Here’s an article about Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping that is both delicious and perfect for festive gatherings!

🍒 Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping 🍒 – A Festive Delight!

Looking for a dish that’s both vibrant and bursting with flavor? Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is the perfect addition to any holiday table, family gathering, or special occasion. This delightful treat combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the smooth, creamy texture of cream cheese, all balanced with the sweetness of Jello. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply craving something different, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this easy, yet elegant dish.

🥄 Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Jello Salad:

• 1 (6 oz) package of cranberry-flavored Jello
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional, for crunch)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for a nutty twist)

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream (for a slight tang)
• 1 tablespoon milk (to reach desired consistency)

🍴 How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping:

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Jello Base

1. Dissolve the Jello: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cranberry Jello powder. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and stir until the Jello is completely dissolved.
2. Add Cold Water: Once the Jello is dissolved, add 1/2 cup of cold water to the mixture. Stir well and set aside for about 5 minutes.
3. Combine with Fresh Cranberries: Next, stir in 1/2 cup of sugar (to help balance the tartness of the cranberries) and your fresh or frozen cranberries. You can coarsely chop the cranberries to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the salad. For an added crunch, you can also mix in chopped celery and chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
4. Set the Jello: Pour the mixture into a serving dish or mold, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the Jello to fully set and the cranberries to infuse their flavor into the salad.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a whisk, but be sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand to make the process easier.
2. Mix in Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the cream cheese mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Sour Cream and Milk: To achieve a creamy, smooth texture, add sour cream and a tablespoon of milk. If you prefer a thicker topping, you can adjust the amount of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Refrigerate the Topping: Cover the cream cheese mixture and place it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s best served chilled, and this also helps to firm up the consistency a little bit.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cranberry Jello salad has fully set, and your cream cheese topping is ready, spread the cream cheese mixture generously over the top of the Jello salad. You can use a spatula to smooth it out for an even layer.

For a decorative touch, garnish with extra chopped cranberries, nuts