Congealed Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe - With Cream Cheese

Grandma’s Congealed Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to jazz up your holiday table, you’ve gotta try Grandma’s Cranberry Jello Salad! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, and it’s super easy to make. Let me break down this festive cranberry jello salad recipe for you:

Tools you’ll Need to Make This Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

You won’t need anything fancy to whip up Grandma’s delicious Cranberry Jello Salad. Just gather these simple tools:

Medium Saucepan: For dissolving the jello powders in boiling water. Opt for a medium-sized one to accommodate the mixtures.
Large Bowl: A spacious bowl will be your mixing hub for combining the jello mixtures with other ingredients.
Casserole Dish or Gelatin Mold: Choose a 9×13-inch casserole dish or a gelatin mold to layer your jello salad.
Plastic Wrap: Cover the dish with plastic wrap to prevent any unwanted flavors and ensure your jello salad stays fresh.
Food Processor (Optional): If you’re chopping fruits like fresh pineapple or the small orange, a food processor can speed up the process.
Whisk or Mixing Spoon: Use these to dissolve the jello powders and mix the ingredients.
Knife: You’ll need it for peeling and chopping the small orange and any other fruits you’re adding.
Cutting Board: To provide a safe surface for cutting and chopping fruits.
Measuring Cups: Essential for accurately measuring boiling water, cold water, cranberry juice, and other liquid ingredients.
Measuring Spoons: For precise measurements of orange zest, lemon juice, and other smaller quantities.
Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): This will help you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency for the cream cheese topping.
Spatula: A spatula will come in handy for spreading the different layers evenly.
Airtight Container: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Chopping Board: Use a separate one for chopping the pecans.
Can Opener: Needed to open the cans of whole-berry cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple.

These basic kitchen tools will set you up for success in crafting this delightful cranberry jello salad. They’re easy to find and use, ensuring that you have everything you need to make this fantastic holiday side dish.

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe Ingredients:

1 package (6 oz) raspberry jello
1 package (6 oz) cherry jello
2 cups boiling water
1 cup cold water
1 cup cranberry juice
1 can (14 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 can (14 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 small orange, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jello: In a medium saucepan, dissolve the raspberry and cherry jello powders separately in 1 cup of boiling water each. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water to each mixture. Refrigerate both jello mixtures until slightly thickened.

2. Create the Cranberry Layer: Fold in the whole-berry cranberry sauce, cranberry juice, and fresh cranberries into the raspberry jello mixture. Pour it into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Let it chill until set but not firm, about 45 minutes.

3. Add the Pineapple Layer: Gently mix the drained crushed pineapple, chopped fresh pineapple, and chopped orange into the cherry jello mixture. Carefully spoon it over the cranberry layer. Chill until set.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Topping: Beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, whipped cream, orange zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Spread this creamy topping over the set jello layers.

5. Final Touches: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the creamy topping for a little crunch. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely set, preferably overnight.

6. Serving: When you’re ready to serve, cut the cranberry jello salad into squares and transfer them to a serving dish. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday meal, whether it’s Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving turkey.

Pro Tips:

For the best results, give each layer enough time to set before adding the next.
A gelatin mold can be used instead of a casserole dish for a classic look.
Experiment with other fresh fruits like mandarin oranges or strawberries for a twist.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to enjoy this delicious side dish even after the holiday dinners are over.

This congealed cranberry jello salad is a classic recipe that’s been a favorite at our family gatherings for years. The combination of bright flavors, creamy layers, and a little sweetness from the fruits makes it a great option for special occasions or just a regular family meal. So grab your recipe card and give it a shot – it might become your new favorite recipe! Enjoy!