A nostalgic holiday jello salad with layers of ruby-red cranberry gelatin, crushed pineapple, and a creamy topping studded with walnuts. The perfect balance of sweet and tart!
Author:ranime
Prep Time:20 mins
Cook Time:undefined
Total Time:6 hours 20 mins
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish/Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Jello Layer:
2 (3 oz) packages cranberry-flavored gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 (14 oz) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
Creamy Layer:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Garnish:
Fresh cranberries
Mint leaves
Instructions
Jello Layer: Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cranberry sauce until smooth. Fold in pineapple with juices. Pour into 9×13″ dish. Chill 4 hours until set.
Creamy Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla; mix well. Spread over chilled gelatin layer.
Top: Sprinkle with nuts. Cover and chill at least 2 hours more.
Serve: Cut into squares. Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint.
Notes
Make ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance (add nuts before serving)
Texture tip: For firmer salad, use 1 cup cold water + 1 cup ice cubes when dissolving gelatin
Variations: Substitute orange gelatin or add 1/2 cup mandarin oranges
Lighter option: Use Neufchâtel cheese and light sour cream