Cranberry Holiday Gelatin
A festive gelatin salad combining tart cranberry flavors with creamy topping and crunchy walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 (3 oz.) pkg. sugar-free cranberry or raspberry gelatin dessert mix ⓘ
- 1 cup boiling water ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) whole-berry cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can juice packed crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 4 oz. light cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 4 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup fat-free sour cream ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the gelatin and boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes or until dissolved.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce, breaking up any clumps.
- Stir in the drained crushed pineapple.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow 2-quart dish. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
- In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the light cream cheese and fat-free cream cheese until smooth.
- Beat in the sour cream and sugar until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the gelatin salad.
- Top with chopped walnuts before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can use a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar. If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to substitute the cranberry or raspberry gelatin with a sugar-free version of another fruit flavor. Adding a splash of orange juice to the gelatin mixture can enhance the flavor profile. For an extra crunch, consider substituting walnuts with pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cranberry Holiday Gelatin as a festive side dish or a refreshing dessert at your holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roast turkey or ham. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Thelma's Potato Salad and a light salad. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the gelatin starts to lose its firmness, you can enjoy it as a soft dessert. Avoid freezing the dish, as the texture may change when thawed. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Holiday Gelatin contains roughly 613 calories, with 13g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 496mg per serving (22% 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 gelatin ahead of time?
Yes, this gelatin can be prepared a day in advance. Just make sure to cover it well and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve as they meld together overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish for holiday parties.
Is there a non-dairy option for the cream cheese?
Absolutely! You can use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative to make this recipe dairy-free. Look for options made from almonds or cashews. Additionally, check that your gelatin is also dairy-free if you're avoiding all dairy products.
How can I make this recipe more visually appealing?
To enhance the presentation, consider layering the gelatin and cream cheese mixture in individual serving cups. You can also add fresh fruit on top, like slices of kiwi or berries, for a pop of color. This will make it not only delicious but also eye-catching at your holiday table.
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).