Description
Cranberry delight layers festive flavors from generations of family gatherings into one stunning winter dessert. Creamy, tart, and sweet textures combine in perfect harmony, offering holiday magic on a single plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 package (170 grams / 6 ounces) raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 can (397 grams / 14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Complementary Ingredients:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 small orange, peeled and finely chopped (or ½ cup mandarin oranges, drained)
Cream Layer Ingredients:
- 1 package (227 grams / 8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 cup whipped topping, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Vigorously whisk unflavored gelatin into steaming liquid until completely incorporated, ensuring no granular residue remains.
- Incorporate cranberry preserve, systematically fragmenting with utensil to create uniform texture and eliminate large chunks.
- Gently fold tropical pineapple chunks and citrus segments into gelatin mixture, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the base.
- Sprinkle chopped nutmeats across surface for added crunch and nutritional complexity, if desired.
- Transfer gelatin composition into lightly petroleum-coated rectangular ceramic vessel or decorative molding container.
- Position filled container within refrigeration unit, allowing thermal environment to gradually solidify gelatin structure.
- Allow minimum 120 minutes chilling time to achieve optimal molecular binding and comprehensive solidification.
- Prior to serving, inspect gelatin’s structural integrity, ensuring complete transformation from liquid to stable, trembling state.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh citrus zest or reserved nutmeats for enhanced visual appeal and textural dimension.
Notes
- Opt for fresh or homemade cranberry sauce to enhance the salad’s natural flavor and reduce excess sugar.
- Select unflavored gelatin for better control over sweetness and texture, ensuring a clearer, more vibrant result.
- Gently fold ingredients to maintain distinct layers and prevent over-mixing, which can muddle the colorful appearance.
- Consider substituting nuts with toasted coconut for nut allergies or a tropical twist, maintaining the salad’s crunch and complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg