Cranberry Apple Waldorf Gelatin Delight
This refreshing Cranberry Apple Waldorf Gelatin Delight is a delightful twist on a classic Waldorf salad, combining the tartness of cranberry juice with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts, all set in a smooth gelatin. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a light dessert, this salad is both visually appealing and bursting with flavors. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unflavored gelatin
3 (1/4 ounce) envelopes (Unopened)
sugar
1/3 cup (Unopened)
boiling water
1 cup (Boiling)
cranberry juice cocktail
3 1/2 cups (Unopened)
apple
1 cup (Chopped)
fresh cranberries
1/2 cup (Chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (Chopped)
walnuts
1/3 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin and sugar.
2
Gradually add the boiling water, stirring continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3
Mix in the cranberry juice cocktail and place the bowl in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill until the mixture thickens to the consistency of unbeaten egg whites, about 1-2 hours.
4
Carefully fold in the chopped apples, fresh cranberries, celery, and walnuts, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square pan, smoothing the top as needed. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and return it to the refrigerator until the gelatin is firm, approximately 4-6 hours or overnight.
6
Once set, cut the gelatin salad into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this delightful blend of flavors and textures!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Apple Waldorf Gelatin Delight?
It is a refreshing, festive gelatin salad that blends the tartness of cranberry juice with sweet apples, celery, and crunchy walnuts, inspired by the classic Waldorf salad.
How many envelopes of gelatin are needed?
The recipe requires 3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin, each weighing approximately 1/4 ounce.
What type of juice is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 3 1/2 cups of cranberry juice cocktail.
How much sugar should I add?
You should add 1/3 cup of sugar to the gelatin mixture.
What is the preparation for the apples?
The apples should be chopped before being folded into the thickened gelatin mixture.
Do I need to cook the cranberries?
No, the fresh cranberries should be chopped and folded in raw to provide a tart flavor and crisp texture.
How much boiling water is required?
You need 1 cup of boiling water to properly dissolve the gelatin and sugar mixture.
How long does it take for the gelatin to reach the 'unbeaten egg white' consistency?
It typically takes about 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator for the mixture to thicken to this consistency.
What size pan should I use to set the salad?
The recipe recommends using an 8-inch square pan.
How long should the final salad chill before serving?
The gelatin should chill for at least 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until it is completely firm.
Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, while walnuts are traditional for a Waldorf salad, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds if preferred.
Is there celery in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped celery to provide a classic Waldorf crunch.
How should I serve the gelatin delight?
Once set, cut the gelatin into squares and serve them chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday salad and is a popular side dish or light dessert for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is a balance of tart cranberry, sweet apple, and a hint of sweetness from the sugar and juice cocktail.
Can I skip the sugar?
While you can reduce it, the sugar helps balance the tartness of the cranberries and the unflavored gelatin.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: unflavored gelatin, sugar, boiling water, cranberry juice cocktail, apple, fresh cranberries, celery, and walnuts.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
The active prep time is short, but the recipe requires several hours of total time for the chilling and setting phases.
Can I make this in a decorative mold?
Yes, you can pour the mixture into a gelatin mold instead of a square pan for a more formal presentation.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed (gelatin, fruit, nuts, juice) are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand labels.
Why do I need to wait for the mixture to thicken before adding the fruit?
Waiting until it reaches the consistency of unbeaten egg whites ensures that the fruit and nuts remain suspended throughout the gelatin rather than sinking to the bottom.
Can I substitute the walnuts with seeds?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or omit them entirely.
What type of apple works best?
Crisp apples like Granny Smith (for tartness) or Honeycrisp and Fuji (for sweetness) work best in this salad.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries; just ensure they are chopped. There is no need to thaw them before folding them in.
Is this considered a dessert or a side dish?
It can be served as either a light dessert or a refreshing side dish, similar to how traditional Waldorf salads are served.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3-5 days.
What texture should I expect?
The texture is a combination of smooth, firm gelatin and the crisp, crunchy bite of fresh apples, celery, and walnuts.
Can I make this a day in advance?
Absolutely, making it the night before is recommended to ensure the gelatin is completely set.
Does the recipe contain any dairy?
No, this specific recipe is dairy-free.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the unflavored gelatin and sugar in a large mixing bowl.