Spiced Cranberry-Orange Dessert
A vibrant, spiced cranberry-orange gelatin salad with citrus and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive desserts that combine tartness and warmth in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 serving size) pkg. raspberry Jell-O ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole berry cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry Jell-O in boiling water in a large bowl.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce, cold water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cloves. Refrigerate about 1.5 hours until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, and chopped walnuts.
- Chill for 3 to 4 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a splash of orange juice to enhance the citrus flavor. If you're short on time, you can substitute the whole berry cranberry sauce with a store-bought cranberry relish. Make sure the Jell-O is completely dissolved before adding the other ingredients to ensure a smooth texture. This dessert can also be made in individual cups for a more elegant presentation.
Serving Suggestions
This spiced cranberry-orange dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. Serve it alongside roasted meats or a cheese platter for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Justin'S Cherry, Pineapple, Banana Pie for a festive dessert spread. Garnish with fresh mint or extra walnuts for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It's best served chilled, so if the dessert has been out for a while, pop it back into the fridge for a bit before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Cranberry-Orange Dessert contains roughly 380 calories, with 6g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 19g 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 canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to achieve a similar consistency to the canned sauce. This will add a fresh tartness to the dessert, enhancing its flavor.
Is this dessert suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this dessert can be made vegan by ensuring that the Jell-O is plant-based. There are several brands available that offer vegan gelatin alternatives, which will work perfectly in this recipe.
What can I substitute for walnuts if there are allergies?
If you need to avoid walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be great nut-free options that will still add texture to the dessert.
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).