I still remember the first time I made Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats. It was a chilly December evening, snow lightly falling outside, and I was nervously anticipating my in-laws’ holiday dinner. I wanted to bring something festive, but easy something that would whisper “holiday magic” without requiring hours in the kitchen. As I stirred together the bright red jello with tart cranberry bits, topped with dreamy cream cheese swirls, I felt a tiny burst of pride. That moment was the birth of my favorite holiday dessert: Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats, a dish that has graced every Christmas and Thanksgiving table in our family since.
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Why Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats is a Must‑Try
If you love nostalgic, fruity desserts that taste like holiday cheer in a spoon, Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats should be your go-to. This salad blends the tartness of cranberries with sweet cherry jello, then softens everything under a creamy blanket of cream cheese topping. It’s more than just a dessert — it’s a memory maker.
The great thing about this salad is how versatile it is. Use it as a Topping For Jello in other recipes, or serve it on its own as a festive centerpiece. Looking for a twist? Try a Cranberry Cherry Jello Salad version for extra pop. Our recipe here hits that sweet-tart balance, and the cream cheese topping gives it that comforting richness you crave during holiday gatherings.
Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping
Ingredients
Method
- Dissolve the cherry jello in boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Mix in the can of whole cranberry sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Add the cold water and mix. Pour into a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until set.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese topping by beating the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar (if using) until smooth.
- Gently fold in whipped cream or whipped topping for a lighter texture, if desired.
- Once the jello is set, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top. Garnish with cranberries or cherries if desired. Chill for another 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cranberry Jello Salad
- 1 package (3 oz) cherry jello (or red jello)
- 1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce a classic Can Cranberry Recipes starter
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping (optional, for a lighter touch)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened for the Cream Cheese Topping For Jello
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for sweetening the topping)
- Fresh cranberries and/or maraschino cherries (optional garnish)
With just these simple ingredients many of which you likely have in your pantry you can whip up a Christmas Cranberry Jello Salad in under 15 minutes. That little can of cranberry sauce becomes the heart of a dish that feels both old-school and fresh.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Salad
- Dissolve the jello. Pour the cherry jello into a heatproof bowl. Add the cup of boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. This is the foundational base of your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats.
- Mix in cranberry sauce. Once the jello is dissolved, stir in the entire can of cranberry sauce. Yes all of it. The cranberries give you the trademark texture and tang that make this salad sing.
- Add cold water. Pour in the cup of cold water. This helps the mixture chill properly and sets up the right jello consistency for your Thanksgiving Fruit Recipes or holiday table.
- Chill until set. Transfer the mixture into a serving dish. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until firm. Patience here is part of the magic this gives you that perfect jello “wiggle.”
- Prepare the cream cheese topping. While your jello is setting, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar (if using) until smooth and slightly fluffy. For a lighter texture, gently fold in whipped cream or whipped topping. This gives you a silky Topping For Cranberry Salad that pairs beautifully with the tart jello base.
- Top and garnish. Once the jello is fully set, spread the cream cheese mixture on top. For a final flourish, scatter fresh cranberries or maraschino cherries a little red-and-white holiday flair. You’ve just completed your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats. Chill again for 30 minutes if desired, then it’s ready to serve.
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Don’t skip softening the cream cheese. Cold cream cheese will clump. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so your topping is smooth and spreadable ideal for that creamy top layer on your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats.
- Use full cranberry sauce. Some recipes try to drain or reduce syrup, but the syrup mixes with jello to enhance flavor and color. The slightly sweet, slightly tart balance defines a great Cherry Cranberry Jello Salad or Cranberry Cherry Jello Salad.
- Customize sweetness. If you like it less sweet, reduce or skip the powdered sugar in the topping. For a sweeter, dessert-like feel, add a touch more.
- Make ahead. You can make the jello base a day ahead and top with cream cheese just before serving. This transforms it into one of those perfect Thanksgiving Fruit Recipes you don’t stress over on the big day.
Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Holiday Table
Holiday dinners should feel warm, comforting and maybe a little nostalgic. That’s exactly what Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats brings to the table. The combination of bright red jello, tart cranberries, and creamy topping evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and cozy kitchens.
It’s the type of dish that gets kids excited (hello, wiggle jello!), but also has enough grown-up flavor to win over picky eaters. Whether you’re after a classic Christmas Cranberry Jello Salad or a fun Cranberry Cherry Jello Salad twist, you’re giving your guests a holiday treat that stands out and stays simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! If you want to try fresh cranberries, cook them with a little sugar and water until they soften into a sauce, then cool and mix into the jello. It becomes a fresh take on a Cranberry Sauce Recipe With Jello just be sure the berries are fully softened or the texture will be too crunchy.
Can I swap in other flavors of jello?
Yes. While cherry jello gives the classic red hue and holiday vibe, you can experiment. Raspberry or strawberry jello also works — giving you a slightly different taste for your Topping For Jello creation.
How long does the salad keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator. It stays good for 3–4 days. The jello base holds nicely, but the cream cheese topping can become a little watery after the first day still tasty, but texture shifts slightly.
Is this recipe good for Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Definitely. As part of your array of Thanksgiving Fruit Recipes or at your Christmas feast, this salad adds a festive, colorful touch. With its Cranberry Cherry Jello Salad vibe, it fits right into holiday menus alongside turkey, stuffing, and pies.
My Holiday Favorites: How I Serve Cranberry Jello Salad Anyway
In our house, the Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats isn’t just for dessert it’s part of the celebration. Some years, I spoon it into decorative glass dishes and place it next to the turkey. Other times, I let guests help themselves as a sweet, fruity side. Either way, it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear especially among kids and cranberry lovers.
One of my favorite memories? My nephew’s eyes lighting up when he saw the cherries on top, calling it a “jiggly cherry cake.” He dug in with a spoon and went back for seconds, grinning. That moment made me realize how something as simple as jello and cream cheese can bring joy and nostalgia.
That’s why I keep coming back to this recipe. For me, Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats isn’t just another dish it’s a little holiday hug in a bowl. And honestly? I think it’ll become one of your traditions too.
A Few Variations Worth Trying
- Cranberry Cherry Jello Salad Twist: Use cherry and cranberry jello combo or swirl half cherry, half cranberry to give more color and flavor dimension. It’s a festive spin that makes the salad pop at any gathering.
- Layered Cream Cheese Topping: For an elegant dessert, layer whipped cream over the cream cheese topping for extra fluff, creating a two‑layer treat that feels fancy but stays easy.
- Festive Garnishes: Try sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top, or add a sprig of mint for contrast a small detail that makes your Topping For Cranberry Salad look upscale and holiday‑ready.
Whenever you want a simple dessert that feels special, nostalgic, and just the right amount of sweet especially around Thanksgiving or Christmas reach for Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese topping – House of Nash Eats. Between the tart cranberries, the jiggly jello, and the creamy topping, it brings warmth, color, and smiles. Go ahead mix up a batch. I promise, your holiday table (and maybe your memories) will thank you.