Cheesy Cranberry Mold
A colorful, creamy jello mold with the tartness of cranberries and pineapple, complemented by cream cheese and crunchy pecans, perfect for festive gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve raspberry jello in 1 cup boiling water and set aside to cool.
- Mix the cream cheese with pineapple juice until smooth.
- Add crushed pineapple, cranberry sauce, and chopped pecans to the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a mold.
- Chill until set, about 4 hours or overnight.
- After set, pour a little warm water over the mold to loosen and then empty the mold onto a serving plate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. If you want to cut back on sugar, consider using a sugar-free raspberry jello. You can also swap pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version. If you're looking to add more flavor, a splash of orange juice can enhance the taste, reminiscent of a Pineapple 'Julius'.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Cranberry Mold makes a delightful appetizer or dessert, especially during holiday gatherings. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or as part of a buffet spread. It pairs beautifully with Butter Pecan Cream Cake for a sweet finish, or try it with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing as it may alter the consistency. If you need to refresh the mold, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Cranberry Mold contains roughly 602 calories, with 9g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of jello?
Yes, you can experiment with different jello flavors! Strawberry or orange would work nicely, although it may slightly alter the taste profile. Just ensure the jello dissolves completely in boiling water for the best results.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This recipe is perfect for making ahead! Prepare the mold a day in advance and let it chill overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring it's ready to serve when you need it.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cheesy Cranberry Mold is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat products. However, if you are serving vegan guests, consider substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).