Creamy Cranberry Cream Cheese Jello Salad Recipe for Holidays – Easy 5-Layer Dessert
This festive, creamy cranberry cream cheese jello salad features five beautiful layers of tangy cranberries, pillowy cream cheese, and playful jello, making it a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing holiday dessert. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling and setting time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (3 oz) package cranberry-flavored gelatin (Jello or store brand)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk (whole, 2%, or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled (or Cool Whip)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 (3 oz) package lemon or orange gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Extra cranberries or orange zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Dissolve cranberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until clear (about 2 minutes).
- Add 1/2 cup cold water, then mix in chopped cranberries and granulated sugar.
- Pour into a 9×13-inch dish and chill in the fridge until set (about 45-60 minutes).
- Beat softened cream cheese with milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).
- Spread gently over the set cranberry layer and smooth with a spatula. Chill for 20 minutes.
- In a clean bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form (2-3 minutes).
- Spread whipped cream over the cream cheese layer and chill for 15 minutes.
- Dissolve lemon or orange gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, stir until dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup cold water, let cool to room temperature (10-15 minutes), then gently pour over the whipped cream layer.
- Chill until set, about 30-45 minutes.
- Once all layers are set, sprinkle chopped nuts and extra cranberries or orange zest on top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve (minimum 2 hours, overnight is better).
Notes
Let each layer set fully before adding the next for clean layers. Pour new layers slowly over the back of a spoon to avoid holes. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese, milk, and coconut whip. For nut-free, omit nuts or use pumpkin seeds. Chill overnight for best flavor. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the pan
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: cranberry jello salad, cream cheese dessert, holiday dessert, layered jello, Thanksgiving, Christmas, potluck, easy dessert, gluten-free, creamy jello salad