Creamy Cranberry-Orange Bliss Dessert
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Cranberry-Orange Bliss Dessert, a refreshing and festive treat perfect for celebrations or any gathering. This beautifully layered dessert combines the tartness of cranberry with the sweetness of mandarin oranges, nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. With a creamy cream cheese layer and a luscious whipped topping, this recipe is not just a beverage but a unique dessert that will surely impress your guests. Enjoy it chilled for a sweet and tangy experience in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boiling water
1 1/2 cups (Ready to use.)
Cranberry Jell-O gelatin (8 serving size)
1 package (Open package.)
Whole berry cranberry sauce
1 (16 ounce) can (Open can and ready to use.)
Cold water
1 1/2 cups (Ready to use.)
Dole mandarin oranges
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (Drain and discard syrup.)
Honey Maid graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Ready to use.)
Sugar
1/2 cup, divided (Measure out 1/4 cup and reserve.)
Butter or margarine
1/2 cup, melted (Melt and cool slightly.)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (Soften to room temperature.)
Milk
2 tablespoons (Ready to use.)
Cool Whip Topping
2 (8 ounce) containers, divided (Thaw in refrigerator.)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, stir boiling water into the gelatin for at least 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
2
Add the whole berry cranberry sauce to the mixture and stir until it melts completely.
3
Pour in the cold water and mix well.
4
Refrigerate this mixture for about 1 1/4 hours, or until it thickens to a consistency similar to unbeaten egg whites.
5
Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges to the thickened gelatin mixture.
6
While the gelatin cools, in a 13x9-inch baking dish, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter. Stir well.
7
Press the crumb mixture firmly onto the bottom of the dish to form a crust. Refrigerate until ready to use.
8
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, and milk with a wire whisk until smooth and creamy.
9
Gently fold in one container of the thawed Cool Whip until well combined. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
10
Carefully spoon the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.
11
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
12
Before serving, spread or dollop the remaining Cool Whip over the top for an elegant finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Creamy Cranberry-Orange Bliss Dessert.
What are the primary flavors in this dessert?
The dessert features tart cranberry, sweet mandarin oranges, and a creamy cream cheese layer.
Is this a baked or no-bake dessert?
This is a no-bake dessert that requires refrigeration to set.
How many layers does this dessert have?
It has three main layers: a graham cracker crust, a cream cheese layer, and a cranberry-orange gelatin layer, topped with whipped topping.
What size baking dish should be used?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust consists of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter or margarine.
How long should the gelatin mixture dissolve in boiling water?
The gelatin should be stirred into the boiling water for at least 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
What type of cranberry sauce is required?
One 16-ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce is needed.
How long does the gelatin mixture need to refrigerate before adding oranges?
Refrigerate the gelatin mixture for about 1 1/4 hours, or until it reaches the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.
Do I need to drain the mandarin oranges?
Yes, the mandarin oranges should be drained and the syrup discarded before being folded into the gelatin.
How do I prepare the cream cheese layer?
Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and milk until smooth, then gently fold in one container of thawed Cool Whip.
What brand of graham cracker crumbs is suggested?
Honey Maid graham cracker crumbs are specified in the ingredients list.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the crust?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine to be used for the crust.
How much sugar is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 1/2 cup of sugar is used, divided between the crust and the cream cheese layer.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy consistency.
How much milk is added to the cream cheese mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of milk.
How many containers of Cool Whip are needed?
Two 8-ounce containers of Cool Whip are needed, divided for the filling and the topping.
Should the Cool Whip be frozen or thawed?
The Cool Whip should be thawed in the refrigerator before use.
How long must the dessert refrigerate before serving?
The assembled dessert must be refrigerated for at least 3 hours or until firm.
When should the final layer of Cool Whip be added?
The final layer of Cool Whip should be spread or dolloped over the top just before serving.
What provides the tartness in this recipe?
The tartness comes from the Cranberry Jell-O and the whole berry cranberry sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to stir boiling water into the gelatin for at least 2 minutes until dissolved.
What is the texture of the gelatin before adding oranges?
It should be thickened to a consistency similar to unbeaten egg whites.
Is the crust baked?
No, the crust is pressed into the dish and refrigerated until ready to be topped.
How do I ensure the gelatin layer doesn't mix into the cream cheese layer?
Carefully spoon the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer and spread it evenly.
Can I use a different fruit instead of mandarin oranges?
While the recipe specifies mandarin oranges for flavor, other fruits could be substituted, though it may change the 'bliss' profile.
Is this dessert suitable for festive gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing and festive treat perfect for celebrations.
What brand of cream cheese is recommended?
Philadelphia Cream Cheese is the recommended brand for this recipe.
How much boiling water is required for the gelatin?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of boiling water.