There is something truly magical about the Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe that makes it a holiday classic you’ll want to make every year. This vibrant, festive dish brings together the tartness of fresh cranberry sauce with the creamy sweetness of whipped cream cheese, all enveloped in a delicate raspberry Jello that jiggles with color and flavor. It’s a dessert and a salad all in one, delivering a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will surprise and delight your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, fluffy white cream that shows soft peaks and a smooth, slightly lumpy texture. A pink spatula with a white handle is partially submerged on the right side, coated with the same creamy mixture. The bowl has subtle ridges on the outside, and streaks of cream cling to its inner sides, showing fresh mixing activity. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet powerful in their role. Each one adds its own special punch — from the bright cranberry juice to the luscious cream cheese and smooth heavy cream — creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Cranberry juice (1 ¾ cup): Provides a tangy and refreshing base that’s essential for the Jello to shine.
Raspberry Jello (1 3 oz package): Adds vibrant color and a subtle fruity flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly.
Cranberry sauce (2 cups, whole berry): Delivers that iconic holiday tartness and texture, whether homemade or canned.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Whipped to soft peaks, it brings creamy lightness that balances out the tart ingredients.
Cream cheese (4 ounces): Creates a rich, velvety layer that’s silky smooth and slightly tangy, enhancing every bite.

How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Jello Base

Begin by pouring the cranberry juice into a microwave-safe bowl and heating it until it just boils, usually about five minutes. This step is crucial because the hot juice dissolves the raspberry Jello completely, ensuring a smooth, lump-free base. Remove from heat and stir in the raspberry Jello until fully dissolved. This is the foundation of your salad’s vibrant and slightly tart flavor.

Step 2: Smooth Out the Cranberry Sauce

Next, take your whole berry cranberry sauce—whether it’s homemade or a 16-ounce can—and blend it using an immersion blender or food processor until silky smooth. Stir this luscious cranberry sauce into the warm Jello mixture, combining tart and sweet in a luscious blend. Refrigerate this mix for about four hours, just until it thickens but doesn’t completely set, which allows the salad to hold its texture later.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream

While the Jello mixture chills, beat the cream cheese with a mixer for about a minute until it’s smooth and fluffier. Then add the heavy cream and continue beating until soft peaks form, creating a cloud of creamy goodness that will layer beautifully in the salad. This whipped mixture adds the luxurious creaminess that contrasts with the tangy Jello and cranberry flavors.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

To assemble, spoon half of the thickened Jello mixture into your serving bowl. Then carefully layer half of the cream cheese mixture on top, followed by the remaining Jello, and finally the rest of the whipped cream cheese. Using a knife, gently swirl through the layers to create a breathtaking marbleized effect that is just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the salad set perfectly.

How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A clear glass dessert cup holds a three-layered pink and white creamy dish. The bottom layer is a deep red, smooth berry sauce. The middle layer is a light pink whipped cream mixed with bits of red berries, showing a soft and fluffy texture. The top layer is a thicker pink cream, unevenly spread and topped with two whole red frozen berries covered lightly with sugar crystals. The cup is set on a white marbled surface, with blurred similar dessert cups and soft background objects in gentle warm tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Presentation is everything, especially with a dish as festive as this one. For a sparkling finish, garnish with a few fresh cranberries or a sprig of fragrant rosemary to add contrast and a burst of freshness. A light sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts can add a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy, jelly layers beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad truly shines alongside rich holiday mains like honey-glazed ham or roasted turkey. Its tart and creamy profile provides a refreshing counterpoint to savory, heavier dishes. Pair it with buttery rolls or a layered vegetable casserole to round out your festive meal invitingly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Try layering the Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe in individual glass cups or clear mason jars. The swirls and colors will look stunning through the glass, turning this simple treat into a showstopper. You can also use festive molds for a playful shape that’s perfect for holiday tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salad should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the dessert’s bright, creamy flavors fresh and vibrant. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if the layers settle a bit.

Freezing

We don’t recommend freezing this salad due to its creamy and gelatinous texture. Freezing tends to break down both the cream cheese and Jello components, which can change the consistency and make it watery upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad meant to be served chilled, reheating is not needed or advised. Keep it refrigerated until serving to maintain the perfect texture and flavor balance that makes this dish so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce in this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought whole berry cranberry sauce works wonderfully here. Just blend it smooth to ensure the texture is even, and you’ll have the same delicious results.

Is there a substitute for raspberry Jello if I can’t find it?

You can substitute raspberry Jello with strawberry or cherry Jello, which will still pair nicely with the cranberry flavors and keep the vibrant color of the salad.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan version, you’d need to replace the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives, like coconut cream and a plant-based cream cheese. Keep in mind it will change the texture and flavor slightly, but it’s a wonderful adaptation if needed.

How far ahead can I prepare the salad?

This salad actually benefits from sitting overnight because it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly. Preparing it a day in advance is ideal for the best taste and presentation.

Can I make individual servings instead of a large bowl?

Yes! Layering the salad in clear glasses or small bowls makes a beautiful presentation and allows guests to enjoy personal portions with ease. It’s a fun and elegant way to serve your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a bit of classic charm and vibrant flavor to your next gathering, the Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe will not disappoint. This dish is a celebration of tangy, creamy, and sweet all in one beautiful, wobbly bowl. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite holiday tradition you can’t wait to share year after year.

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese and Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings

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Description

This refreshing Cranberry Jello Salad features a delightful combination of tart cranberry juice and sweet raspberry Jello, layered with creamy whipped cream and cream cheese. Enhanced with smooth fresh cranberry sauce, this chilled dessert offers a beautiful marbled presentation and a perfect balance of flavors, ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Jello Mixture

1 ¾ cups cranberry juice
1 (3 oz) package raspberry Jello

Cranberry Sauce

2 cups cranberry sauce (whole berry, homemade or canned)

Cream Cheese Mixture

4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

Heat Cranberry Juice and Dissolve Jello: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the cranberry juice until boiling, about 5 minutes. Remove carefully from the microwave and stir in the raspberry Jello powder until fully dissolved.
Prepare Smooth Cranberry Sauce: In a separate bowl, blend 2 cups of whole berry cranberry sauce using an immersion blender or food processor until smooth. Stir this smooth cranberry sauce into the dissolved Jello mixture and refrigerate for about 4 hours until slightly thickened but not fully set.
Whip Cream Cheese and Cream: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth, approximately 1 minute. Gradually add the heavy cream and continue beating until soft peaks form, yielding a light and fluffy cream mixture.
Layer the Salad: In a serving bowl, add half of the thickened Jello mixture as the first layer. Spread half of the whipped cream cheese mixture over the Jello. Repeat with the remaining Jello mixture followed by the rest of the whipped cream mixture. Using a knife, gently swirl through the layers to create an attractive marbleized effect.
Chill and Set: Cover the assembled salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to fully set and the flavors to meld.

Notes

For smooth cranberry sauce, ensure thorough blending to avoid lumps in the salad.
Use fresh homemade cranberry sauce for a more vibrant and natural flavor, or canned whole berry cranberry sauce for convenience.
Allow sufficient chilling time for proper setting and texture.
This dessert is best served chilled and can be made a day in advance.
Substitute heavy cream with whipping cream for a lighter texture if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American