Cranberry-Apple Mold
This vibrant cranberry-apple mold combines tart cranberry sauce with sweet pineapple and crisp apple, creating a refreshing, colorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Its bright flavors and attractive presentation make it a delightful addition to any festive table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry Jell-O in boiling water and let it cool.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple, cranberry sauce, grated apple, orange rind, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly oiled 4-cup mold.
- Cover and chill until the Jell-O is firm.
- Unmold onto lettuce leaves and garnish with fresh cranberries and orange rind strips, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider using fresh cranberries instead of canned. You can also substitute the raspberry Jell-O with cherry or strawberry for a different taste. If you're looking to make this a vegan recipe, use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess liquid, which can affect the molding process.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry-Apple Mold makes a delightful side dish for holiday meals or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and can be served alongside dishes like Venison Chili. For an elegant presentation, serve it on a bed of lettuce leaves and garnish with fresh cranberries and orange rind strips. It also complements a light salad.
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 can cause separation. When ready to serve, you can re-chill the mold in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, ensuring it remains firm and refreshing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Apple Mold contains roughly 282 calories, with 4g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
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 make this mold ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making ahead, as it needs time to chill and set. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of orange rind?
If you don't have orange rind, lemon zest is a great alternative that adds a bright, citrusy flavor. You could also use a splash of lemon juice for acidity, but be cautious with the amount to maintain the right texture and sweetness in the mold.
Is there a way to make this mold less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can use unsweetened cranberry sauce and adjust the amount of Jell-O mix to your taste. Additionally, incorporating more grated apple will add natural sweetness and fiber without making it overly sugary.
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).