Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie
A festive and creamy cranberry pie featuring a tart cranberry sauce and smooth cream cheese filling, perfect for holiday gatherings and loved by fruit and dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine Jell-O and sugar; set aside.
- In a saucepan, bring cranberry juice to a boil.
- Remove from heat and pour over Jell-O mixture, stirring to dissolve.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce.
- Chill until slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, in another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, milk, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Fold in the whipped topping.
- Spread evenly into pie shell.
- Beat cranberry topping until frothy; pour over filling.
- Chill overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese mixture or use a low-sugar Jell-O. You can substitute the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a different flavor profile. For added texture, consider folding in some crushed nuts or using a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful dessert for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Coleen'S Delicious Cornbread for a well-rounded meal. For a refreshing drink, consider offering a sparkling cranberry cocktail alongside.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the pie's texture, avoid freezing as it may affect the consistency of the cream cheese filling. When ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy chilled, as the flavors meld beautifully over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie contains roughly 303 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium.
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?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries to make your own cranberry sauce, but you will need to cook them down with sugar and water until they are soft and saucy. This will give you a fresher flavor, but ensure you let it cool before adding it to the Jell-O mixture.
How can I make this pie ahead of time?
You can prepare this pie a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions and let it chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the pie to set properly, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
What can I substitute for the raspberry Jell-O?
If raspberry Jell-O is unavailable, you can easily substitute it with strawberry or cherry Jell-O. Both options will provide a similar sweetness and complement the cranberry flavors well. Just ensure to adjust the sugar levels if you use a sweeter variety of Jell-O.
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).