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Creamy Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Rich Cream Cheese Topping

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A nostalgic and crowd-pleasing creamy cranberry jello salad featuring tart cranberry jello and a rich, smooth cream cheese topping lightened with whipped topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 oz cranberry jello mix (preferably Jell-O brand)
  • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
  • 1 cup cold water (240 ml)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g)
  • 1 cup whipped topping (240 ml), such as Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, 30 g), pecans or walnuts
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the cranberry jello mix in 1 cup boiling water by whisking briskly until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
  2. Stir in 1 cup cold water, then fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries and sugar until combined.
  3. Pour the mixture into a 9×9-inch dish and refrigerate for 1 to 1.5 hours until partially set but still slightly jiggly.
  4. Beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula until light and fluffy, being careful not to deflate it.
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the partially set jello. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if desired.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 more hours until the cream cheese layer is firm and the jello is fully set.
  8. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother topping. Do not over-chill the jello before adding the cream cheese layer to avoid cracking. Fold whipped topping gently into cream cheese to keep it light. Adjust sugar to taste, especially if cranberries are very tart. The salad needs time to set properly in the fridge for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry jello salad, cream cheese topping, holiday salad, jello salad, easy cranberry dessert, potluck recipe, creamy salad

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-cranberry-jello-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-rich-cream-cheese-topping/