Heavenly Raspberry Delight Salad
This Heavenly Raspberry Delight Salad is a show-stopping dessert that adds a refreshing twist to any meal. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or festive holiday dinners, this jello salad combines the sweetness of raspberry with the creaminess of a whipped topping, creating layers of flavor and texture. The vibrant red color and the delicate finish of cream cheese and sour cream make it visually appealing and irresistibly scrumptious. Each bite brings a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a recipe you’ll want to share with everyone. Trust me, your family will be lining up for seconds!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed pineapple
1 (canned, drained)
Raspberry Jell-O gelatin
1 (6 ounce) box
Cold water
1 cup
Raspberry pie filling
1 (21 ounce) can
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (slightly softened)
Sour cream
1 cup
Powdered sugar
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple and enough water to make 2 cups total, then bring to a boil.
2
Once boiling, pour over the raspberry Jell-O, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
3
Add the remaining cold water and the raspberry pie filling to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
4
Pour the mixture into a 9 x 12 dish and place in the refrigerator to chill until fully set, approximately 4 hours or overnight for best results.
5
In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
6
Add the sour cream and powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until well-blended and fluffy.
7
Once the jello has set, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
8
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and/or fresh raspberries for a beautiful finish.
9
Refrigerate the assembled salad until ready to serve, ensuring it’s chilled through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Raspberry Delight Salad?
It is a layered dessert salad that combines raspberry gelatin, fruit, and a creamy whipped topping for a refreshing and sweet treat.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 12 servings.
What flavor of Jell-O is used in this salad?
The recipe specifically calls for one 6-ounce box of Raspberry Jell-O gelatin.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
If using fresh pineapple, you must boil it first to deactivate enzymes that prevent gelatin from setting, though canned is recommended.
How much cold water is needed?
You will need 1 cup of cold water to mix into the gelatin after the initial boiling stage.
What size of raspberry pie filling should I buy?
A standard 21-ounce can of raspberry pie filling is required for this recipe.
How long does the Jell-O need to chill before adding the topping?
The gelatin mixture should chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results, until fully set.
What size dish should I use for this salad?
A 9 x 12 inch dish is the ideal size for pouring and setting the layers of this salad.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for the topping?
The cream cheese should be slightly softened and whipped until smooth and creamy before adding other topping ingredients.
Can I substitute the sour cream in the topping?
While sour cream provides a signature tang, you could potentially use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute.
What is the purpose of adding powdered sugar to the topping?
Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese and sour cream mixture while helping it maintain a fluffy texture.
Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, you drain the pineapple but use it in combination with water to reach a total of 2 cups of liquid for the boiling process.
Can I add fresh fruit as a garnish?
Yes, fresh raspberries make a beautiful and delicious finish for the top of the salad.
What kind of nuts work best as a topping?
Chopped walnuts are recommended for adding a nice crunch to the creamy topping.
Can this recipe be made a day in advance?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dish as the Jell-O needs several hours to set properly.
Is this salad considered a dessert or a side dish?
It is categorized as a potluck dessert salad, but it is often served alongside the main meal at holiday dinners.
How should I store the leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the texture of the layers.
Can I use sugar-free raspberry Jell-O?
Yes, sugar-free gelatin can be used as a substitute for the standard raspberry Jell-O.
How do I ensure the gelatin dissolves completely?
Stir the Jell-O powder into the boiling pineapple and water mixture continuously until no granules are visible.
Can I use a different fruit flavor?
Yes, you can swap raspberry for strawberry or cherry Jell-O and pie filling for a different flavor profile.
Do I need a mixer to make the topping?
A hand mixer or stand mixer is recommended to get the cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar fluffy and well-blended.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday dinners?
Absolutely, its vibrant red color and festive appearance make it a popular choice for holiday gatherings.
Can I freeze Heavenly Raspberry Delight Salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it will change the texture of the gelatin and the cream cheese topping will become watery upon thawing.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: crushed pineapple, raspberry Jell-O, water, pie filling, cream cheese, sour cream, and powdered sugar.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad features a firm, fruity gelatin base contrasted with a light, velvety, and fluffy cream topping.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel) can be used, though the topping may be slightly less rich.
Should the raspberry pie filling be stirred in before or after the Jell-O sets?
The pie filling must be stirred into the liquid gelatin mixture before it is placed in the refrigerator to set.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Potluck dish.
How long will the salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The salad will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 5 days when properly refrigerated.
Is it easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is simple to follow, though it requires patience for the chilling and setting stages.