Holiday Cranberry Jello
A festive layered cranberry jello salad combining citrus, pineapple, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and dessert tables with bright flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix lemon jello with hot water until the jello is dissolved.
- Add softened cream cheese and mix until smooth.
- Stir in crushed pineapple and chopped pecans.
- Pour the mixture into a jello mold and chill until set.
- Mix strawberry jello with hot water until dissolved.
- Add cranberry sauce to the strawberry jello mixture.
- Pour the strawberry cranberry jello over the chilled lemon mixture.
- Chill until fully set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth mixture, whip the cream cheese thoroughly before adding it to the jello. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute. For added texture, you can incorporate chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Make sure to chill each layer sufficiently before adding the next for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Holiday Cranberry Jello on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Lonna'S Pineapple Cake for a delightful dessert table. Consider serving it alongside savory dishes like glazed ham or roasted turkey to balance the flavors. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it's best to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture of the jello layers. Enjoy it cold for the best flavor and consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Jello contains roughly 727 calories, with 11g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. It also contributes 8g 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 fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency. This will help to balance the tartness. Be sure to strain out any skins if desired, and let it cool before mixing it into the jello.
How long does the jello need to set?
The jello should chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours or until fully set. For best results, prepare it a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday celebrations.
Can I make this recipe a day ahead of time?
Absolutely, preparing the Holiday Cranberry Jello a day in advance is encouraged. It allows the layers to set well and enhances the flavor. Just make sure to cover it well in the refrigerator to prevent it from absorbing other odors, ensuring it remains fresh and delicious for your event.
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).