Cranberries in the Snow is a nostalgic vintage dessert that blends tart cranberries, sweet fruit, and crunchy pecans with a delicate cherry or strawberry Jell-O base. Topped with a light, creamy layer of whipped marshmallow creme and Philadelphia cream cheese, this layered treat is a holiday favorite. Its combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy textures makes it perfect for Christmas dinners, Thanksgiving spreads, or potluck gatherings. This dish brings old-fashioned charm to any dessert table while being refreshingly unique compared to traditional cranberry sauces.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup water
- 1 pkg cherry Jell-O (family-size pkg, or strawberry Jell-O)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup celery (chopped )
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits (well-drained )
- 1 cup pecans (chopped )
- 7 oz marshmallow creme (1 jar)
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese (8 oz)
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Cranberries
- Place cranberries in ¾ cup water in a saucepan.
- Cook until they burst and soften.
- Run the mixture through a sieve to remove skins.
Step 2: Prepare the Gelatin Base
- Dissolve the Jell-O in the hot cranberry mixture.
- Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Allow to cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Fruit & Nuts
- Add chopped celery, drained pineapple tidbits, and chopped pecans to the cooled gelatin mixture.
- Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Chill Until Set
- Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch dish.
- Refrigerate until completely firm, about 3–4 hours.
Step 5: Make the Cream Topping
- In a mixing bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and marshmallow creme until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Assemble the Dessert
- Spread the marshmallow cream topping evenly over the chilled cranberry base.
- Chill again until ready to serve.
Tips
- Use strawberry or cherry gelatin as written, either works well in flavor and color.
- For a smoother base, press cooked cranberries through a sieve thoroughly to remove skins.
- Chill the cranberry layer until fully set before adding the topping to maintain clean layers.
- Lighten the topping by using stabilized whipped cream if the dessert needs to hold longer at room temperature.
- Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor and crunch.
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- Add a touch of orange zest to the cranberry base for a brighter citrus note.
- Make ahead the day before, this dessert improves as it chills.
- Serve in a clear glass dish to show the “snow” topping over cranberries.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 310IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 0.7mg
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