Simple and stunning is the phrase I often hear every holiday when making my Cranberry Jell-O Mold. It’s one of the best alternatives to cracking open a can of Cranberry sauce and slicing it. The flavor combination of Cranberry Jello, Pineapple Jello, and Cream cheese is so remarkable you’ll never bother with the canned version again.
I have to tell you I am a third-generation Jell-O Mold Queen. It’s a favorite pastime and a challenge to try to outdo my mom and grandmother regarding creativity and taste. I adore breaking out our vintage molds and playing around with designs and flavors.
Jell-O molds are becoming a lost art of the past because of a fear that they may not turn out. However, they can be one of the most glamorous-looking desserts, and the BIG secret is that they are so simple to do it’s almost ridiculous! Most of the time, you can find excellent vintage molds for sale on the net or any thrift shop to make a beautiful vintage fun-looking dessert for your family.
Below you will find my recipe for a Perfect Cranberry Jell-O Mold and simple and easy instructions to amaze your holiday dinner guests this year.
Ingredients needed for Cranberry Jello Mold
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Two small packages Cranberry flavored gelatin
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Two small packages of pineapple-flavored gelatin
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Two packages of Philadelphia cream cheese softened for 45 minutes
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One can Ocean Spray whole berry cranberry sauce, do not refrigerate
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One and 1/2 cups of water for cranberry gelatin
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1/2 cup of half and a half for pineapple gelatin
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1/2 cup of water for pineapple gelatin
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cooking spray
Cranberry Jell-O Mold
Ingredients
- 2 small packages Cranberry flavored gelatin or any red gelatin
- 2 small packages Pineapple-flavored gelatin
- 2-8-ounce packages Philadelphia cream cheese softened for 45 minutes
- 1 can Ocean Spray whole berry cranberry sauce do not refrigerate
- 1 ½ cups water for cranberry gelatin
- ½ cup half and a half for pineapple gelatin
- ½ cup water for pineapple gelatin
- cooking spray
Instructions
Note:
- If using an older metal Jell-O mold spray with a light layer of cooking spray and wipe off excess with paper towel, to prevent sticking.
- Place metal Jell-O mold in the freezer before starting anything. (Helps Jell-O to set properly)
Method:
- In a medium saucepan, add 1 and ½ cups of water, add whole cranberry sauce (I placed ours in a bowl and gently broke apart the whole cranberry sauce first), bring to a boil, and be sure to stir frequently. Add both packages of cranberry jello, and stir till dissolved (DO NOT ADD COLD WATER, as the package suggests you do not need it)
- Remove the Jell-O mold from the freezer, and pour the contents of the cranberry Jell-O in the mold. Be sure to not get cranberry Jell-O on sides (if so. wipe off so that other Jell-O won’t be stained).
- Place the mold back in your freezer for approximately 30-40 minutes or till set, be sure you are still able to leave slight fingerprint– ( this is IMPORTANT so that other Jell-O will adhere to layer.)
- After 30-40 minutes in the freezer or set, place in your refrigerator.
- In clean saucepan place, water for pineapple Jell-O using my measurement (not packages measurements) Be sure to stir cream cheese that has been out softening (you can also heat in microwave for 1 minute) then add to water and the half and half cream. Bring water to a simmer and be sure to continuously stir or you will have lumps.
- Once you notice cream cheese has dissolved in water, turn the heat up. Bring to a low boil, add 2 packages of pineapple Jell-O. Stir till dissolved. Turn off heat and remove from hot burner. Let cool for 5-8 minutes –stir occasionally.
- Once pineapple Jell-O mixture has cooled off for 5-8 minutes, remove mold from the refrigerator and slowly ladle one spoonful at a time of pineapple Jell-O onto 1st layer till done. Cover mold with a dish that fits your mold. Place in refrigerator overnight
- To Unmold, run water till warm but not hot. Once the water is good and warm fill the sink being sure the water level will not be high enough to get in the mold. Have a dessert plate ready for the Jello. Place the mold in warm water, and count to 8. Remove mold immediately — see if Jell-O slightly sways when gently shaken. If so it is ready to remove, if not place back in for only a few seconds—repeat. Place plate on mold, flip, and Wa-La!Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Truly a beautiful edible piece of art. Lovely Heidy, just lovely. I must confess, the ones that used to grace my table as a child did not look as beautiful as yours!
Thank you thrilled by the wonderful comment Tampa Girl!
This looks gorgeus! Totes sharing on FB today! And pinned. And left the pin so others could pin. Thank you for linking up with #FoodieFridays
Thank you for hosting a fab party!
This looks so delicious!
Thank you so much 🙂
I have never made a jello mold before, but my youngest son loves jello. In fact, he’s been making gummies with it. I have no idea how or what recipe he is using, but they do kind of resemble gummies. But back to your recipe…it looks quite delicious and beautiful too! Pinning and will SU this one too. 🙂 Happy Friday!
Thank you Michelle, I really appreciate the love
This is so pretty! I have a couple of copper molds that I got as wedding gifts. I think it’s time to put them to use and make a Jello mold! Cranberry is so festive, especially on a Thanksgiving table.
This jello mold looks just perfect!
I’ve never seen a jello mold before but it looks awesome! I love cranberry as well so need to try find a mold!
Thank you, Amanda , so simple yet fabulous for the holidays.
Wow, does this take me back. Yummy memories from long ago! Pinned,SU’d and YUM’d
Thank you, KC, so easy to make and looks so cute on the table at the holidays.
Awesome picture!! Looks like it belongs on a magazine cover like Gourmet or Food and Thought!!! Sounds delicious!!!
Thank you Tricia that’s such an awesome comment and I am thrilled you enjoyed our Cranberry Mold.
What a fabulous alternative to your normal cranberry sauce!!
Thank you Sophia ! I am so glad you like our alternate version of Cranberry Sauce.