Cranberry Nut Jello Mold
A festive and tangy cranberry nut jello mold featuring black cherry flavor, crushed pineapple, and walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a colorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a mold with Pam or butter it lightly.
- Dissolve the black cherry jello in boiling water according to package instructions.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple and stir well.
- Mix in the chopped walnuts and the whole cranberry sauce.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared mold.
- Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Unmold onto a serving dish before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting the black cherry jello with a sugar-free version or using fresh cherries instead for a more natural flavor. You can also replace walnuts with pecans or almonds if you have nut allergies. To enhance the flavor, add a splash of orange juice or zest to the mixture. This jello mold pairs beautifully with Berry Mandarin Salad for a refreshing side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cranberry Nut Jello Mold as a festive side dish at holiday gatherings or potlucks. It pairs well with roasted meats and can be a delightful addition to a buffet spread. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of sweetness or serve alongside Creamy Peanut Patties for a unique contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cranberry Nut Jello Mold can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To serve, simply remove from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before unmolding for easier release.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Nut Jello Mold contains roughly 555 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g 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 make this jello mold in advance?
Absolutely! This jello mold is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it the day before your event and let it set overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tastier dish that saves you time on the day of serving.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer not to use them, you can substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you could omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version without compromising the overall flavor of the jello mold.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries! However, keep in mind that you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency. This will add a fresh, tart flavor to the mold. Just ensure they are fully cooked and mixed well to avoid any bitterness.
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).