you just can’t beat Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping. Its playful colors, creamy crown, and fruit-forward taste always inspire second helpings. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch your loved ones light up with every bite!

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and festive Cranberry Jello Salad topped with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese. This vintage recipe is a classic holiday side dish perfect for gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Jello Salad:

1 box (6 ounces) raspberry or cranberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the cream cheese topping:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Jello Salad: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Add the cranberry sauce and stir until smooth. Mix in the crushed pineapple and nuts. Pour into a dish and refrigerate.
Cream Cheese Topping: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Mix in sour cream and spread over the set Jello. Chill until serving.