Cranberry-Cheese Mold
A vibrant cranberry-cheese mold combining fruity, tangy flavors with creamy textures, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive celebrations that delight the palate.
Ingredients
- 13 oz. package orange pineapple jello
- 1 c. boiling water
- 1 c. orange juice ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 c. whipping cream, whipped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 (1 Tbsp.) envelope unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cold water ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can whole cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 c. orange sections ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) bottle ginger ale ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve orange-pineapple jello in boiling water; stir in orange juice.
- Chill until partially set.
- Dissolve unflavored gelatin in cold water and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese.
- Add chopped pecans, lemon juice, allspice, and nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well.
- Gently fold in cranberry sauce and orange sections.
- Combine the gelatin with the mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Pour into a mold and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours or overnight.
- Unmold onto a serving platter and serve chilled with ginger ale.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of bottled. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute the whipped cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture. To enhance the crunch, consider adding crushed walnuts instead of pecans. Make sure to whisk the jello mixture thoroughly to prevent clumping. This dish can be made a day in advance for easy preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Cranberry-Cheese Mold on a festive platter for a striking presentation. It pairs beautifully with ginger ale, offering a refreshing contrast. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit for a colorful touch, or serve alongside Pat'S Brother'S Perfect Biscuits for a unique brunch spread. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To rehydrate the flavors, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture may change upon thawing, affecting the creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Cheese Mold contains roughly 325 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 other jello flavors like strawberry or raspberry for a different taste. Keep in mind that this may alter the overall flavor profile, so choose a flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To create a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping instead of whipping cream. Ensure the gelatin is substituted with agar-agar for a plant-based thickening agent.
Can I add more fruit to this mold?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional fruits such as diced apples, grapes, or berries for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as too much fruit could affect the setting of the gelatin.
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).