Holiday Cranberry Pineapple Desert
A festive, fruity dessert featuring tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and creamy whipped topping, perfect for holiday gatherings and those who enjoy a refreshing, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and save the juice.
- Add water to the pineapple juice to make 2 cups of liquid.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the lemon Jello and stir until dissolved. Let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, mix the jellied cranberry and crushed pineapple together without using a mixer.
- When the Jello mixture has cooled, add it to the cranberry-pineapple mixture and stir gently.
- Refrigerate the mixture until it is set.
- In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese.
- Fold in the Cool Whip into the cream cheese until well combined.
- Spread or pipe the cream cheese mixture over the set cranberry pineapple Jello and serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing with the Cool Whip. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free Jello. You can also substitute the crushed pineapple with fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor. This recipe can be made a day in advance for a stress-free holiday gathering.
Serving Suggestions
This festive dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with Granny'S Sour Cream Pound Cake for a delightful sweet spread. Consider serving it alongside a light salad, like Cranberry Cream Dream Salad, to balance the sweetness. Garnish with fresh cranberries or a sprig of mint for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If the cream cheese mixture separates, simply give it a gentle stir before serving again. This dish can be served directly from the fridge for a refreshing dessert.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Pineapple Desert contains roughly 66 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
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?
Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will need to be cooked down with sugar and water to create a sauce-like texture. Jellied cranberry provides a smoother consistency that blends well with the other ingredients, so it's recommended for this recipe.
How long does this dessert need to set in the refrigerator?
The cranberry pineapple mixture typically needs at least 4 hours to set, but overnight is ideal. This ensures that the Jello fully sets and the flavors meld together, providing the best taste and texture when served.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
To make this dessert vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based whipped topping instead of Cool Whip. Make sure to select vegan Jello, as some brands contain animal-derived ingredients. The overall flavor will remain delicious and festive!
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).