Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping – A Festive, Light Delight

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping brings a refreshing, sweet-tart twist to your table—perfect for holidays or any time you want a vibrant, lighter dessert option. Made with sugar-free gelatin, whole cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and a cloud-like cream cheese topping, it strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and mindful eating. Whether served as a side or a sweet finale, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally Sweet & Tart – Cranberries and pineapple offer bright, bold flavor.
Lighter Ingredients – All the flavor, less guilt.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping the day before.
Crowd Favorite – Creamy, jiggly, nostalgic, and always a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Jello Salad Layer:

• 1 box (6 oz) sugar-free raspberry or cherry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 6 oz light cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt or light sour cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (or a zero-calorie sweetener)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jello Base
In a mixing bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add the cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple (with juice), stirring until well combined.

2. Set the Gelatin
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or decorative serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Topping
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.

4. Spread & Garnish
Once the Jello layer is firm, gently spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the top. Sprinkle with optional nuts if desired.

5. Serve
Chill until ready to serve. Slice into squares or scoop into bowls. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 110
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 4g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
(Point-friendly, depending on your plan and substitutions.)

Tips for Success

• Use Real Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry gives the salad texture and festive color.
• Soften the Cream Cheese: Letting it come to room temp makes it easier to blend.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the topping and sweeten to your liking with powdered sugar or a sugar substitute.
• Serve Cold: This dessert tastes best when chilled well in advance.

Why This Recipe Works

Cranberry Jello Salad is the best of both worlds: bright and fruity, yet rich and creamy. The sugar-free gelatin and light cream cheese keep it aligned with lighter eating goals, while still feeling like a festive indulgence. It’s a nostalgic classic—with a modern twist.

Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or just want a refreshing, guilt-free dessert to brighten your week, Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a must-make. It’s pretty on the plate, delicious on the tongue, and light enough to enjoy anytime. A cheerful, crowd-pleasing treat you’ll come back to year after year.