Layered Cranberry Jello Salad - Mom On Timeout

September 2024 · 7 minute read
two image collage showing a layered jello dessert with red white and green layers. center color block with text overlay.

This impressive Layered Cranberry Jello Salad features four distinctive layers that are beautiful, festive and delicious! You’re going to love serving this to your friends and family this holiday season! This easy dessert can be made ahead to free up time during the holiday rush.

Looking for more cranberry recipes? Here are some more holiday favorites: Cranberry Orange Relish, Cranberry Orange Scones and Cranberry Sauce!

This throwback layered jello salad is such a fun addition to your holiday menu! It’s a great dessert or side dish that can be made ahead of time and looks so festive and impressive.

With four distinct layers including pretzels, cranberries, nuts, jello and cream cheese, there is an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. This dessert can be made in a bundt pan or in a 9×9 baking dish.

More Jello Desserts

  • Lemon Lime Jello Salad
  • Tropical Orange Jello Salad
  • No Fail Jell-O Divinity
  • Raspberry Pretzel Salad
  • Homemade Gumdrops
  • What You’ll Need

    Cranberry Jello Layer

    Cream Cheese Layer

    Lime Jello Layer

    Pretzel Layer

    The green layer in this jello salad is made with lime jello and cream cheese. If you prefer a deeper green, you can add a few drops of gel food color to the mixture.

    To simplify this dessert, you can make it in a 9 inch baking dish and reverse the order of the layers. Start with the pretzel layer (if making), then the lime layer, then the cream cheese layer and finally the cranberry layer. Serve it straight from the dish!

    How To Make Cranberry Jello Salad

    Cranberry Jello Layer

  • Dissolve jello in boiling water and then whisk in pineapple juice.
  • Stir in the pineapple, cranberry sauce and the nuts.
  • Pour into the prepare pan and chill until completely set.
  • Cream Cheese Layer

  • Beat the cream cheese until soft and fluffy.
  • Beat in the powdered sugar and then fold in the cool whip.
  • Spread over the chilled cranberry jello layer. 
  • Chill for 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Lime Jello Layer

  • Dissolve jello in boiling water.
  • Beat the cream cheese until soft and fluffy and then fold in the whipped topping.
  • Add green food coloring.
  • Whisk the jello into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. 
  • Pour over the chilled cream cheese layer and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Pretzel Layer (Optional)

  • Stir together the crushed pretzels, sugar and melted butter.
  • Evenly spread over the chilled lime jello layer and press into the jello.
  • Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • How To Serve

    Run hot water over the outside of the bundt pan or place in a large bowl of hot water for about 20 seconds. Run a thin silicon spatula or knife along the sides to loosen the dessert. Invert the bundt pan (or baking dish) onto a serving plate and let rest for a few minutes so the dessert can slide out. If it’s not budging, repeat the hot water cycle and try again. Top with optional whipped cream and pretzels or chill until ready to serve.

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    Trish’s Tips and Tricks

    I’ve provided comprehensive step-by-step instructions below but here are some more tips for the best results:

    Storage Information

    Refrigerator: This jello salad can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Leftovers should be transferred to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days (not more than 4 days total if you plan to make in advance.)

    More Holiday Desserts To Try

  • Christmas Crack – An Easy Saltine Toffee Recipe!
  • Praline Pumpkin Roll
  • Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Recipe
  • Mini Apple Pies
  • Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe
  • Cranberry Recipes

  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
  • Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
  • Cranberry Pecan Pumpkin Bread
  • Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls
  • How To Make Layered Cranberry Jello Salad

    Layered Cranberry Jello Salad

    This impressive Layered Cranberry Jello Salad features four distinctive layers that are beautiful, festive and delicious! You're going to love serving this to your friends and family this holiday season! This easy dessert can be made ahead to free up time during the holiday rush.

    Course Dessert, Side Dish Cuisine American Keyword cranberry jello salad, layered cranberry jello salad, layered jello salad Prep Time 45 minutes Cook Time 4 minutes Servings 12 Calories 424kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

    Ingredients

    Cranberry Jello Layer

    Cream Cheese Layer

    Lime Jello Layer

    Pretzel Layer (this is an optional layer)

    Instructions

    Cranberry Jello Layer

    Cream Cheese Layer

    Lime Jello Layer

    Pretzel Layer

    To Serve

    Nutrition

    Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 754IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 1mg

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