The Best Cranberry Mold Ever
A colorful, refreshing cranberry mold with tart cranberries, sweet oranges and apples, crunchy walnuts, ideal for festive occasions or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the cherry Jell-O in 2 1/2 cups hot water and cool until slightly thickened.
- Grind cranberries, orange with rind, apples, and walnuts together.
- Add sugar and salt, then blend thoroughly.
- Combine the fruit mixture with the cooled Jell-O and pour into a 2-quart ring mold.
- Chill for 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Garnish with endive, watercress, or lettuce. Place a small bowl of whipped cream salad dressing in the center of the mold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, consider using a food processor to grind the cranberries, orange, apples, and walnuts thoroughly. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. This cranberry mold can also be customized with different nuts or fruit based on your preference, so feel free to experiment with variations like adding diced pears or pecans.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry mold is a festive addition to any holiday table, and it pairs beautifully with Tender Roast Beef or alongside a light salad like Marinated 3 Bean Salad. For an extra touch, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a light fruit sauce to enhance the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the mold begins to lose its shape, you can gently re-mold it by placing it back into a ring mold for a few hours. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Cranberry Mold Ever contains roughly 391 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 6g 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 cranberry mold ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making a day in advance. Just ensure it is fully set in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of cherry Jell-O?
If you're looking for an alternative, you can use raspberry or strawberry gelatin to achieve a similar flavor profile. For a vegan version, opt for agar-agar or a plant-based gelatin substitute to create a similar texture without the animal products.
How can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply ensure all ingredients, including the gelatin, are certified gluten-free. For a lower sugar version, substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol, adjusting to taste.
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).