Raspberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Cranberries Recipe
This refreshing Jello Salad with Cream Cheese is a classic, colorful dessert perfect for gatherings and holidays. It features a fruity jelly base made with raspberry JELL-O, crushed pineapple, and whole berry cranberry sauce, topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese and Cool Whip layer. Chilled to a perfect set, this delightful salad blends tangy and sweet flavors with a smooth and fluffy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Jello Salad Base
- 2 (3 oz) raspberry JELL-O packets
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (including juice)
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 16 oz Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare Jello mixture: Place the raspberry JELL-O powder in a large bowl. Pour in the boiling water and whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Then whisk in the cold water to cool the mixture.
- Add fruit: Stir in the entire can of crushed pineapple with juice followed by the whole berry cranberry sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare dish: Lightly spray a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Chill the salad: Carefully pour the Jello and fruit mixture into the prepared dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5-6 hours or until fully set.
- Make cream cheese topping: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine topping: Gently fold in the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture. If the mixture becomes lumpy, microwave for 10 seconds and whisk until smooth.
- Assemble and chill: Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the set Jello salad. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the topping.
- Chilling time is critical for the Jello to fully set, so plan to refrigerate for at least 5-6 hours or overnight.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for best flavor and texture.
- Use a slightly larger dish (9×13) for a thinner layer or a smaller dish (9×9) for a thicker salad.
- Consider substituting sugar with a sugar substitute for a lower sugar version.
