Cranberry-Pineapple Delight with Creamy Raspberry Topping
Elevate your holiday gatherings or any special occasion with this delightful Cranberry-Pineapple Delight. Featuring fresh cranberries and crushed pineapple suspended in vibrant raspberry Jell-O, this dish harmoniously balances tartness and sweetness. The crunchy walnuts add a satisfying texture, while the creamy cream cheese topping brings it all together in a decadent finish. This recipe, passed down from a dear friend, captures the essence of festive flavors and is sure to impress your family and guests with its color, texture, and taste. Perfect as a light dessert or a refreshing side dish, this salad will become a beloved favorite for years to come.
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberries
1 lb (Pick over and chop finely in food processor)
Crushed Pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (Drain and reserve juice)
Walnut Pieces
1/2 cup (Chop if desired, measure)
Raspberry Jell-O Gelatin
2 packages (Use as directed on packaging)
Boiling Water
2 cups (Prepare just before mixing with Jell-O)
Cold Water
1 cup (Prepare before adding to Jell-O)
Sugar
1 3/4 cups (Combine with cranberries)
Cream Cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (Soften to room temperature before blending)
Instructions
1
Preheat your workstation by gathering all necessary ingredients and utensils.
2
Pick over the fresh cranberries, discarding any soft or unripe ones.
3
Using a food processor, chop the cranberries until finely minced but not pureed.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cranberries with sugar, stirring well and letting the mixture sit until the sugar has dissolved.
5
In a separate bowl, add 2 cups of boiling water to the raspberry Jell-O packets and whisk until fully dissolved.
6
Incorporate 1 cup of cold water into the Jell-O mixture, stirring until well combined, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
7
While waiting for the Jell-O to cool, drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly, reserving the juice for later use.
8
Once the Jell-O has cooled, add the drained pineapple, cranberry mixture, and walnut pieces to the gelatin base. Stir together gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
9
Pour the combined mixture into a 9x13 dish, spreading evenly, and place in the refrigerator to chill and set, usually about 3-4 hours or until firm.
10
For the cream cheese topping, beat the cream cheese with a mixer, gradually adding enough reserved pineapple juice to achieve a light, creamy consistency similar to whipped cream.
11
Once the gelatin has fully set, carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the Jell-O layer.
12
Keep the finished salad cold in the refrigerator until serving. Enjoy this delightful and refreshing dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry-Pineapple Delight with Creamy Raspberry Topping?
It is a festive gelatin salad featuring fresh minced cranberries, crushed pineapple, and walnuts in raspberry Jell-O, finished with a creamy cream cheese topping.
How many cranberries do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 pound of fresh cranberries, which should be picked over to remove soft ones and then finely chopped.
What is the best way to chop the cranberries?
Using a food processor is recommended to chop the cranberries until they are finely minced but not completely pureed.
Do I need to cook the cranberries?
No, the cranberries are used fresh. You simply mix the minced berries with sugar and let them sit until the sugar dissolves.
What flavor of Jell-O is used in this delight?
This recipe calls for two packages of raspberry Jell-O gelatin.
How much water is required to dissolve the gelatin?
You need 2 cups of boiling water to dissolve the gelatin and 1 cup of cold water to add afterward.
Should the crushed pineapple be drained?
Yes, you must drain the 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple thoroughly, but be sure to reserve the juice for the topping.
What do I do with the reserved pineapple juice?
The reserved juice is gradually beaten into the softened cream cheese to create a light, creamy topping.
How much sugar is added to the cranberry mixture?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of sugar to be mixed with the minced cranberries.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of walnut pieces for added texture and crunch.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13-inch dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
How long does it take for the gelatin to set?
It usually takes about 3-4 hours in the refrigerator for the gelatin layer to become firm and fully set.
How do I make the cream cheese topping?
Beat two 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese with a mixer while gradually adding enough reserved pineapple juice to reach a whipped cream consistency.
When should I apply the topping?
The cream cheese topping should only be spread over the gelatin after it has completely set and is firm.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe typically serves between 6 and 8 people.
Is this dish served as a side or a dessert?
It is versatile and can be served either as a refreshing side dish or as a light dessert.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh is preferred, frozen cranberries can be used if thawed and drained well before being processed in the food processor.
What if I don't have a food processor to chop the cranberries?
You can finely mince them by hand with a sharp knife, though it will take more time and effort to achieve the correct texture.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, softening the cream cheese to room temperature is essential for a smooth, creamy topping without lumps.
Does the gelatin mixture need to cool before adding other ingredients?
Yes, allow the Jell-O mixture to cool to room temperature before stirring in the pineapple, cranberries, and walnuts.
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, pecans make an excellent substitute if you prefer them over walnuts.
Is it okay to use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
It is not recommended because fresh pineapple contains enzymes that can prevent gelatin from setting; canned pineapple is heat-treated to deactivate these enzymes.
How should this dish be stored?
It must be kept cold in the refrigerator until it is ready to be served.
Can this recipe be made a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows the gelatin to set perfectly and the flavors to meld together.
What if the topping is too thick?
Continue adding reserved pineapple juice a little at a time until you reach the desired light and creamy consistency.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the topping?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, though the final topping may be slightly less rich.
How do I prevent the gelatin from being lumpy?
Ensure you whisk the gelatin powder thoroughly into the boiling water until it is completely dissolved.
What makes this dish particularly festive?
The combination of bright red cranberries, raspberry gelatin, and white cream cheese topping creates a beautiful presentation for holidays.
Can I omit the nuts?
Yes, if you have an allergy or prefer a smoother texture, you can omit the walnuts without affecting the set of the salad.
How much total cream cheese is required?
You will need a total of 16 ounces, which is provided by two 8-ounce packages.