Cranberry Christmas Mold
A festive cranberry and pineapple jello mold topped with toasted pecans and creamy cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings and offering a sweet-tart flavor with crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple juice into a measuring cup; reserve pineapple.
- Add water to the juice to make 1 cup.
- Bring the mixture to a boil in a saucepan over moderate heat.
- Remove from heat when boiling, stir in gelatin and stir until dissolved.
- Add cold water; chill until the mixture is the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.
- In a medium bowl, combine drained pineapple and cranberry sauce; mix well.
- Stir the pineapple mixture into the gelatin mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 9-inch square pan.
- Cover and chill until firm.
- Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F.
- Place pecans and butter in a shallow pan and bake about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until toasted.
- Cool the toasted pecans.
- When gelatin mixture is firm, spread Creamy Cheese Topping over the top.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the frosting.
- Chill for 3 to 4 hours until the frosting is firm.
- Using a wet knife, cut the salad into 9 squares.
- Lift the squares onto a serving plate with a small pancake turner.
- Chill until serving time.
- Decorate with salad greens if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute raspberry gelatin for strawberry to enhance the fruity flavor profile. If you're short on time, consider using pre-chopped pecans to save prep time. Ensure your gelatin mixture is truly chilled before combining with the pineapple and cranberry for the best texture. This is a great make-ahead dish for holiday gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Christmas Mold is perfect as a festive side at holiday dinners. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, and a side of Cheesy Broccoli Dip(Microwave) for a balance of flavors. Consider garnishing with fresh mint or salad greens for an extra touch of elegance when serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gelatin can become watery over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat, allow it to come to room temperature rather than microwaving, as heat can affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Christmas Mold contains roughly 363 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of 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 fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
While you can use fresh cranberries, they will need to be cooked down with sugar to create a similar texture and sweetness as jellied cranberry sauce. This may alter the final flavor and consistency, so it's recommended to stick with the jellied version for best results.
How far in advance can I make this mold?
You can prepare this mold up to 2 days in advance. Just ensure it's covered well in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a great make-ahead option for holiday celebrations.
What if I can't find strawberry gelatin?
If strawberry gelatin is unavailable, you can easily substitute it with cherry or raspberry gelatin. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still complement the cranberries and pineapple beautifully.
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).