Layered Cranberry Mold
A vibrant layered cranberry mold with creamy cheese and fruity jello layers, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, offering a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve raspberry jello in boiling water; stir in 1 cup cold water.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups of this mixture into a 6-cup mold.
- Chill until slightly firm.
- Reserve remaining jello.
- Beat 1/2 cup sugar and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add evaporated milk slowly and vanilla; mix well.
- Soften unflavored gelatin in remaining 1/4 cup cold water in a small saucepan.
- Heat until gelatin dissolves.
- Blend dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spoon this mixture over the chilled jello in the mold.
- Chill until slightly firm.
- Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar and ground cranberries to the reserved raspberry jello.
- Stir until blended.
- Pour over the cheese layer.
- Chill until firm and unmold before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sugar substitutes. Make sure to whisk the cream cheese mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones, but be sure to thaw and drain them first. This layered dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, similar to the flavors found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Layered Cranberry Mold makes a stunning addition to holiday gatherings or potlucks. Serve it alongside a light salad or pair it with a scoop of whipped cream for added richness. It also complements well with other desserts like Low-Fat Orange Dream Cheesecake, creating a delightful dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing this dessert, as it may cause separation when thawed. When ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy straight from the fridge, as it is best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Cranberry Mold contains roughly 328 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. 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 dessert in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert can be prepared a day ahead of time, allowing the layers to set properly. Just ensure it is well-covered to prevent any absorption of odors from the fridge.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
You can replace evaporated milk with a mixture of regular milk and cream, using a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, a non-dairy milk, such as coconut milk, can be used for a different flavor profile.
How do I unmold the dessert without breaking it?
To unmold, run a thin knife around the edge of the mold and dip the bottom in warm water for a few seconds. This helps loosen the dessert and makes it easier to release without breaking.
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).