Cranberry Mold(Excellent For Holiday Meals)
A festive cranberry mold combining tangy cranberry sauce, pineapple, and ginger ale, topped with cream cheese and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the syrup.
- Add water to the reserved syrup to make 1 cup if necessary.
- Heat the syrup mixture to boiling.
- Dissolve the lemon jello in the hot liquid.
- Cool the mixture and gently stir in the ginger ale.
- Chill until the jello is partly set.
- Blend the pineapple and cranberry sauce into the partially set jello.
- Pour the mixture into a flat dish such as a square or rectangle casserole dish.
- Prepare Dream Whip according to package directions.
- Fold the softened cream cheese into the prepared Dream Whip.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the gelatin.
- Top with chopped pecans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free lemon jello and low-fat cream cheese. If you don't have Dream Whip, whipped heavy cream can be used instead. To enhance the flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the jello mixture. Make sure to chill the jello until it's just set before adding the fruit for a better texture. This dish can also be made a day in advance for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry mold is a festive addition to holiday meals and pairs beautifully with roast turkey or ham. For a colorful presentation, serve it alongside a fresh salad or with a side of Broccoli And Potatoes. It also makes a great dessert option, especially when served with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Consider serving it with slices of Mom'S Moist Carrot Cake for a delightful end to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The gelatin may become slightly more firm upon chilling, but it will still hold its shape. Avoid freezing the dish as the texture of the jello and cream cheese mixture may change when thawed. Serve chilled for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Mold(Excellent For Holiday Meals) contains roughly 338 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% 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 use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries; however, they will need to be cooked down with sugar to create a sauce-like consistency. This will add a tart flavor to the dish, which may balance well with the sweetness of the jello.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan whipped topping instead of Dream Whip. Ensure the jello is made from plant-based ingredients, as some brands may use gelatin derived from animals.
Is it possible to prepare this dish without ginger ale?
If you don't have ginger ale, you can substitute it with any lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up. Alternatively, use a mix of club soda with a splash of lemon juice for a less sweet but still fizzy option.
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).