Cranberry Cream Cheese Mold
A refreshing cranberry and cream cheese mold featuring vibrant flavors of cranberry and cinnamon, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions that delight the palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir boiling water into the gelatin in a large bowl for 2 minutes or until completely dissolved.
- Stir in cold water and cinnamon.
- Pour 2 cups of the gelatin into a medium bowl.
- Refrigerate about 1 1/2 hours or until thickened.
- Reserve the remaining 1 cup of gelatin at room temperature.
- Chop the apple and fold it into the thickened gelatin along with the cranberry sauce and softened cream cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and chill until set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. If you prefer a sweeter version, you can substitute the cold water with apple juice. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. For a twist, try using different fruit preserves instead of cranberry sauce. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cranberry Cream Cheese Mold on a platter, garnished with fresh cranberries or mint leaves for an appealing presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with holiday meals, especially alongside roasted turkey or ham. For a complete spread, consider serving it with crackers or toasted baguette slices, enhancing the flavors and textures at your gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the mold, as it may become watery upon thawing. If you want to serve it again, just slice it straight from the fridge and enjoy it cold, as reheating is not recommended.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Cream Cheese Mold contains roughly 238 calories, with 4g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 15g 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 another flavor of gelatin for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the cranberry flavor gelatin with any other fruit-flavored gelatin you prefer, such as raspberry or cherry. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste of the dish, so choose a flavor that complements the ingredients well.
How can I make this recipe more festive for the holidays?
To make the Cranberry Cream Cheese Mold more festive, consider adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, for a pop of flavor. You can also use cookie cutters to shape the mold into fun holiday shapes before serving. Adding a sprinkle of edible glitter can also add a festive touch.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even a thick coconut yogurt to achieve a similar texture without dairy. Be sure to check that the alternative you choose can hold up well when mixed with the gelatin and other ingredients.
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).