Name: Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (6 oz) box raspberry or cranberry-flavored Jello; 2 cups boiling water; 1 (14 oz) can whole cranberry sauce; 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 6 reviews

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping. This colorful, retro-inspired dessert brings together the tart pop of cranberries, the sweet burst of pineapple, crunchy walnuts, and a dreamy, tangy cream cheese crown. It’s the kind of comforting side dish that makes everyone pause for a second helping, whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or for a nostalgic potluck with friends. If you’ve never tried it, get ready for a family favorite that will find a permanent spot on your festive table!

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of cream cheese magic, you can whip up Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping in no time. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from fruity tang to creamy sweetness.

Raspberry or cranberry-flavored Jello (1 6 oz box): Sets the vibrant color and fruity base—use your preference for a subtle flavor twist!
Boiling water (2 cups): Absolutely essential for dissolving the Jello powder and creating that signature wobbly texture.
Whole cranberry sauce (1 14 oz can): Brings a sweet-tart kick and chewy berry texture that makes this salad irresistibly festive.
Crushed pineapple (1 20 oz can, drained): Sweetens and moistens the Jello base, plus adds bright flecks of fruit in every bite.
Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): For those who love a little crunch; the earthy flavor balances all the fruit and cream.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the topping—make sure it’s soft for the smoothest, fluffiest results.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and keeps the cream cheese topping fluffy and spreadable.
Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Lends just enough sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese and sour cream.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the topping with a delicate aroma and warmth.

How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

Step 1: Dissolve the Jello

Start by pouring your raspberry or cranberry-flavored Jello into a large mixing bowl. Carefully add 2 cups of boiling water and stir, making sure all the powder dissolves completely. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is clear and vibrant—no grainy bits left behind!

Step 2: Add the Fruit and Nuts

To your dissolved Jello, mix in the whole cranberry sauce and the drained crushed pineapple. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir so the fruit is evenly distributed. If you’re adding walnuts, toss them in now for a delightful crunch in every slice.

Step 3: Set the Jello Layer

Pour the fruity Jello mixture into a 9×13-inch dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least four hours, or overnight for the firmest, cleanest slices. Patience pays off here—the result is well worth the wait!

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

Once the Jello is set, grab a mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth. Add in sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip it all together until the topping is fluffy and luscious, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Spread and Chill

Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled Jello layer, getting all the way to the edges for that classic, bakery-style look. Return the layered dessert to the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This sets up the topping and makes for the prettiest slices.

How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

Garnishes

Give each piece a little extra magic by topping with a scattering of chopped walnuts, a few dried cranberries, or even some delicate orange zest. These small touches make your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping look as inviting as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This bright salad pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving turkey, baked ham, or roast chicken. The fruity tang cuts through the richness of classic holiday mains and complements savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Break with tradition and spoon the salad into elegant parfait glasses or small mason jars for individual servings. For a party, use cookie cutters to make fun shapes from the set Jello layer before adding the cream cheese topping. Your guests will love these playful twists!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. The cream cheese topping holds up wonderfully!

Freezing

While Jello salads generally don’t love the freezer—freezing can break down the fruity base and make the cream cheese layer watery—you can freeze the Jello layer by itself before adding the topping. For best results, always add the cream cheese topping after thawing in the fridge.

Reheating

This is one dessert that truly shines when served chilled! Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping isn’t meant to be reheated, but you can simply let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes if you’d like to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of Jello?

Absolutely! While raspberry or cranberry Jello brings out that classic tart-sweet flavor, feel free to try strawberry, cherry, or even black cherry for a fun twist. Just make sure to choose a flavor that pairs well with cranberries for best results.

Is it necessary to add walnuts?

Not at all—the walnuts are optional. If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply leave them out. The salad will still have plenty of texture from the fruit, and the creamy topping brings all the richness you need.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes! Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare the Jello base and let it set overnight. Add the cream cheese topping the morning of your event for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute in the cream cheese topping. It will add a little extra tang and keep the topping fluffy and spreadable.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Definitely! Homemade cranberry sauce (with berries left whole or mashed) is a wonderful upgrade. Just make sure it’s thick and cool before folding into the Jello so your salad sets up perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s for a family celebration or just bringing a pop of color to weeknight dinner, Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping deserves a spot on your table. Its sweet-tart sparkle and creamy topping are pure comfort and fun from first bite to last. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this festive classic!